We find the 10 best options, so you can make informed decisions on tons of products and services.
There are many reasons people get replacement windows. These can range from the practical to aesthetic concerns. Here are some of the most common reasons to replace your windows:
Damage or aging: The most common reason to replace windows is out of necessity. This occurs when windows become damaged or start to age. People may also purchase replacement windows to prevent damage, for example storm windows and insulated windows, which protect the interior of a home against extreme temperatures and other weather hazards.
Real estate concerns: Some people replace their windows to improve the resale value on their homes. Whether they’re placing their home on the market or holding open houses, people find that new windows can drastically alter the look and value of a home, thereby increasing its ability to attract buyers and fetch higher prices.
Style and appearance: Many people upgrade their windows to update the look of their home, as windows come in many styles and colors that can easily update the look of the home’s exterior. Whether it’s to match a new paint job, accommodate an addition, or simply modernize the home’s look, replacement windows can go a long way in reinventing a building’s appearance.
Replacement windows vary in style, material, and special features. The most distinguishing factor is how they open. Different types of windows are better suited for different areas of the home. Here are a few of the more popular window styles:
Double-hung windows: These are the most common type of windows in the US. In a double-hung window, both sashes open by sliding up and down, allowing for greater ventilation than single-hung windows. Double-hung windows are the most versatile and can accommodate most rooms, styles, materials, and design features.
Casement windows: Best for difficult to reach areas, casement windows are vertical and hinged so that they open outwards to the right or left, usually by a crank handle. The ideal spot for casement windows is above a kitchen sink or other openings with a greater height than width.
Sliding windows: Sliding windows open horizontally along the frame. Because of their size, they’re great for letting light into a room or taking advantage of a privileged view.
There are many factors that go into choosing window replacements from your home. Some are unavoidable—the size and location of the window, for example, will limit your choices. Other factors, however, leave you more room for personal choice, for example different colors and materials. Here are some factors to consider when deciding on what types of window replacements to buy:
The size of the opening where the window will go
The location of the window, i.e. what floor it’s on, what room it’s in, what types of weather and light it will be exposed to, and where it will be facing
The amount of ventilation you desire
Reachability and ease of cleaning
Colors, styles, and materials that will accent the inside and outside of your home
Renewal by Andersen offers replacement windows for every type of home and window requirement, from double-hung to bay to picture windows and even specialty doors and awnings. It's got an excellent photo gallery on the website, so you can browse through various window styles and understand definitions before you make your choices.
What’s really great about this company is the free consultation anyone can receive. You’ll arrange the set-time meeting (no windows) during which Renewal by Andersen will assess your home and window replacement needs. The contractor will discuss your options, provide price quotes for the project, and answer any questions you have.
The Home Depot is one of the biggest names in home improvements. The familiar orange logo is synonymous with making your home look, feel, and function better. So, it's only natural that Americans turn to The Home Depot for their home window replacement needs, as well. And for a good reason. The Home Depot has a vast range of attractive and affordable replacement windows, comes with a true lifetime guarantee, and provides professional consultations, measurements, delivery, and installation.
One convenient feature that The Home Depot offers that most other window replacement companies do not is the convenience of scheduling a virtual consultation. From there, you will be connected with a design consultant that will help you based on your unique needs. Of course, The Home Depot offers a free in-house consultation if you want more options, professional measurements taken, and more experienced recommendations. But you can do it all online if you want, and have a professional and licensed contractor deliver and install your windows for you.
Home Window Prices is a simple online search portal that helps homeowners find local professionals who can do window repairs and replacements efficiently. The network is made up of over 100 expert home window replacement services, including prominent names like Marvin Windows and Doors, Renewal by Andersen, and Jeld Wen Windows and Doors. Home Window Prices partners with quality name brands, so homeowners can rest assured they’re getting the best that money can buy.
On top of being an easy online process, Home Window Prices offers some useful information about purchasing and replacing windows right on the website. Find out about different types of window ratings, energy-efficient window models, and more when you browse the clean Home Window Prices website.
HomeAdvisor is an internationally-recognized service that pairs homeowners with the best replacement windows services for them. Working with a large nationwide network of professionals, HomeAdvisor quickly delivers multiple options for you to choose from. What’s really great about HomeAdvisor’s network is the level of professionalism. These contractors are all hand-picked and put through a rigorous screening process that includes a criminal background check and licensing verification (among other things). So, you can rest assured that you are dealing with experts every time.
HomeAdvisor is also excellent at providing useful information. The website is loaded with pages upon pages of interesting articles and guides to help you pick the right windows for your home, your location, and your taste.
Angie’s List is another great tool for finding professional window replacement services. Unlike other services, though, Angie’s List isn’t going to connect you directly with a service. Instead, it allows you to efficiently and seriously compare different local contractors to find the best service for you. How is that different? Angie’s List verifies every review and gives ratings to each contractor individually, so you are actually getting real, honest feedback on a service instead of generic reviews. Angie’s List also offers discounts on services provided.
Angie’s List has oodles of useful information. There are articles upon articles to read through. But if you’re a more visual person, Angie’s List also has photo galleries and videos you can look through to get inspiration, understand the different processes involved, and clarify different terminology you might not be familiar with like bay windows or triple glazed glass.
Modernize is a chic, easy, and smart way to manage your home renovation projects, especially home replacement windows. Similar to Fiverr or other crowdsourced networks, Modernize lets you create a project, sends you multiple bids from a variety of the best replacement windows services, and lets you choose the right one for you. As we said, it's efficient, fast, and really easy to use.
Modernize has a huge network of independent contractors within its system. These contractors bid on your project. That means that everything is very competitively-driven, driving down the final project quote you receive. So, you receive the lowest rates possible for your window replacement project. Modernize also provides inspiration, window buying guides, and other helpful information for homeowners to peruse.
Simple Home Quotes offers free quotes from local contractors for your window replacement. Just enter your details and the company will get in touch within hours with up to 3 estimates to choose from.
Simple Home Quotes doesn’t do window installations itself, so it’s up to you to research the individual contractors and get final pricing for your project. However, the platform can help you kickstart your window replacement project and make it easier to find excellent, affordable local contractors.
Pella is a well-known window manufacturer with a modern website and quoting process plus a huge selection of windows. This company stands out because of the customizability of its products and its reputation for quality. Pella offers wood, vinyl, and fiberglass windows in all major styles.
While some customers have had issues with Pellas Warranties in the past, as long as you read terms and conditions carefully and install the product properly (or request the help of a qualified Pella installer), you shouldn’t have any issue. The great thing about Pella’s windows is there are options if you need special weather protection or have had issues with other windows in the past.
Lowes has a wide selection of windows from major brands to help you with window replacement. The company can fit any budget, with options ranging from aluminum and vinyl to fiberglass and wood. Just keep in mind that customization options are somewhat limited.
The window replacement process at Lowes isn’t ultra-personalized. You can get a free online consultation, but not all locations offer in-home estimates. In addition, installations are done by independent contractors rather than a dedicated Lowes team.