Budget planning can be the most challenging part of a window replacement project — it can even be downright daunting if one doesn’t know where to begin. In today’s post, Renewal by Andersen® of Alaska gets you started with your budget planning with a list of the factors that affect window replacement cost.

1. Window styles. Any window style can be installed onto any wall opening. This is especially true if you include custom replacement windows among your options. However, the per-unit cost varies between styles. Some styles are more complex to build than others because of moving parts and hardware.

2. Number of windows being replaced. It goes without saying that more windows will correspondingly increase the project cost. However, if you are thinking of having all the windows in your home replaced over time, it may cost you more in terms of labor cost — not to mention that some window contractors offer discounts for bulk replacement projects.

3. Off-the-shelf vs. custom windows. Pre-built or off-the-shelf replacement windows may shave some dollars off your budget, but consider the trade-offs: you’d be stuck with what’s available, which can make it difficult if you are looking for specific styles or want to match other windows in your home. Custom replacement windows, on the other hand, can be more expensive, but the flexibility they offer can offset the difference in cost.

4. Frame materials and glass. A lot of technology goes into replacement windows, from insulated glass, which utilizes multiple panes to slow down thermal transfer, to low-maintenance frames, to factory-applied custom colors. The more advanced the windows are, the more costly they can be. However, consider features like energy efficiency, which can help you recoup the cost of window replacement down the line.

5. Unexpected repairs. As with most types of home renovations, some problems — usually structural in nature — reveal themselves after the project has already started. Sometimes window installers find rot, damage — even installation mistakes committed by a previous contractor — after removing the old windows. Such issues will need to be fixed before the new windows can be installed, and as the repair costs wouldn’t be included in the original contract price, it will be added after the fact. Having a separate contingency budget that’s worth about 10% to 20% of the contract price can help keep your window replacement project on track. This is also a good practice for any other home improvement that you’re planning to do.

Our consultants at Renewal by Andersen® of Alaska can help you plan your window replacement project and ensure no surprises. Call us today at (907) 205-5100 or (907) 312-7597, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We serve communities in Fairbanks and Anchorage, AK, and the rest of Kenai Peninsula and The Valley.

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