Decoding Your New Window Quote

So you’re in the market for a new window and shopping different window quotes. Maybe you’ve gotten a few quotes back with an estimate of what you’ll pay for the product and labor. Is it higher than you expected? Lower than you expected? You may also find terminology on your new window quote with which you’re unfamiliar. While it’s always a good idea to contact your contractor directly if you have a question about your new window quote, let’s shed some light on questions you might have about your quote now.

What Does Your Window Quote Include?

Most homeowners know that window quotes combine both labor and materials. But there may be elements to your new window installation that you don’t take into account before your new window quote comes in. Here are the labor elements that affect your new window quote:

• Expert installation team. Expert installation comes with certifications, training, testing, and years of experience with the team. All of these things cost money for the contractor, and thus they’ll be taken into account with the window quote.
• Installation labor. This is the most obvious part. Customers will be charged for the labor it takes to install the window itself.
• Removal of the old window. There’s also labor involved in carefully removing the old window without causing any damage to the home, and disposing of the window. If you want the contractor to save your old window, let them know beforehand.
• Sealing the new window. The window’s seal is vitally important to both the health of the window and the health of your home. Without a good seal, the insulation of your home will be poor.
• Cleanup. Your contractor should leave your home as clean as it was when they arrived. The cost of labor for the cleanup process will also be included in your new window quote.

Window Styles

The style of your window will also play into your new window quote, as every window style is different and they typically each have their own installation process. The types of window styles you’ll have to choose from include:

• Single- or double-hung
• Slider
• Casement
• Awning
• Picture
• Transom
• Bay or bow
• Garden
• Special shapes (circle top, eyebrow, full circle, trapezoid, triangle, octagon, hexagon, pentagon)
• Hopper
• Sliding glass doors

We describe each of these window styles on our quotes page. You may also request to have grilles installed on your window. Grilles are thin decorative bars between the panes of glass that run across the window for extra style. You may also opt to have custom window capping installed above the window to protect it in case of storms. The window’s size will also be taken into account.

What Else Should Be Included in the Quote?

Besides the price for the new window, your new window quote should have a contact name — whether the name of the owner, the foreman, or a project manager — and a date when the contractor will be able to do the work. You should also be provided with proof that they are certified, insured, and bonded.

Any other questions about your new window quote? If you’re in Des Moines, don’t hesitate to call Zen Windows, whether for a new quote or an explanation of your current one from us: (515) 207-8789.