5 Things You Need To Know About Designing Replacement Windows

There are three things you must align when designing the right replacement window for you: aesthetics, energy efficiency, and cost. 

Of those three things, the cost is the one thing most homeowners are conscious of when it comes to a window replacement project. 

The cost of a window replacement depends on a variety of factors, like project size, window type, and, of course, the design of the window.

The more you customize your window, the more it will cost. 

But, if you want a fabulous window, you shouldn’t have to compromise to save a pretty penny, right? 

The question you may be thinking, then, is, “How do I design the perfect window for me while staying within my budget?”

There are a few things you should be aware of, along with some tips and tricks to follow to ensure you design the perfect replacement window for you without compromising your budget. 

At Southwest Exteriors, we do things differently when it comes to replacement windows. We don’t only sell replacement windows. We help make your vision come to life for your replacement windows. 

Our expert design consultants have helped homeowners create the perfect San Antonio replacement windows since 1989.  

We know how important it is to design a window you love that also meets your needs for energy efficiency, performance, and within your budget. 

Before you meet with a window replacement contractor, we want you to have all the information you need about designing your windows to be as prepared as possible for your project. This includes all you need to know about designing replacement windows. 

This article will outline five things you need to know about designing replacement windows. 

After reading, you’ll be well prepared to design the right window for you that will meet all your needs for your new windows. You can then take the next step to find the right contractor that will help your design dreams come true. 

What do I need to know about designing replacement windows? 5 things

Just like with any aspect of a replacement window project, there are certain things you must be aware of to have the right expectations for your new windows. 

When it comes to designing your new windows, you want to be aware of your options and know what to consider when choosing the right company to work with.

So, as you’re working with a contractor designing your new windows, always keep these five things in mind: 

1. Every customization will increase the cost
2. There is more than one option for replacing your windows
3. Know what’s important to you and what you’re willing to compromise
4. You don’t have to sacrifice experience to fit your budget
5. Find a company that listens to you and provides valuable suggestions

With these five things, you’ll be able to design the perfect replacement window without disrupting your budget. 

Let’s dissect each of these five things more to better understand how they help you design your new windows. 

1. Every customization will increase the cost of your windows

One of the first things you must understand is that every customization and modification you make to your windows will increase the cost. 

Some customizations will be more costly than others. Glass modifications are the most common costly customization.

For example, glass obscurities are the most expensive customizations you can make to a window. These ornate glass designs, no matter how big or small will increase the cost of your project quickly. 

Other customizations that increase the cost are glass tempering, frame color, wood interior frame, and window configuration. 

The window configuration is the second most costly design element. The configuration refers to the style of the window or how it will function. 

For example, a picture is less expensive than a double-hung window. A double-hung window is less expensive than a casement window. 

When designing your windows, you want to give your home an upgraded look and maybe even change things up with a new style. It is important to keep in mind the customizations you want to make and how they will influence the cost of your project. 

But, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice what you want for the price, which will get into more in the following sections. 

2. There is more than one option for your replacement windows

The second most important thing to know when designing your new windows is that there is more than just one option. You don’t have to replace your window with the same exact configuration, style, and color. 

Designing your new windows should be a fun and exciting process. You have the ability to transform your home and give it a new look. 

Not only can you customize the color, moulding, and gridding of your new windows, but you can also put in a completely different style of window. 

Just because you currently have a double-hung window doesn’t mean you have to replace it with a double-hung window. You can exchange it for a picture window or even a casement window. 

Changing the configuration of your windows is one exciting customization you may not have thought about. It is a great way to give your home a different and improved look, aside from just changing the color. 

3. Know what’s important to you and what you’re willing to compromise with your replacement windows

Outlining your wants, goals, and needs for your project is one of the most important things you must do in preparation. 

When it comes to the design of your windows, you have to know what elements and qualities of design are most important to you and what you are willing to compromise. 

While it’s true you shouldn’t have to sacrifice what you want for the sake of cost savings, you must also be realistic with your budget. 

In order to stick within your budget, you may have to compromise on a different window style or a simpler color. Is that a deal-breaker for you, or do you want to spend more?

What are your non-negotiables for the design of your new windows? What are you willing to live without? Where do you want to allocate most of your budget? 

These are just a few questions to consider when outlining your goals and budget for your replacement windows. Of course, you want to get what you want for the design of your windows, but you have to know what’s most important to you.

4. You don’t have to compromise experience to get what you want

While it is crucial to outline your goals, know what’s most important to you, and know what you are willing to compromise, you don’t have to compromise your experience to get the windows you want. 

If you choose the least expensive contractor on the market to get a highly designed window, you won’t have the best experience. In reality, you will end up with a cheap window that isn’t going to last. 

When you work with a high-quality contractor, you not only get a beautifully designed, high-quality window, but you have a high-quality experience with a company that knows what they are doing and has your best interest in mind. 

If you decide to choose the least expensive option to get a cheaply made window, but it looks how you want it, know you are compromising the quality of the window and the experience of your project. 

5. Find a window contractor that listens to your needs

One of the final things you need to know when designing your replacement windows is that it is crucial to find a contractor that listens to you and your needs. 

The last thing you want is to work with a company that makes decisions for you and doesn’t listen to you. 

Working with a contractor is a partnership, not a dictatorship. 

If a company doesn’t let you make your own decisions and pushes you to one product over another, chances are they are just trying to get as much money out of you as possible. 

Finding a company that listens to you and takes your needs and goals into account and provides valuable suggestions is important to designing the right window that checks all your boxes. 

Designing your perfect replacement windows

Now you know five crucial things about designing replacement windows and are well prepared to take the next steps for your project. 

While you’re designing your new windows, remember these five things: 

1. Every customization will increase the cost
2. There is more than one option for replacing your windows
3. Know what’s important to you and what you’re willing to compromise
4. You don’t have to sacrifice experience just to fit your budget
5. Find a company that listens to you and provides valuable suggestions

If you keep these five things in mind, you can design the right window that will fit your needs for performance and design. 

When creating your replacement windows, however, design is not the only thing you should be thinking about. You also want to consider the energy efficiency of the windows and your budget. 

Learn more about how to align aesthetics, energy efficiency, and cost for your replacement windows in this article. Then, you can design the perfect window that will meet all your needs. 

Ready to design your perfect windows with a company that cares? 

Southwest Exteriors offers vinyl, fiberglass, clad, and aluminum windows from manufacturers like Marvin, ProVia, and many others. 

When you work with us on your project, you create a lifelong relationship. From the moment you call us to your consultation with a design consultant and the final installation, we listen to your needs and help make your dreams a reality. 

We know the importance of listening to your needs and finding the right solution, and we want to help get you there. 

Ready to design your new windows with the right contractor? Schedule your free consultation with a design consultant today!