Jim's Blog

COMPANIES ARE COMPETING TO SELL THE CHEAPEST WINDOW.  WE CHOOSE NOT TO  COMPETE.  WHY?

1.    Our logo states:   "Because Quality STILL Matters".

2.    IF a service call is needed there is no extra charge during the warranty period.

3.     Windows under $200 require more service calls than we have time for.

4.    Our largest source of business is repeat customers and referrals from satisfied customers.

5.    We don't use "bait and switch" tactics.

6.    "Extras" are included in our price.

7.    Our windows meet and exceed "Energy Star" requirements.

8.    If I meet you in a dark alley , I don't want to be afraid

Arch Home Improvements will save you money on utility bills, plus you'll have quality windows installed properly.

You've seen the ads, "Double Hung Windows for Under $200". 

We know, almost instinctively, that something must be missing, but we've heard it so often that we could begin to believe it really is a bargain.  It isn't.  What we've heard all our lives, "You get what you pay for," is true for windows.

But, what kind of quality and service can you expect?  Is this the final price of a window you would actually want in your home?

Typically the under $200 windows don't come close to being energy star compliant.  Energy star is a rating set up by the federal government to rate various products on energy use or savings.  Sometimes these windows can be "doctored up" to meet the requirements.  This, of course, comes with a price tag and you still have a low-end window.

One complaint mentioned in "Replacement Contractor", a magazine for home improvement professionals, is that "the low-price guys use bait-and-switch advertising to get a foot in the door, then upsell gullible homeowners."

Another complaint "Replacement Contractor" quoted is "'bottom feeder' subcontractors who will install the product in half or a third of the normal time because they're being paid half or a third of market rate. And another: Low-price companies don't stand behind their product because, should there be a problem, they don't make enough profit to be able to afford to service it once it's installed."

And finally "Replacement Contractor" quotes this, "How could anyone sell a window, at retail, and install it, for less than what manufacturers typically charge dealers or distributors on a per-unit basis?"

"Replacement Contractor" discusses one company's tag line which says "Simply the best for less."  It seems the "The Better Business Bureau" doesn't agree.  The magazine says, "the two organizations have engaged in an ongoing dispute, with the national ...organization finally electing to withdraw from the BBB."

No one wants to pay too much, but English writer John Ruskin said the following:

"It's unwise to pay too much, but it is worse to pay too little.  When you pay too much, you lose a little-that is all.  When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do.  The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot-it can't be done!

If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run.  And if you do that, you will  have enough to pay for something better."  

So then, how much should you pay for good quality windows that are properly installed?

Another magazine "Remodeling" has some great guidelines, not only for window projects, but for many projects.  Simply go to www.costvsvalue.com and find out what real estate appraisers and other true professionals know windows and other projects should cost.

In many cases we are able to beat these prices.  One reason is that we buy directly from the manufacturer. 

If you have any questions about windows or any other project, I would be delighted to discuss them with you.