I always ask for them, and sometimes you’ll see things like $150 for “site prep” that’s literally just laying down a drop cloth.
I get where you’re coming from about itemized quotes, but I’ve actually had the opposite experience once or twice. Sometimes the “premium” sealant really did make a difference, especially in an older house where drafts were a real issue. The basic stuff just didn’t cut it for me—ended up redoing one window after a year because of leaks. I do agree that “site prep” charges can be a bit much though. Laying down a tarp shouldn’t cost that much… but I guess some companies just pad the bill wherever they can.
I’ve seen both sides of this too. On one job, the homeowner went with a cheaper caulk to save a bit, and a year later there were visible gaps and water stains—ended up costing more to fix than if we’d just used the higher-grade stuff in the first place. Especially in older homes, like you mentioned, the right materials really do matter. Drafts and shifting frames just eat up those basic sealants.
But yeah, some of those line items for “site prep” can be a head-scratcher. I get charging for real prep—like moving heavy furniture or protecting fragile surfaces—but laying down a drop cloth is just part of not making a mess. It shouldn’t be a separate $150 fee... That said, I’ve also run into situations where the prep was a lot more involved than anyone expected, especially in houses with lead paint or plaster walls. Sometimes it’s legit, sometimes it’s just padding.
It’s always worth asking exactly what’s included in each charge. Some companies are totally transparent, others less so. In my experience, the best value comes from clear communication upfront—makes life easier for everyone.
It’s always worth asking exactly what’s included in each charge. Some companies are totally transparent, others less so.
I ran into this exact thing with my last window project. The quote looked great—until I realized “air sealing” was a separate line item. Ended up paying more, but honestly, the difference in drafts was night and day. If you’re looking to cut energy bills, that’s one spot not to skimp on. It’s wild how something as simple as good caulk or foam makes such a big impact... Learned that the hard way after a winter of cold toes.
That’s interesting—I actually skipped the air sealing upsell because I figured new windows would be enough. My house is only ten years old, so maybe that helped, but I haven’t noticed much difference in drafts. Makes me wonder if it’s more important in older homes?
I’ve always heard air sealing makes a bigger difference in homes built before the mid-90s, but it’s not a hard rule. My place is about 15 years old and I did new windows last summer—didn’t bother with the extra sealing either. Honestly, I noticed more change from adding insulation in the attic than anything to do with windows or drafts. Did your installer check for gaps around the frames after the install? Sometimes they miss little spots, especially on newer builds where things settle differently.
I get what you’re saying about attic insulation making a bigger difference, but I actually had the opposite experience. My house is from 2008 and after I swapped out the old windows, I could feel the drafts were gone, especially in the living room. The installer did a walk-through with me, and we found a couple tiny gaps around the trim that he filled in right away. Honestly, even small leaks made a difference—my heating bill dropped a bit after that.
I do think attic insulation is huge, but if you’ve got even a few sneaky gaps around new windows, it adds up. Sometimes newer homes settle weird and you get cracks you don’t notice unless you look for them. I’d say, if you’re already spending on windows, double-check the sealing just to be safe. It’s not a massive job if you catch it early, but it’s annoying if you have to go back later and fix it.
if you’ve got even a few sneaky gaps around new windows, it adds up.
That’s definitely true. I’ve seen people spend a fortune on high-end windows and then lose most of the benefit because of sloppy sealing or missed cracks. It’s wild how much those little gaps can mess with your heating bill. I’m still a bit skeptical about window swaps making a huge dent compared to insulation, but you’re right—if you’re already investing, you might as well make sure it’s done right the first time.
It’s wild how much those little gaps can mess with your heating bill.
Tell me about it. When we did our windows, I thought the fancy triple-pane glass would be the game-changer, but honestly, it was the guy with the caulk gun who made the real difference. I still remember feeling a draft behind my new living room window until I found a tiny gap they missed. Do you think installers ever actually check their own work, or is it just cross your fingers and hope?
- Totally get where you're coming from. I’ve seen high-end windows lose their edge just because someone rushed the sealing part.
- Had a job last winter—brand new windows, but the homeowner still felt a chill. Found a pencil-thin gap hidden behind the trim. One tube of caulk later, problem solved.
- Most installers do check, but honestly, some are just in a hurry or assume it’s “good enough.”
- Materials matter, but if the install isn’t airtight, you’re paying for features you’ll never feel.
- I always tell folks: triple-pane’s great, but don’t sleep on the guy with the caulk gun...
- Totally agree—install can make or break it.
- Noticed in my place: went with good windows, but the installer skipped insulating foam. Draft city until I fixed it myself.
- Kinda makes me wonder… are expensive materials even worth it if the basics get missed?
- Sometimes a $5 can of spray foam does more than a $500 upgrade.