Don’t let those windows break your budget! Image credit: Andersen Windows
Choosing new windows for your home can be an exciting time. But before long, little costs that you didn’t expect can add up, and that can wreak havoc on your budget. Even if you are doing the work on your own, there are a few caveats to keep in mind.
Keep your replacement window cost down by keeping an eye on these potential budget-busters:
Delivery
How will your new windows get to you? If you buy them from a home improvement store and have a truck with ample space, there’s no problem. But if you are having them delivered from the manufacturer or dealer, the costs for shipping those heavy and fragile windows can quickly add up.
Disposal of the old windows
Many homeowners choose to keep their old windows and sell them to others at a discounted price. But what if your old windows are too far gone to turn a profit? Check into options for disposal that won’t cost you more than you bargained for.
Changes in the framing
Most of the time, new windows will slip into the space for the old ones. However, problems such as wood rot in the frame or a slightly uneven house can lead to a little construction, and that sends costs up.
Repairs
When you are working with any home improvement project, accidents can and will happen. A broken piece of trim here, a cracked window sill there and you suddenly have to make a special trip to the hardware store.
Permits
This is an issue many homeowners completely forget about until it is time to install the windows. Some areas might require permits before the work can be completed. This is especially true in historic districts, where you might have to run your replacement windows by a commission and have them approved before you can move forward with the work.
Access to upper floors
Most of the time, installation of windows on the first floor of your home doesn’t require a ladder. But those upper floors are a different story. Renting the proper scaffolding and other equipment to keep you safe while you’re up high can be an expense you might not have anticipated.
Painting and finishing
New windows might be finished and ready to install, but the area around them could require some touch-ups before the space looks good as new. Be ready to paint or stain as necessary around the new windows.
Avoid the hidden costs of replacement windows by doing a bit of homework before the purchase. If you are hiring a contractor to handle the job, most of the issues above will be covered. However, if you are doing it yourself, take the extra time to make sure you have covered all the bases before you hand over your hard-earned money and start on the job.
