So far, I’ve sat through eight window demos. You’re Welcome! Some were pretty painful, so much so that when a Window Representative refused to leave, I would go outside and play with the dog, hoping they would get the hint. Others, well they weren’t so bad and I can honestly say we’ve met some great people. However, the time it takes is excruciating.
I don’t understand why window companies in Columbus, Ohio won’t provide the cost of a standard size single window without taking up one to two hours of our time?
Be sure to see the Wacky Window Woman Price Comparison Chart to see how Window Companies in Columbus compare one against the other.
New Windows for Home Cost in Ohio
We all get it, there are many variables that can impact the final price to replace windows in our central Ohio homes, but there has to be jumping off point that we as homeowners can use to start and then add on or build in upgrades from there.
As I’ve become more and more educated on replacement windows, I’ve narrowed down the list of things that I’m finding impact the final cost of windows for your home in central Ohio.
- White is standard color, any other color will be an upgrade
- Double-Hung is pretty much the standard – this means both the top and bottom sash tilt in for ease in cleaning the glass – if you want sliding windows or casement windows, those will be higher in cost
- Low E Glass – helps with energy efficiency – this is a coating on the glass that reflects the sun and heat
- Argon Gas – this is filled between the two or three panes of glass – helps with energy efficiency and noise reduction
- Triple Pane Vs. Double Pane – Triple will be a higher cost
- Frame & Sash – Vinyl vs. Composite vs. Wood vs. Fiberglass vs. Aluminum
- Grids if needed to meet Home Owner’s Association Requirements
- Shape and Size – do you have a bay window, a garden window or any windows with rounded tops, that will impact your overall price
- Number of Windows in your project (the more you have the less you’ll pay per window)
- Exterior material of your home – if you have Vinyl, that will be the least expensive vs. if the window installer has to repair/replace/accomodate for stucco, stone, brick or Hardi Plank, there might be some additional costs
- Was your home built before 1978, if so, lead remediation will need to be added to your quote
- Is a Permit required
- Do you have windows that need to be tempered to meet building codes – typically any window that is closer than 18″ to the floor, close to a door, or above/beside a tub or shower, it will need to be tempered – this is the type of safety glass that is more resistant to breaking
How much do Energy Efficient Windows Cost in Columbus, Ohio?
If your current windows are drafty, allow noise to come in or feel cool or hot to the touch, then you likely don’t have energy efficient windows. When it comes to performance of a window, remember that the glass itself and how it’s manufactured is what matters – way more than if the window frame is vinyl or composite. Some window replacement companies try to convince you the frame is the MVP of the window, but it’s not – it’s the glass and how it’s designed by the manufacturer. The glass takes up most of the window real estate, so it’s what you should put your dollars into, not the frame.
If you are trying to save money on your energy bills, then be sure to ask for Low-E glass and Argon Gas in your new windows. Low E glass is a coating on the glass and Argon Gas is used to fill the space between the two or three panes of glass. You definitely want both Low E and Argon Gas.
You can get “cheap” windows that don’t include these items, but then you’re not really upgrading the windows from what you have currently.
Double Vs. Triple Pane Windows, are they worth it if I live in Columbus, Oh?
If you’ve lived in central Ohio for as long as I have, you realize that every Winter and every Summer are different. There are years where we barely get any snow and others that we get pounded with snow. Some Summers are decent and others make us feel like we live in Miami, Florida. Due to the seasonality and change of our weather, it’s a tough call to tell any homeowner in Ohio that they should spend the extra dollars and go for Triple Pane over Double Pane.
For me, because the back of my home faces Wilson Road plus I have a Train Yard about 200 yards away and then add on top of that the the noise from I-270, it’s quite the noise cocktail! The reduction in sound that I would gain from Triple-Pane made the additional cost worth it for me. Triple Pane windows are not soundproof, but darn close. If you are in a quiet neighborhood, then likely the double-pane with Low E Glass and Argon gas filled units would be enough. Only you know what is right for you and your budget.
As you begin to study the Wacky Window Woman Price Comparison Chart, you’ll note that most of the quotes were for double pane, but when I could, I also got a quote to upgrade to Triple Pane.
Full Frame Window Replacement vs insert – Columbus, Ohio
The actual glass unit that fits into the window sash/frame is called an insulated window unit. These can be replaced if the window is generally in good shape and maybe you just have a seal that has broken and is now leaking which can cause condensation or fogginess in your glass.
When should Windows be Replaced in Columbus, Oh
Many of the window companies on my chart will tell you that you need to replace your windows, when maybe you don’t. As I mentioned, maybe you just have a failed insulated unit or two or three or four and they can be replaced for much less than buying a whole new replacement window. If you want some advice on this or even if you just purchased a new home and are not sure if your windows need replaced or maybe you are looking to get your windows updated to increase the asking price for your home when you sell, then Joe at McCloud Windows is a great resource. He’s a retired builder who understands all things home improvement related. When he and I met he shared with me that one time he had a lady who thought she needed new windows, when in fact, she didn’t have the windows locked properly which was allowing air in and was causing some weird noises.
Once he properly locked all her windows, no more noise and no more drafty windows. He’ll be honest with you and help you understand your options and the best route for you to go, even if it means you don’t buy anything from him. He’s just a good guy!
Home Window Replacement Estimate – Columbus, Ohio
I’ve done much of the hard work for you in putting together the Wacky Window Woman Price Comparison Chart. I’ve got more companies I want to bring in, but even I have my limits – I can only handle one or two per week in addition to my full time job! 🙂
Use the chart to estimate the cost of a single window and then you can multiply by the number you have. Be sure to refer to the items in this blog that will impact your final price. The quotes listed in chart are for white, double hung, double pane windows with Low E glass and Argon Gas. It also included two grids for the two windows on the front of my home. My home is four-sides of Vinyl, if you have brick, stone or other material, that will impact your overall final price. Also, if your home was built before 1978, lead remediation may be required, so be prepared for that as well.
Buying replacement windows in Columbus, Ohio doesn’t have to be rocket science and it doesn’t mean you should feel obligated to take a whole week off of work to sit through window presentations. I’ve sat through the demos on your behalf, filtered through the companies in our city and have put together the price comparison chart to help save you some time and money. I hope it helps you narrow it down to one or two you want to consider. If one ‘feels’ like it will be a better fit than another, invite your likely favorite window company in last, so if they fulfill all your wants and needs and also fit into your budget for replacement windows, you can make a decision quickly and get the whole thing behind you.
Be sure to refer to the Wacky Window Woman Price Comparison Chart to see how many of the larger well-known Window Replacement Companies in Columbus, Ohio stack up one against the other.
