One thing to consider: sometimes the higher quote includes services or extras that the lower quote doesn’t, which can justify the difference. For example, one of my higher quotes included a service where they would send someone a week after installation to do a walkthrough, adjust any windows or locks if needed, and even clean the windows and dispose of all the stickers/labels. The lower quote companies were basically like “once we’re done installing, you handle the rest.”
Also, the higher quote included a year of free service calls (like if any issues or even if I just had questions on operation). They had a slightly more “white glove” approach.
Now, whether that’s worth the extra money is up to the individual. For me, I didn’t need those frills, I was fine cleaning my own new windows and such. But I can see some folks valuing that.
It’s just something I noticed – sometimes cost differences aren’t just product, but the overall customer service package. So make sure to weigh that too when comparing.
I know we’re all focused on cost, but I want to echo what @jmartin52 and @ryanwhiskers230 touched on: don’t ignore the reputation and vibe of the company. I would rather pay a bit more to a company that I trust and that has great reviews, than save 10% with someone who might vanish or do a shoddy job.
I ended up choosing a quote that was not the lowest because the company owner spent a lot of time answering my questions, gave a lot of detail, and had references that checked out. The cheapest quote I got was from a guy who barely looked at the windows and just scribbled a number – that scared me off.
After installation, I was glad I went with the quality installer. Everything was done right, and he even came back to tweak a lock that was slightly stiff, free of charge.
So, while negotiating price is important, also consider quality of the company. A poorly installed “cheap” window can end up costing more (in damage, frustration, or needing redo) than a well-installed “expensive” window.
Think of it as getting the best value, not just the lowest price.
If you’re planning to do something beyond a straight replacement, like changing a window’s size or adding a new one, factor in way more for permits and construction. I asked one quote about converting a window into a patio door – the price for that one opening was as much as all my other windows combined! Needless to say, I shelved that plan for now.
Just wanted to mention it in case someone reads this and thinks of changing configurations. That’s a whole different ballgame with hidden costs (permits, reframing walls, etc.). Keep your project scope consistent when comparing quotes.
For condo or HOA folks: sometimes your choices are limited. I’m in a condo and we had to use a specific window type approved by the association. Only a couple vendors supply it. That meant I couldn’t shop around much. I basically had two quotes that were both high and not much negotiation happened because they knew there’s little competition for that exact spec.
It sucked, because I love a good deal. 😕 I did manage to get a tiny discount by scheduling my install the same time as another unit (the installer did two condos in one day, so they saved time). But if you’re in a situation like mine, you might not have as much leverage. Still, always worth asking for any group deals or if they can do multiple units to drop price.
We tried to get our whole condo building to do windows together for a bulk rate — that fell apart, but that would’ve been ideal.
This might be a silly question, but is it better to have things like exterior capping, trim repair, etc., included in the window contract or do it separately? One of my quotes offers to do aluminum capping for $40 per window, or I could hire my own guy to do it after. Similarly, they can do interior trim staining for a fee, or I could DIY.
What do you all suggest? Bundle it with the window job (for convenience and one-stop accountability), or do some tasks on my own to save money?
@diy_melissa In my opinion, if the price they charge for those extras is reasonable, it’s easier to have the window company do it. That way if something isn't right, it's on them to fix. For example, if they cap the exterior, they ensure it's sealed and neat – and it's part of their warranty/workmanship.
However, if you have the skill or a cheaper resource to do those things, you can save money by handling it separately. I did my own interior trim painting to avoid paying the contractor’s painter. But I let them do the aluminum capping because that requires special bending tools and expertise to make it look good and watertight.
$40 per window for capping sounds pretty reasonable to me. I'd probably let them do it. It’s done immediately after install, and you don’t have to coordinate another person.
For trim staining or painting, if you’re comfortable, you can DIY and save. It really comes down to convenience vs cost. Sometimes piecing out things to different people can save a few bucks but adds hassle.
One caution: if something goes wrong, contractors sometimes point fingers. Like if your buddy does the capping and later a leak happens, the window installer might blame the cap job. If the same company does all, they own it all.
I’ve been reading along and just want to say how incredibly valuable this thread is. Big thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed experiences and advice! 🙌
I came here a total newbie and now I feel armed with knowledge. Can’t wait (well, less dreading) to tackle my own window project soon. You all rock!
@rockysinger That neighbor combo deal is genius! How did you approach the companies with it? Did you and your neighbor sit in on the quote appointment together, or just tell them “my neighbor will also sign if the price is right”?
I'm thinking I might do that with my brother who lives nearby – we both need new windows. It’s like creating our own mini bulk purchase. Would love any tips on how you pitched it to make it attractive to the installer.
@gaming_emily We coordinated it by scheduling the same company to come give quotes back-to-back for each of us on the same day. We told the rep upfront when he arrived, “There’s two of us here, two houses, and we’re looking to make a deal for both projects. Give us your best combined offer.”
In one case, the rep actually went house to house with us, took measurements at both, then sat down and worked out pricing considering it as one larger job (two contracts, but he calculated like 20 windows total). He offered 10% off each of our prices if we both signed.
With another company, we each got separate quotes, then we said, “if we both go with you, can you do any better on the price?” That one came back with something small like a $300 referral discount for each of us.
So it may depend on the company’s policies. But presenting it together definitely made them perk up. We basically made it clear they could snag two customers in one go.
It helped that we were on the same page about what we wanted (both of us were replacing old double-hungs with similar new ones). And we timed our decision-making together.
Definitely try it with your brother – even if you only save a bit, it's something! Plus going through the process with someone else makes it less daunting.
I feel like by now this thread has covered every angle, haha. One thing I’ll add is double-checking if the window quotes include things like screens and hardware finishes you expect. One of my quotes was a tad lower and later I noticed it was for half screens (only the lower half of the window has a screen) versus full screens on another quote. Full screens cost a little more.
It’s a small detail but if you’re comparing costs, stuff like that can be a factor. Same with things like interior hardware (basic white vs upgraded metal locks/handles) – if you care about that and one quote is for the basic while another includes an upgrade, the prices reflect that.
I went back and forth a lot with each company to align the options exactly before finalizing. Like “Quote A, please revise to include full screens and the bronze hardware so I can compare to Quote B.” That also gave another opportunity to negotiate because I was basically asking for a revised quote, which they knew was to beat the other guy.
It might be nitpicky, but leaving no stone unturned saved me from deciding on a quote that looked cheaper only to find out later it was missing something I wanted.