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Here at Renewal by Andersen of Long Island we’re amazed that there are still businesses who practice what we call the P.T. Barnum Marketing Program. You know the firms we’re talking about. They think consumers are incredibly naïve, or maybe just uninformed. In the digital age, it doesn’t take more than a few online searches to find out which companies are all about hype and hypothesis and which ones are interested in getting accurate information into consumers’ hands so they can make informed decisions about home improvement products.
If, when you’re talking to a replacement window representative, it sounds too good to be true … hang up the phone, navigate away from the website you’re browsing, walk out of the showroom, and, keep looking for a dealer that isn’t afraid to give you honest answers to your questions.
To be fair, not all of those companies that advertise fantastic specials are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Some offer legitimate deals like buy three replacement windows and get one free or a 25 percent discount if you replace all windows and patio doors in your home at the same time and pay with cash. The key to making sure you have found a reputable dealer is to ask what normal prices are and to make sure you are comparing apples to apples and not peanuts to elephants.
Here’s what we mean.
It Isn’t a Good Replacement Window Deal if . . .
The dealer marks up the home improvement products before applying discounts. Sound like a tactic that a used car salesman might use? Well, it works the same way. If you’ve ever gone car shopping and tried to get a straight answer about trade-in value, you’ve already played this game. Let’s say a dealer is offering their windows on a buy three, get one free promotion. If the package price is $1,200, that means the windows typically cost $400 a piece. But if you can’t get a straight answer about the normal per-unit pricing, it could mean the typical price is usually $300 per unit and you’re paying regular price with a sneaky twist.
Another tactic is to reclaim the discount in the form of extras such as hardware, screens, installation or other essential components. Same as the trade-in value on your car deal. We’ve seen it time and again, the price of the new vehicle is mysteriously increased with add-ons and extras that consume your fair-market trade-in allowance. You want $3,000 for your old sedan? The salesman can make it work on paper. Some deals are just a ploy to distract you from the actual cost of upgrading your home. Before you get too excited about a phenomenal special, ask about glazing options, installation fees, hardware, trim and color choices. What about disposal fees for the old windows? Although some disreputable replacement window dealers consider these extras, these are all essential components in a typical home window replacement project.
As far as comparing apples to apples, it’s important to realize that standardized off-the-shelf windows are typically less expensive than custom-crafted, high performance replacement windows. Windows purchased at a big-box store don’t usually include installation charges or come with an installation warranty. You’ll have fewer color options, and basic models may not give you opportunities to change styles or shapes without investing a substantial amount of money to modify your home to accommodate the new windows. And if you’re buying off-the-shelf replacement windows, you’ll usually have to modify your home’s existing framing to make them fit. This results in higher installation costs or a poor fitting window, negating any energy saving benefits you thought you might get.
The Renewal by Andersen of Long Island Pledge to Homeowners:
We won’t insult your intelligence or assume you’re too naïve to do the research.
Renewal by Andersen of Long Island will never tell you we’re selling excess inventory below cost, because frankly, there is no excess inventory. Every window we sell and install is custom-built to your exacting needs and precise measurements. We’ll explain the cost of upgrading your home windows with specialty hardware and accessories. For example, while every operable window we sell comes with a standard screen, homeowners on Long Island often prefer premium TruScene screens that keep even the tiniest insects outdoors where they belong. TruScene screens may cost a little more than standard screens with larger holes, but many people find the benefits worth it for the clearer view and protection from nasty insects.
If you’re just starting your window replacement research, we suggest you ask potential dealers the following three questions.
1) Can your home improvement products help me achieve current and future goals?
2) Do I have options for designing my replacement windows based on the styles, options and price points that fit my lifestyle and my budget?
3) Do you provide installation and warranty coverage?
It would be a privilege to meet with you to answer those three questions and any others you have about our replacement windows and patio doors. Just give us a call toll-free at (866) 609-5033 to schedule a private in-home consultation or fill in the short form on this page to request a brochure.
We’ll be glad to provide research to back up any statements we make about energy-efficiency ratings and potential savings on utility bills. And, we’ll give you a fully-itemized document to show you the price of every window and door based on your design choices. No gimmicks, no tricky math.
Learn Everything You Need to Know BEFORE Buying Replacement Windows