Upgrading your windows has many long-lasting benefits for your home both functional and cosmetic. From upping your home’s value to improving your home’s energy efficiency, lowering your heating and cooling bills, upgrading your home’s style, and increasing its safety from unwanted intruders. Unfortunately, good quality windows can be an expensive investment that many Toronto homeowners just can’t afford in this recovering economy.
With many discount windows scammers out there all too willing to take advantage of desperate homeowners, it’s difficult to know where to turn for cheap deals that won’t break the bank. After all, you don’t want to be left with a poorly insulted or badly constructed window that turns your home into an igloo come winter.
There are an almost overwhelming number of factors to consider when buying windows – from styles to glass type to installation to insulation – and it’s difficult to know where you have room to compromise and where you really should not. After 15 years in the business, the experts here at Toronto Doors and Windows know a thing or two about how to sniff out a good window replacement deal. Read on to discover how you can get better quality discount windows for less.
Six Tips for Finding the Best Deals on Discount Windows
1. Go With the No-Names
Many name brands charge more even for their lower-quality windows because they know they can get away with it. People are drawn to familiar names, especially those that are usually associated with quality. Often, better deals can be had when you go with the no-name windows. No-names will usually give you higher-quality discount windows for a lower price.
2. Shop Out of Season
When windows are open all day and night during the balmy summer, many homeowners often forget about them completely. It’s only when it’s the middle of January and they’re huddled up in layers of blankets staring at their heating bill in horror that they stop to think that maybe, something should be done. If you’re looking for insulating windows that will lower your energy costs and improve your home’s insulation, the hottest day of the summer is often the best time to shop. Window companies are more likely to have massively discounted sales when their products are not in high demand.
3. Compromise on Special Features
Energy efficiency may be the biggest buzzword in the window industry at the moment. Make no mistake, energy efficiency is important in these days of melting polar ice caps and sky-high utility costs, but sometimes, it’s best to compromise on just how far you need to go. Although triple pane windows are the most insulating option on the market today, many homeowners opt for double pane windows that are less expensive but still energy efficient. Another great way to save is to only install triple pane windows on the north side of your home to withstand the coldest winds or to opt for cheaper argon gas in between panes rather than krypton.
4. Stick with the Tried-and-True
While bow and bay windows with seats and ornate embedded Victorian window grills are gorgeous, they’re decidedly not the best option for a family on a budget. The cheapest window options are those old standards: casement, sliders, double-hung, and fixed windows. Although not the most aesthetically adventurous, these common styles are classic and can easily be personalized with a little paint or interesting curtains or blinds. While they may not be as fancy, your new discount windows will still look far better than your old panes.
5. Buy Vinyl Windows
These days, vinyl doesn’t refer to those old records collecting dust in your basement, but to inexpensive and good quality vinyl windows. While wood is classic and fiberglass is high-tech, neither material factors in while buying discount windows. Vinyl windows are completely affordable, surprisingly durable, require little maintenance, are great insulators, and can be painted to look just as stylish as the rest of them.
6. Always Negotiate
If you’re really in a jam, the best way to get discount windows is to negotiate the price with the company. Could you get a lower price if you buy a certain number of windows? How about if you hire them to do the installation? Every window company expects their customers to negotiate, and are more than likely relieved when they don’t. You should always counter offer with a price that’s lower than what you’d actually be willing to pay. Hopefully, you and the windows company will find that sweet spot of compromise somewhere in the middle.
Still wondering where to get the best deals on discount windows? Stop by Toronto Doors and Windows to browse our extensive window selection, ask for expert advice on cost saving, and receive free estimates on window installation.
