Saturday, February 7, 2009

2009 FHI Windows News

FHI Windows has made a bunch of changes to our website design and layout for 2009, here are some of the highlights;

1. Our blog has moved over to the article and review section of our main website, you can view this by clicking FHI Windows Articles and Reviews.

2. After years of our clients sending in testimonials we are finally getting around to publishing some of them. Here are a few of our recent reviews:

* FHI Window Review #5

* FHI Window Review #4

* FHI Window Review #3

* FHI Window Review #2

* FHI Window Review #1

3. Our current price list for replacement windows is now published on the article and review section of our main website. You can find these prices by clicking ---> REPLACEMENT WINDOW PRICES

4. We have added "Live Chat" to every page of our website, article section and this blog. If you have a question just click on the live chat box on the right side of our site and we will do our best to answer your questions.


5. Over the next couple of weeks we will publish a list of prices for bow windows and bay windows. While it seems like 90% of them fall in the $3000-$4000 price range we are getting feedback that people want a list like our double hung window prices list.


6. Our major window vendor is starting to offer some monthly sale prices that we will publish in the article section of our website. While everyone knows that I'm not a fan of raising prices in order to offer a BS discount, if we receive a lower price from our manufacture, we will pass it on to our clients.


7. We will continue to forward any requests for window estimates that are out of our service area to contractors that are local to the person making the request. Since June 2008 we provided this free service for around 60 people without one complaint! If you are looking for a window company in your area just fill out our ----> request for window estimate form.


8. We are looking to add a fiberglass window to our existing product line. The replacement window trend has moved away from wood and now some of our potential clients are looking for options other than vinyl. So far we have yet to find a top quality triple pane fiberglass window that we can sell for under $1000.00!


9. We have finally added a sun room page to our website! For the past 11 years we enclosed porches and created some great looking 3 and 4 season room and now we are offering a full line of 3 and 4 season factory built sunrooms! To view our new sun room page <--click there.


10. We will continue to give out prices over the phone prior to coming to your home to look at your project. In 2008 we found that well over 90% of the time our over the phone price matched our contract price.


If you have any questions, comments or concerns, feel free to;

  • Call us at 508-633-7500
  • E-mail us at charles@replacementwindowpros.com
  • Leave a comment on this blog

Friday, October 24, 2008

FHI Windows Reviews and Customer Testimonials


After 11 years of receiving nice customer reviews and testimonials we have finally decided to post them on our website. If FHI Windows did work at your home and you wish to submit a testimonial, please e-mail us or leave a comment here.

Angie's List Review of FHI Windows



E-mail Testimonial of FHI Windows

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Replacement Window Prices in MA

If your wondering how much replacement windows cost in Massachusetts or Rhode Island then you came to the right place. It seems that most homeowners are upset that replacement window companies will not give them a price unless they meet with both homeowners for a 1-3 hour window presentation.

While I feel that a "to the penny" price can not be given until the actual job is visited and the window options are discussed with the homeowners, this list of prices hold up on about 90% of our window installations. I created a list of prices for "Grade A windows", "Grade B windows" and "Grade C windows. Our company does not sell "Grade D- Grade F" windows, if you want cheap windows that will fail in a few years shop somewhere else!

Grade C Windows are generally used in apartments, condos and homes that are going on the market. They are sort of the "Ford Escort" of replacement windows, they don't fall apart but they lack some of the features and benefits of more expensive windows.

Grade C Double Hung Replacement Window Prices
1-3 Windows $500 each
4-8 Windows $460 each
9-12 Windows $420 each
13-19 Windows $380 each
20-30 Windows $350 each

Grade B Windows are generally for homeowners that require a really good window that offers some features. The windows also provide really good double pane glass with good energy saving ratings.

Grade B Double Hung Replacement Window Prices
1-3 Windows $650 each
4-8 Windows $610 each
9-12 Windows $570 each
13-19 Windows $550 each
20-30 Windows $530 each

Grade A replacement windows are for homeowners that are looking for an investment grade window. These windows come with a great warranty and offer triple pane glass for really good energy savings. Grade A windows are generally used if you plan to live in your home for at least 5-10 years. Since the windows will save you money on your heating and cooling bills, over time the money that you save will pay for the cost of the windows.

Grade A Double Hung Replacement Window Prices

1-3 Windows $855 each
4-8 Windows $795 each
9-12 Windows $755 Each
13-19 Windows $735 Each
20-30 Windows $715 Each

Replacement Window Options

Grills/Grids $20 per sash (a sash is the glass and the glass frame, for example double hungs have two sashes while a casement window only has one).

New exterior 2" PVC Brickmold trim (doesn't rot like wood and does not require painting but you can paint it if you like). $75-$100 per window.

New PVC window sill ( if the outer part of the bottom of your window has rot, we can replace it with PVC so rot will never be an issue again). $20-$40 per window

New interior stops ( the 1.25"-2.5" wood that holds the inside of your windows in place). $20-$30 per window.

New interior Ranch or Colonial moldings $40-60 per window.

As you can see from our price list, the more windows that you buy the better your price is. Our setup, take down and production times are generally reduced on larger jobs and we pass these saving back to you. While the prices her will hold up about 90% of the time we do require a brief visit to your home to confirm sizes, options and to judge how easy or difficult the installation will be.

In reference to the replacement window options list, about 70% of our replacement window installations only require the base price plus grills/grids if you want them. If your interior or exterior trim is falling apart then you can look at the option list for a price.

All of the prices on this page include:
A permit from your town.
Delivery of your new windows.
Removal of your existing windows.
Disposal of you existing windows at a proper landfill.
All taxes.

