The Truth About ‘Big-Box’ Windows vs. Custom Installations

If you’re like many homeowners, you love your home and all the little quirks that make it unique. When it’s time to replace your windows, you may think about heading to a local big-box store that sells replacement windows. But you wonder whether you’ll be able to get the window sizes you need to fit the openings in your home. Are they standard? What about the styles—especially that half-moon window above the front door? What about the frame color—will you be stuck with white because that’s what’s in stock?

These are all valid concerns when it comes to window shopping at the big-box store. Another big concern relates to installation. After all, any windows you select will have to be installed, and window installation is not widely considered to be a DIY project for most homeowners. Even if the big-box store offers installation by a third-party window installer, will you have the opportunity to evaluate the installer’s skills and experience before the job? Will the window manufacturer honor any warranties you receive if the windows you buy aren’t properly installed?

A Better Way to Replace Your Home’s Windows

Entrusting your project to a well-established local window installation company that offers high-quality custom windows is far more likely to deliver the results you want for your window replacement investment. Here are a few of the reasons:

Precision Sizing

With custom windows, any selections you get will be precisely sized to fit the openings of your home, no matter its age, architectural style, or other characteristics. Usually, a window replacement pro will measure your windows during your initial consultation. Not only will you have peace of mind that your windows are measured correctly, but also the contractor will take responsibility if any mistakes are made in the measurements.

Another benefit of choosing new windows that are custom-sized for your home is that they will fit snugly in their openings with little or no need for adjustments during installation. This helps eliminate any tiny openings that could allow air or moisture infiltration, and it also contributes to a tailored appearance that will enhance your home’s curb appeal.

Guidance Through the Selection Process

When you buy custom windows, you’ll have a variety of options to choose from, including frame colors and window styles, such as double-hung, casement, sliding, awning, specialty shapes, and more. A professional window consultant can help save you valuable time by listening to your goals and helping you select the options that meet your needs and suit your tastes.

You may even want to replace an existing window style with a different one—say, you’re tired of trying to lift the sash of that double-hung window above the kitchen sink and you’d like to have an easy-to-open casement window there instead. Even the most helpful big-box store employee is unlikely to have the expertise to tell you whether that’s feasible in your particular home.

Installation Services by Experienced Pros

A high-quality window installation requires trained installers who use specialized tools and adhere to the window manufacturer’s specifications. When you choose custom replacement windows from a local contractor rather than a big-box store, you’ll have the opportunity to evaluate the company’s performance based on online reviews, industry awards, and customer testimonials before you hire them instead of having to accept whatever installer is assigned to your job.

Majors Home Improvement Stands Ready to Help

If you live in the Pensacola, Florida, area and you’re planning to replace the windows of your home, you can feel confident turning to Majors Home Improvement for high-quality custom windows that come with equally high-quality professional installation services. We offer energy-efficient vinyl-frame windows as well as hurricane impact windows. Contact us today to learn more.