Accurate’s “Four Most Important Points” for window buyers

WINDOWS

Homeowners need some basic information to sort out the 50 different window choices available in our area. Some windows are designed to last 10 to 20 years, while others will last 20 to 40 years. Generally speaking, 90% of the new homes built in the last several decades were constructed with the least expensive windows that would pass code. This builder decision has saddled many homeowners with expensive window replacement much sooner than a reasonable person might expect. At Accurate Window, we believe that homeowners should buy the best windows they possibly can, even doing a partial job well, rather than continuing the short replacement cycle. When it comes to which windows to buy, there is no substitute for good research. If you don’t have the hours to devote to this, then you need a good window doctor, one who will be honest and help you sort through the options. We promise to help you make a good decision, even if it is not to purchase new windows but repair them. We’ve even referred homeowners to other window companies that met their needs better.

INSTALLATION

When evaluating window and door remodeling, there are many ways to install products. Each situation is different and the available products have so many possible options that you cannot say that we do this all the time or we do that. Each job is, in fact, custom. Siding, interior wall, trim options, flashing, lead paint concerns, difficult access— these are some of the variables that installers deal with. To understand the strategy your installers are planning to use, ask a lot of questions. At Accurate Window we strive to use “best practices” in every circumstance, and our reputation shows it. We always use the best quality materials, so you have a long lasting solution.

WARRANTIES

It is no surprise that window warranties vary widely. Of the two main kinds, one is a warranty that covers the homeowner with different transferable options—from nontransferable to transferable for 20 years or longer. The other is a warranty that covers the window regardless of who owns it, similar to a new car. Accurate Window cautions that the provider of service is an important consideration. Some manufacturers have their own in-house service crews. Others rely on their dealers to provide the service. We have found this to be a better way for several reasons—your dealer should have a vested interest in keeping you satisfied and can respond quicker and be a broker on your behalf with the manufacturer (with more leverage to get something replaced instead of repaired). Relying on manufacturer service departments, many issues can remain unresolved for months. Accurate now intervenes and manages every service, regardless of who is doing the work, to keep the experience as hassle free as possible.

PRICING

There are several ways companies price their windows and door projects. ONE WAY is to calculate how much the product costs (windows, miscellaneous materials, etc.) added to the costs of a legitimate business (labor, rent, insurance, taxes, government fees, etc.) and a reasonable profit. This is an honest way of doing business and many companies do this in some way or another. ANOTHER WAY of pricing is to use price as a psychological weapon against you. These companies hope to play on people’s desire to get more than they paid for. HERE IS THE SCENARIO: “Mr and Mrs Smith, I can do your window replacements for $22,350, if you can decide today.” You resist, and the salesman responds,“I’ll tell you what, maybe I can call my boss and get you the first time buyers discount. Would you like me to do that?” You say yes, so he calls and gets permission to lower the price to $19,900. You are feeling special but still say no. He says, “What if I split my sales commission with you, because I really need this job to reach my quota. Would you be interested in that?” You say yes again, and the job now becomes $18,300. Feeling like a pretty savvy negotiator, you go for one final discount. You say no to $18,300. The salesman states that his final price will be lower, if you are prepared to sign tonight. You say yes again, and he shows you a price of $17,500. You sign and feel like you got a great deal. You may get good windows installed well, but this type of company usually is primarily in the sales business, and you are paying more than you need to. We think people should be angry that the sales person tried to get almost $5,000 more from them. It is the pricing game that is as “old as the hills” and still very effective today.