What to Look for When Buying New Windows in Boise
Replacement windows can boost your property’s curb appeal, lower your heating and cooling bills, and add resale value to your home in Boise. But with cold winters and hot summers in Boise that are getting hotter, you don’t just want new windows. You want the right replacement windows, professionally installed by a contractor with years of experience working in the area. Here are some suggestions of what to look for when you buy new windows in Boise:
Compare Boise Window Contractors
Not all window contractors are the same. And while Boise requires Electricians, Plumbers, and HVAC Technicians to be licensed, the same law doesn’t apply to window installers. If your new windows fit into existing frames, you don’t even need to pull a building permit. That’s why it’s critical to vet your contractor. Make sure they are licensed in Idaho and have local references you can check. Ask how much experience they have installing the window brands they recommend. Are the preferred installers for the manufacturer? As a preferred installer, they will be able to offer you a warranty backed not only by them, but also by the manufacturer.
Get Customized Windows in Boise
When it comes to replacement windows, it’s critical that your new windows fit perfectly. Purchasing windows from a big box store may save you a few bucks in the short term but can cost you in the long run. Without a precise fit, there can be gaps that will allow wind, air, and water through. And if your windows aren’t properly installed, any warranty they come with could be void.
What to Look for in New Window Construction
Whether you need to replace a single window or an entire house, double hung windows or sliders, they all consist of a frame design and glass. You can replace wood frames with wood or opt for durable wood-look vinyl. Choose 100% first generation vinyl so your windows will never rot, fade, chip, or peel.
And to help keep your home cool during Boise’s hot summers, look for windows that combine a low-E coating with an insulating gas. Low-E coating minimizes the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that can pass through glass. This keeps the temperature in your home consistent by reflecting air conditioning back inside your home and reducing heat from the sun.
Also look for windows that have an ENERGY STAR®-certification. ENERGY STAR® windows are independently tested and certified to be energy efficient by the National Fenestration Rating Council, and meet guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency. And the Super Spacer® window system and Neopor GPS insulation ensures a tight seal so warm and cold air stay where you want them.
Compare Boise Window Installer Warranties
Warranties play an important part in the choice of windows and a contractor. You want a local Boise contractor who will stand behind their craftmanship and the windows they install. Even more importantly, make sure that they are certified by the manufacturer to install the products they do. In that case, the manufacturer will warranty your windows even if your installer goes out of business.
Replacement Window Return on Investment in Boise
Besides saving money on heating and cooling bills, replacement windows can add thousands of dollars to your home’s resale value. The return on investment for new windows installed in Boise is nearly 70 percent. That means for every dollar you spend on new windows, you could get back up to 70 cents when you go to sell your home. You might also be able to get rebates from your local energy company if you install energy-efficient windows, as well as a federal tax credit of 10% of the cost, capped at $200.
Want to learn more about replacement windows? NOW Remodeling in Boise, ID, and Spokane and the Tri-Cities, WA is a Preferred Contractor for ProVia Windows, which means we meet the manufacturer’s high standards for installer training, insurance, and licensing. Request your free quote today.