15 FAQs about Southwest Exteriors monthly payment plans and warranty

Whether you’re getting your windows, siding, or doors replaced, any home improvement project is no joke for your bank account. 

Just as you want to get your questions answered about the specifics of your project, you want to get your questions answered about cost and how your project will be paid for. 

Why are your prices higher than others? What is your refund policy? Are there any prepayment penalties?

These are valuable questions you will want to ask any contractor when committing to a project. 

At Southwest Exteriors, we have crafted our monthly payment options over the last 30 years to provide you with the best options. We are continuously improving our system to stay up-to-date with the industry while simultaneously keeping you our priority. 

This article will answer the top 15 most frequently asked questions regarding cost, payment options and specifics, and warranty policies at Southwest Exteriors. 

After reading, you will have a better understanding of the details that go into payment options for your project so you know any hidden policies or fees will not blindside you.

1. How can I pay for my project?

You can pay for your project with cash, check, or credit card. 

We offer four different monthly payment plans where you can pay for part of your project before it starts and the rest when it’s finished as well as low-interest loan options ranging from six months to 10 years.

2. Do you finance through outside institutions?

Our monthly payment plans are financed through outside institutions. 

We use Service Finance, GreenSky, EnerBank, and CreditNovo.

3. Can you price match?

No, we can not price match. We do not do this because in the home remodeling industry, the price you pay for your products, installation, and warranty varies based on quality. 

It is not possible to compare and match two prices from two different contractors because of all the factors that go into the cost. A low-cost window replacement job is not going to come from the highest quality contractor. 

4. Why do you require a deposit?

We require a deposit because once the products for your project are ordered, certain costs must be paid upfront.

With some contractors, a deposit is required because that company needs the cash flow to stay afloat. This is not the case with Southwest Exteriors. 

We require a 50% deposit for window and door replacements as well as custom Penntek concrete coating. We require a 25% deposit for siding projects. 

The percentage difference is because window replacements, door replacements, and custom concrete coatings are all custom orders, meaning they cannot be used for any other project. 

5. What are your refund policies if I change my mind?

For custom orders, like windows, doors, or custom concrete coatings, we cannot refund the cost of the materials if they have already been ordered. However, if they have not been ordered, you will get a full refund.

For non-custom orders, like siding, we can offer a full refund of your project up until the installation day. As long as nothing has been installed, you will get a refund.

6. What is your warranty, and will you be there to back it up?

Southwest Exteriors offers a lifetime warranty for the lifetime of the product in your home. If anything goes wrong with any product from us, the new product, installation, and labor cost will be covered.

With each product manufacturer, too, there are varying warranties for the product. 

We have been an established home remodeling contractor for over 30 years in San Antonio. We are with you for life, and if anything goes wrong, we will do everything we can to make it right.

7. Is your warranty transferable?

Typically, our warranty is transferable one time. This means if you move into a home with Southwest Exteriors products and are only the second person to live in that home, our warranty is still applicable to you. 

8. Why are your prices higher than competitors’?

It’s no secret that we aren’t the least expensive contractor around. However, we pride ourselves on offering the highest quality products paired with the highest quality services.

From when you first contact us to the final touches of the installation, you receive a five-star service. The craftsmanship of the products we offer, installation, and tools and materials used is the best in the business. 

In this industry, what you get is what you pay for. If you want a high-quality project, you’re going to have to pay a little more. If you want a high-quality, high attention to detail, and caring service from beginning to end, it will cost you. 

Cost and value have a linear relationship. The higher the cost, the higher the value. 

9. What can I expect my return on investment to be from my project?

Return on investment can hardly ever be calculated to an exact figure. Depending on what your goals are for your project and what that project is, your return on investment will vary. 

We like to use a tool from Remodeling Magazine called a “Cost v. Value Report” for the current year. In this report, they take data from projects in the area and provide the cost, resale value, cost recouped, and comparisons to regional and national projects. 

The return on investment will change annually, but this tool allows you to compare what you pay for your project to the average so you know if you are getting your money’s worth. 

10. Why does it cost more if I buy a month from now than if I buy today? Isn’t it just a sales tactic?

The cost for materials of your project, especially lumber, is steadily increasing. If you decide to commit to your project a month from now, the price is going to fluctuate and likely be slightly higher with the rise of inflation.

With Southwest Exteriors, your highest discounted price is available for seven days following your consultation. After that, the retail price of your project is good for 30 days. 

While offering a higher discount the day of a sales visit is a popular sales tactic, Southwest Exteriors does not do this just to make a sale. 

Because prices fluctuate weekly, even daily, committing to your project earlier is best and fair for you and your contractor and will save you money in the long run. 

11. What does my credit score have to be in order to qualify for a monthly payment plan?

We can offer and approve you for a monthly payment plan with a credit score as low as in the 500s. 

If you have a credit score lower than 680, you will have to apply and be financed through CreditNovo. They offer individuals with a low credit score or any blemishes on their credit a low-interest loan. This allows you to not only finance your project but rebuild your credit score as well. 

12. How long does it take to apply for one of the monthly payment options?

To apply for a monthly payment plan from Southwest Exteriors, it can be done and approved in 8-10 minutes.

With many other loans, it is common to take anywhere from 60-90 days to apply and get approved.

13. Is the cash price the same if I were to choose a monthly payment plan?

When you pay with a credit card or check for a monthly payment plan, there is typically a 3-5% increase in your project. This is because there are transaction fees to handle and deposit the payment as opposed to cash.

However, this extra 3-5% is still much lower of a fee than if you were to get a loan from a private bank. 

14. Are there any prepayment penalties?

When you choose one of our monthly payment options, there are not any prepayment penalties. This means that if you pay off your project early, you will not be charged any fee for that.

15. Are there any appraisal fees, inspection fees, or bank points charged with a monthly payment plan?

There are no appraisal fees, inspection fees, or bank points charged when you choose a monthly payment plan with Southwest Exteriors.

Knowing the details of financing your project 

Now that you know the top 15 most frequently asked questions about the details of paying for your project with Southwest Exteriors, you can feel more comfortable in financing your project.

Getting all your questions answered before you have to ask them saves you time during a consultation with a contractor and also helps to clear any confusion you may have had before.

With Southwest Exteriors, we offer multiple payment plans so you can choose the best option for you to pay for your project. Each part of the process of building your project was created with you in mind, and we want it to be as easy and stress-free as possible.

Ready to start your home improvement project? Schedule a free in-home consultation by filling out the form on our web page. Virtual consultations are available for your comfort and safety.