Colorado residents residing within Douglas County  now have one more reason to take advantage of a new energy efficient rebate program. The rebate, is a 20% rebate directly from Douglas county with a maximum of $1,000 returned.  If a homeowner spends money on energy effient windows in Douglas County, 20% of the contracted price is refunded back from the county. It will come in by check ,three to six weeks after the job is completed.

The county does require homeowners to pull permits for the job, however. The contractor also needs to be licensed in Douglas county and most commonly, the contractor will handle the permit. After the job is complete, Douglas county will send a inspector out to review the install and verify new windows were installed. After the inspectors leave, simply fill out the one page form and send in the contract. The county will then send you a check for 20% of the contracted price.

This, combined with the 30% discount applied by the federal $1,500 tax credit, can help the homeowner to save up to 50% of the cost of the windows! What a wonderful time to take advantage of these savings.

Anderson windows has a newer line of windows called 100.  Anderson is a industry leader, selling more windows each year  than any other company today. It was important for Andersen to recognize how different the window industry is today compared to even five years ago.

Andersen’s new 100 series windows, including every window in our on-line catalog meet the .30 U-factor .30 SHGC requirements for the 2010 tax credits. The Fibrex® material was invented by Andersen, and is in large part wood particles left from shavings from their other wood window products. The new material is a innovative and environmentally friendly way to offer high performance windows, at a reduced cost.

Andersen offers this product without some of the common features you’ll find on other windows in their line. Vent stops, for example, are not available on the 100 series. The reduction in some of the “nice to have” features often available in higher end windows is may not be a major contributing factor for consumers hoping to save some extra money while looking to replace their old drafty windows.

Overall, the Andersen  100 line can offer a reduced cost for people bargain shopping new windows. The added incentives offered by the tax credit and by Andersen in rebates up to $175 are all great reasons for consumers to consider this line a strong contender.

We’re excited to say that we’re starting to see the window industry and the weather starting to heat up. As the busy season approaches. We want to remind you, that if you’re planning to purchase windows in 2010, now is the time to get serious!

In 2009, Denver window companies received a influx of interest late in the year. People wanted to get their hands on the $1,500 tax credit that was available, and had to get their windows installed before the year ended. For many, waiting too long to talk to a window company resulting in missing the opportunity to get in on the credits for 2009.

If you’re thinking of buying new replacement windows, denver area residents should move quickly! This year, many companies are predicting a 2-3 month wait for windows to be installed. This could easily be longer. Don’t wait and miss this opportunity request a quote to speak with a industry expert today!

Many people are more interested in getting a general idea on the cost of new windows and not a full fledged quote. Well, that’s a tricky question and it’s very difficult to estimate with any level of accuracy.

So, for what it’s worth, I will give you some generalizations. But, you’ve been warned – window’s vary in price significantly based on features, materials, install needs and the overall size of the window.

The best of the best, for top end quality, expect to pay top dollar. You could spend thousands per opening for the worlds most efficient windows. While the best windows on the market will initially require big investment, the payout is that most of these windows will pay for themselves in 15-20 years. That’s dependent of coarse, on what is coming out and a number of other factors. You may not recoup the full window cost for more than 40 years with energy savings alone. Also, consider the fact that the windows will increase the value of your home by between 50-90% of the cost of the new windows. But I digress…

If you’re looking for a general high end window, plan on roughly $500-$800 per opening.

A more basic vinyl replacement window with 2 panes of glass and middle of the line features and energy savings will range significantly but a $300-$600 per opening would be fair.

The lower quality and lower efficiency windows that in many cases may just marginally outperform the windows in your home currently, can run from $100-$300 per window opening. If you’re considering one of these windows, and you currently have a vinyl or similar composite window with 2 panes of glass, you’re not going to see much change in your excel energy bill. If you’re current windows function and you can save for a better investment in higher grade windows I would highly recommend it.

Many real estate professionals will consider windows as they ‘flip’ or remodel a home. The selection they’ll make for windows should they determine they need to be replaced should vary. A high end home should receive at very least a medium grade double or triple pane window. With the potential to reclaim a very large percentage of the cost of the windows in the resale value of the home, it’s best to consult with a Realtor or appraiser for determining the window grade to consider. As the neighbors who have replaced their windows. If you’re window quality is significantly lower than the smith’s next door, you’re likely to be hurting the home’s value and sell-ability.

Have a specific question on how much you should expect to pay for windows? Post it in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer any questions you may have!

Some consumers feel as if they need to buy windows that carry a brand name (Household name). They feel as if they must buy from a large brand name (Household name) company as well.

As discussed in a earlier post, If you spent 450.00 to have a window installed in your home you just bought a 150.00 window if you bought it threw a small (Mom and pop company) company spending zero to little on advertising. A small company usually only sells a few different lesser known brand names (NOT house hold names) in order to keep there orders to the factory up so they are insured the best wholesale price on the window. They must offer better service ( A person touch) and features that surpass the larger companies in order to survive. If you paid 450.00 then it is safe to say the window cost is around 150.00, the labor was about 150.00 and there was 150.00 profit for the owner to run the business( Half of that would go to the salesperson if they have one).

If you spent the same With a large window company with a household brand name how does the break down look like? They spend millions of dollars to become household names and the consumer pays that expense. The laborers are paid less than the labor paid to an laborer working for a small company. There is more specialization in labor coming from a smaller company with less turn over in workers than in large company’s. If you paid 450.00 for a product that you see as a equal product than your window is really only a fifty dollar window instead of 150.00 window purchased from smaller companies.

McDonald’s is a household name that sells cheeseburgers. More cheeseburgers than any other burger place in the world. Everyone has bought a cheeseburger from McDonald’s at least once. Most of us realize that the burgers are sub par in quality, have fillers in there meat and are a waste of money. We understand that the labor costs are very low in order to have a larger profit margin. They also employ unskilled laborers. Do you think its possible to pay a similar price for a burger at a local mom and pop burger joint and get real meat in the burger, have it be more tasteful and have it prepared by slightly more skilled employees?

So  do you really need to buy from a household name in the window world?  Your resale on your home will not be any higher with household brand name windows, but your wallet will be lighter. Your best value on windows may be to look outside the box and shop around.   There are obviously several factors to add to the mix beyond price as well, be sure you’re considering the benefits you’ll receive from working with smaller companies.

I bet your favorite place to eat is somewhere other than McDonald’s. Your favorite contractor could be someone that you might not have even heard of yet.