Restoring or replacing your home windows is a wonderful way to get your home ready for winter. It’s also a great way to lower your energy bills, prepare for a long summer, and keep your home’s foundation strong. But when it comes to getting the best replacement windows for your home, it helps to take the guesswork out of the process. Even if you’re choosing your replacement windows from a reputable service like Renewal by Andersen of Central NC, you want to make sure you’re asking the right questions and not simply settling for the most competitive price. There are a lot of different factors to consider when finding the best replacement window model for your house, and you never want to make the mistake of assuming that finding a good replacement model is a one-size-fits-all situation. If you’re shopping for replacement windows, here are some things to be aware of before you make your decision.

1. Ask Questions About Installation (and Installation Cost)

Once you’ve picked your window, you want to make the installation process as painless (and cost-effective) as possible. That means asking the right questions to ensure that you’re getting a good deal and a high-quality installation. Many windows that aren’t installed correctly can actually end up causing more harm than good in the long term, with moisture leaks and warping springing up within a couple of years. The more you know about installation, the better. Apart from a few basic questions about pricing and what’s actually offered in the installation service, you should also be sure to ask about the process itself. Ask how long installation will take, and how many people it will require. If you have an irregular-shaped window, ask whether or not it will cost extra to install. If you’re planning on installing your window yourself, be sure to ask questions about what to avoid and how to safely install your own replacement. On the more technical side, you may also want to ask about licensing and permits. In some areas, you may actually need a permit to install a window, and double-checking to make sure that your window installation professionals are properly licensed in your state will help protect you and your purchase should anything go wrong.

2. Don’t Go for What You Know

You may not know a huge deal about replacement windows at the offset, but don’t assume that you should simply get an updated version of what you already have. Your new home windows should last upwards of 20 years, so this is actually your chance to make a proper investment and outfit your home with state-of-the-art new models that will help protect your property for years to come. Ask questions about insulation value, glass type, and low-E coating to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money. Even though the windows you’re replacing may be single-pane windows, that’s no reason to go for a single-pane model for your update. Most newer home windows come with at least two panes of protection and insulation, so don’t just settle for something that looks familiar. Do your research and spend some time consulting with professionals so that you don’t end up either choosing something that’s inexpensive and doesn’t work, or something that’s way too high tech for your needs.

3. Don’t Settle for the Cheapest Model

We all know that cost is a concern with most home improvement projects. Getting new windows is no different. If you’re replacing one or two windows with new models, you might have a bit more room to splurge. However, if you’re trying to give your entire home a window update, it’s going to get pretty pricey pretty quickly. Still, this isn’t a reason to skimp on quality. Purchasing the cheapest window option probably won’t end up being a bargain in the long run. Less expensive models could come with design flaws or poor insulation value that you simply won’t be able to know about until years later when it’s too late and your home is suffering from rotting and internal damage. Even if you feel like you don’t have the money to spend on a super high-tech option right now, you’ll be happy you spent more to protect your home from emergency projects down the line, such as roof repair or internal rot. If you’re trying to be cost-conscious, go for a conservative, medium-priced model with great user reviews and a high Energy Star rating. Think of the extra upfront cost as a long-term investment in your home.