Frequently Asked Questions
How to Measure Windows & Doors
Measuring your windows and doors is very easy to do.
Use a measuring-tape to measure the width and height of each window or door you’d like to replace. Make sure you are measuring from the frame or jambs as indicated in the following photos.
Installation Process
We kindly request you wear a mask as well when standing within 6 ft of our team members, either inside or outside your home, during both the re-measure appointment and on the day of installation.
Our team members sanitize their hands regularly throughout the day and are instructed to only touch what they need to for the installation.
We kindly request you create a 3-foot clearance around each window before our installers arrive, including moving decorative items from window sills.
If you need help moving any large pieces of furniture, we can help you, and although we will handle your furniture with great care, we do not accept responsibility for the condition of your furniture after we move it. Many pieces of furniture are old and do not fare well when handled.
You will need to remove and reinstall your window treatments. Keep in mind, many window blinds, shades, and curtains may not fit properly after the installation of new windows. Additionally, if the treatments are in poor condition, they may come apart during the removal process which could prevent them from being reinstalled.
*Given your window treatments are in good condition and do fit properly after the installation, we can usually (but not always) help reinstall them for you at a cost of $20 per blind/shade/curtain.
It’s important for you to let us know if any of your windows currently leak before we order your new windows so we can determine how to best help you.
Window & Door Performance Specs
ENERGY STAR® is a joint program of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Its goal is to help consumers, businesses, and industry save money and protect the environment through the adoption of energy-efficient products and practices.
ENERGY STAR® requirements must be met when applying for federal tax credits.
Click Here to see ENERGY STAR® requirements for windows and doors in Southern California.
General FAQs
Factory-applied color coatings and decorative finishes are warranted for a limited period of ten (10) years. Delivery lead times for all factory-applied coatings is 10 to 12 weeks.
Yes, Smart Windows and Smart Doors qualify for tax credits by exceeding Energy Star requirements.
*Our unique glass system (3/16” tempered glass x 1/8” double-strength glass) is designed to make our windows and doors remain energy efficient much longer than our competitors.
2023 Allowable federal tax credits:
- exterior windows = 30% of costs (up to $600)
- exterior doors = 30% of costs (up to $250 per door, up to a total of $500)
Click Here to learn more about the federal tax credits.
How Do I Pay Smart Window Company?
Yes, Smart Windows and Smart Doors qualify for tax credits by exceeding Energy Star requirements.
*Our unique glass system (3/16” tempered glass x 1/8” double-strength glass) is designed to make our windows and doors remain energy efficient much longer than our competitors.
2023 Allowable federal tax credits:
- exterior windows = 30% of costs (up to $600)
- exterior doors = 30% of costs (up to $250 per door, up to a total of $500)
Click Here to learn more about the federal tax credits.
Commonly Asked Window Replacement Questions
Retrofit window installations are almost always the preferred choice by homeowners and window installation companies because the original moisture barrier (flashing) is preserved and installations can be made with no damage to surrounding drywall and stucco (or siding, brick, etc.). Because new-construction installations require surrounding interior and exterior surfaces to be repaired and re-painted after installation, the cost far exceeds that of retrofit installations.
Custom-made (retrofit) replacement windows are more expensive than stock size windows but are significantly superior in quality. Retrofit windows vary in price based on style, size, frame extrusion, and manufacturer. The most expensive styles are casement windows because they require the most hardware for operation. Similarly, double-sliders and double-hung windows are more expensive than their single counterparts because they require more hardware to operate.
The price for a 5’ x 4’ window (without installation) varies from as low as $2500 for a cheap aluminum stock size window with a single pane to as high as $3,000+ for a dual paned retrofit wood window clad with a metal exterior. On average, a feature-rich dual paned vinyl window ranges from $500 to $1,500 (without installation) depending on the number of features, style, and manufacturer.
The cost of retrofit window installations usually varies based on the skill level (pay grade) of the window installer, the size and weight of the window/s being installed, and the complexity of the installation project. As such, the cost of new windows for the home, including installation for a 5’ x 4’ window varies from $750 – $1,750. Best results are achieved when using experienced carpenter-level window installers.
Another way to drive down the cost of new windows for your home is to choose a super energy-efficient window. While your up-front costs for the windows are not reduced, the savings on your energy bills could be significant, especially if you are replacing very old windows in your home.
Lastly, you can reduce the initial purchase price of your new windows with no-interest, no down payment financing. Many homeowners choose to finance their replacement window projects so they can make easy, spaced-out payments to pay off the project without ever incurring charges from interest.
In general, it’s best to replace all the windows in your home at once so you can immediately reap all of the benefits of energy savings without having any locations in your home where windows are less efficient. If you live in an area of the country where hurricanes or other major storms are a factor, it would be recommended for all the windows in your home to be replaced with impact windows. One weak opening could allow for damage to occur to the rest of the home.
If you’re on a tight budget for your replacement window project you can replace a few windows at a time.
Yes, new windows can significantly enhance your home’s security if they have features like 3/16 Tempered Glass, Interlocking Sashes and Auto Locks
There is sometimes a little wiggle room on the price of replacement windows, so it doesn’t hurt to ask. Beware of companies that offer huge discounts for signing a contract the same day, or slash prices in an attempt to get you to sign on the dotted line. They usually want you to make an impulsive decision so you don’t have time to shop around and find a better window at a better price.