The thought of replacing all of the windows in your home can feel overwhelming. Most homeowners have never gone through the process before and don’t know what to expect. They have no idea how much it will cost, or what options they will be asked to consider. They don’t know the differences between the various brands on the market, or even all of the brands that are available to them.
A good window replacement company in San Diego can help you with all of this, but it can be helpful to have a bit of knowledge going in so you can know the right questions to ask, and how to compare the estimates you will be presented with.
What Are You Looking for in Your Replacement Windows?
It is a good idea to know what you are trying to accomplish by having new windows installed in your home before you start meeting with San Diego window replacement companies. If you don’t, you could potentially be talked into all types of upgrades that you don’t really need or want.
Most people want to replace their windows in order to better insulate their homes from outside temperatures. If this is your goal, you’ll want to prioritize windows that have a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) rating. This standardized rating tells you how good a window unit is at keeping out unwanted heat and makes it easy to compare various different brands and lines of windows in terms of their energy efficiency.
Another reason people consider window replacement in San Diego is to help keep out noise. If this is your goal, you’ll want to look for windows with upgraded sound suppression technology.
Durability is another feature people look for in replacement windows. If you are living in what you hope will be your “forever home,” prioritizing high-quality windows that will last for 20+ years can be a great investment. Look for windows that come with a lifetime warranty, as these tend to be some of the more durable windows on the market.
Finally, you might want new windows to improve the look of the exterior of your home. If this is your goal, you’ll want to look for windows with features that will complement the architecture of your home, such as sculpted window frames, decorative grids, or colored frames.
Now, you might be thinking, “I want all of those things!” That’s a perfectly valid response. Many San Diego homeowners want all of these benefits of replacement windows. Just know that getting the most energy-efficient, sound blocking, durable, curb-appeal-improving windows will likely require a lot of upgrades, which will increase the price you pay for window replacement. If you are on a tight budget, you will have to choose which features you are willing to sacrifice, and which ones are non-negotiable.
The best course of action is to find a reputable company for window replacement in San Diego that can walk you through all of the options and help you determine which combination will best meet your needs.
