Beware of the Latest Scam When Buying New Windows
3 pros!
Buyer beware: unscrupulous contractors and shady deals are everywhere.
Buying replacement windows is a big investment. Yes, the new windows can help save you money down the road as they improve your home’s energy efficiency, but the cost of replacement windows isn’t cheap.
RELATED: Do Energy Efficient Windows Work?
As you decide what replacement windows work best in your house, and who to hire for the installation, keep in mind some of these scams that plague the window industry.
Price seems too good to be true
Everyone likes a good deal, right? And on the surface, there might not seem like anything’s terribly wrong with a particular offer, but window experts advise homeowners take a closer look.
“The biggest bait and switch comes in advertising,” says Justin Howe, owner of The Window Experts in San Antonio. “When someone advertises a window for $199, be sure to read the fine print. It’s probably a size that no one has and doesn’t come with the energy efficiency options. By the time they get done with the sales pitch, the true price is about $450 to $500 a window.”
Howe advises homeowners receive multiple bids before buying replacement windows, and take note of how the company, contractor or the sales representative make you feel.
“Ultimately the contractor you’re working with determines the quality of product and installation,” he says. “If you feel like you’re working with a less quality person, chances are you’re getting a less quality product.”
Another pricing scheme to be wary of is the “buy one at full price and get one half off” ploy, or companies offering “free” labor. Inevitably, the company will profit one way or another (such as higher initial prices, disposal fees, etc.) and unsuspecting homeowners end up paying more than they anticipated.
“Anything that’s more than a 10 percent discount is a red flag,” says Andy Lindus, chief operating officer of Lindus Construction in Baldwin, Wisconsin. “There’s always a markup to cover that cost.”
You must buy now
The promise of getting a better price is always tempting. But if a window company insists you sign on the dotted line immediately (and thereby forgo any opportunity to obtain bids from others), be careful.
“Any ‘sign today’ discounts should be an automatic red flag,” Lindus says. “That’s somebody playing on your emotions. They don’t want you to have time to think about it.”
Abby Binder, owner of Abby Windows in Milwaukee, says some window companies might inflate the price by as much as 50 percent, and then work their way down to a more reasonable price that’s only available for a limited time.
“They give the customer a sales structure that’s disappearing by the minute,” she says. “They make it look like a really good deal and pressure you into buying.”
Binder also reminds consumers that it’s illegal for window companies to proclaim a certain amount of savings is guaranteed on a homeowner’s energy bill if he or she installs new energy efficient windows.
“Companies can’t make savings pledges in their advertising,” she says. “They can’t make those promises.”
So, while buying new windows might not be as easy as buying new shoes, homeowners can avoid scams and advertising schemes by doing their due diligence.
“Replacement windows are a big investment and you should thoroughly research each company, window, and installation method for your home so you fully understand what to expect,” says Jeff Ford, owner of Windows by Jeff in Jenks, Oklahoma. “I’d also encourage people to be skeptical of a sales person who spends time bashing other companies. A legitimate contractor should talk about what they can do for the homeowner.”
Have you experienced sneaky sales tactics when it comes to buying new windows? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
