As we turned a page into 2016, many homeowners are already beginning to evaluate the state of their home and planning renovation projects for the summer.
As the old joke goes, there are only two seasons in Canada: winter and construction.
But while it may be fairly obvious that you want the window replacement to be done during the warm months, when is the right time to actually buy new windows?
Most replacement projects take roughly 6-8 weeks from the date the contract is signed. But if you are ordering your windows in April or May, that is one of the peak times for most window replacement companies. Whether the company is big or small, this is the time they pull in the majority of their business. That means you may not get all the attention you deserve from the project consultant. More importantly, because there is a pool of clients to choose from, the company can price their windows more aggressively.
That is why buying windows in the winter may be more beneficial to customers who are looking to save a little, and don’t need their window problems addressed immediately.
If I buy windows in the winter, can they be installed in the cold?
Most windows can be installed in even extreme cold weather. Installers usually try to avoid working in very low temperatures because foams and sealants become brittle and hard. Of course, active weather like rain or snow is a detriment, but it is also easier to reschedule your installation during the off-peak times. If you miss your installation during the busy period, the next open slot may not be available for a couple of weeks, causing more headache and stress.
If you’re still not convinced about getting your windows replaced during the winter months, consider asking the window company to delay the installation for as long as possible. Because companies often have to pay for space to keep the windows at the warehouse, they usually won’t be willing to keep the windows for more than a month or two, but that may just be enough time for the weather to change.
When are the windows cheapest?
If you check out a website for any local window company, chances are you will see “book today and save” promotions offering 10, 20, 30 or even 40% off. But if a promotion is offered year-round, can it really be called a discount?
What happens in most cases with providing prices, the company will try to give the maximum quote possible and based on the client, or their other quotes, pretend to offer incentives just to make the homeowner feel special.
Whether that is actually the case or not, you are still most likely to get a maximum amount off your window order if you buy your windows in December or January. Because of a limited number of clients, the company will probably be happy for any business, and therefore willing to work with you on bringing the price down.
Conclusion
When it comes to window replacement, and in fact, most other home renovations, going against the demand can go a long way toward saving you money. Of course, the downside is that you may have to have your installation in a colder month. However, if you consider that installations can be performed effectively year-round and that companies can often accommodate installation dates, there really is no downside to booking in the winter time.
Check out these window replacement articles:
Find Out The Cost of Replacement Windows
How To Compare Replacement Windows
Modern Windows: Can My Installation Be Done in The Winter?