Our goal is to provide you with our replacement window prices up front so you will have a feel for your project cost before you even call us to set up an appointment! We understand that your time is worth money and we know that our time is worth money. We feel that useless 1-3 hour window presentations will waste every one's time if you don't have a clue what our product will cost you.

Six months ago I began giving out prices over the phone and almost everyone of my clients since have loved the fact that my prices over the phone are the same prices that I quote when I get to their home. The quoted prices are also the same prices that are on the contract since we don't have any hidden charges! If you would like to use use for your replacement window project please fill out our request estimate form and I will contact you within an hour or so.

NOTE- These prices are only for our MA and RI service areas. If you live in one of the other 48 states you can use our request estimate form and we will provide your contact information to a couple of local window companies in your area.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Replacement Window Price Increases

Replacement window prices are going up across the nation while home owners are still figuring out out to pay for this years heating bills.

With gas prices at an all time high people are looking for ways to save some money on their heating bills this winter. In the past new replacement windows, entry doors and patio doors have always provided a relief from the drafts and heat loss. Over the next few months replacement window prices will increase due to many factors:

1. Delivery cost from the window company to the window dealers keep increasing as the cost of diesel fuel increases.

2. The window dealers cost of doing business is increasing as fuel prices continue to rise. Owning a fleet of fuel hungry low MPG trucks can put a strain on any business.

3. The cost of producing the vinyl for windows keeps getting more expensive. Fuel is needed to power the vinyl plants and to transport the raw material.

4. The cost of Krypton gas( the gas between good triple pane windows) is increasing since the window companies and the energy efficient light bulb companies are competing for the limited supply.

It's just odd how a product that can save you energy is now going to cost you more because of the energy that is needed to make it and transport it. If you are looking for replacement windows you might want to start looking now or pay a higher price as the fall approaches. My company is raising our prices 7% starting July 24th to offset some of our recent price increases.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Replacement Windows Articles and Reviews

FHI Windows has just launched a Replacement Windows Articles and Reviews section to our main site. This section will contain:

Replacement Window Articles

Replacement Window Reviews

FAQ's about windows and doors

Some of our recent articles/reviews/ FAQ's include:

Basement Window Types

Replacement Bathroom Windows


Replacement Window Shopping Tips

Wood Patio Door Options

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Basement Window Questions

It's spring and with the spring season comes the basement window season. My replacement window websites are attracting 100's of people each day looking for answers to their basement window questions. I've taken the most popular questions and provided a list in a question/answer format.

Question: How much do basement windows cost?

Answer: We are offering a spring special on basement windows and the price is $335 for a double pane basement window and $405 for a triple pane basement window. This price covers all labor and material except repairing damaged wood. The prices might vary in other parts of the country (outside of our service area).

Question: What are the popular styles of basement windows?

Answer: "Basement Window Types" is an article that I just wrote on the article and review area of my replacement window website. Here are some of the highlights;

Hopper Windows tilt in for easy cleaning and are the most affordable basement window. They also come in a variety of sizes and generally they are not as limited in sizes as some of the other basement window models.

Slider Windows make a great basement window if you have a large opening. With smaller openings they have a cluttered look since the frame takes up as much space as the glass.

Awning Windows make an excellent basement window if your budget permits the extra money. Awning basement windows crank out like a casement window and they will deflect a light rain in the open position.

Question: How long does it take to order basement windows?

Answer: Our turn around time on basement windows is about 4 weeks (from the date of the contract to the date of the installation). Most professional window companies custom order basement windows so they will fit your openings. The ordering process for basement windows is about 3 weeks.

Question: Should we buy vinyl basement windows or wood basement windows?


Answer: Vinyl basement windows should last you a lifetime while wooden basement windows tend to have issues with mold, mildew and rot. I would suggest spending a little extra money and buying a product that will last you a lifetime. It's the "green thing to do"!

Question: Should we look at double pane basement windows or triple pane basement windows?


Answer: Double glass basement windows (double pane) are generally a good choice if you do not heat your basement or if the windows do not receive a bunch of direct sunlight during the summer. Triple glass basement windows (triple pane) are the best option if you are concerned about your heating and cooling bills.

Question: How long does it take to install basement windows?

Answer: A trained installation crew can generally replace all of your basement windows in less than a day.

Question: How do I install basement windows on my own?

Answer: You grab your checkbook and hire a professional window company! It's spring time, enjoy the outdoors and leave the installation chore to the professionals that will make sure that your basement windows are installed properly.

Question: Where do I get estimates for my basement window project?

Answer: If you are looking for basement windows in MA or RI my company would be more than happy to take a look at your project. If you live anywhere else, we can connect you with a few local window companies for free! Either way, use this link for a free basement window estimate.

If you have any questions please leave a comment and I will answer your question.

Other resources:
Basement Windows website

Replacement Window Articles and Reviews

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Are Vinyl Replacement Windows Green

Finally smart homeowners are starting to look at green products when they do home improvements. Since replacement windows are considered as an expensive home improvement, educated consumers are turning to the internet for their research. Most replacement window shoppers want a good window that will save them money on their heating bills, but replacement windows offer a bunch of other rewards;

1. Lower heating bills.

2. Lower air conditioning bills

3. Less fading of carpet, furniture and rugs from the harmful UV rays.

4. Your replacement windows feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

5. Vinyl replacement windows can save you a couple hundred gallons of heating oil a year.

6. The best rated vinyl replacement windows can last you a lifetime.

With this short list (not a complete list) in mind, let's explore how vinyl windows are green.

1. If your heating and air conditioning units are not running as much then they will last longer.

2. If the Low E film on your vinyl replacement windows gives your carpet, furniture and drapes a longer life then they help to save landfill space.

3. If you are not getting the chills sitting next to your windows in the winter you can turn down your heat a couple of degrees and save some oil.

4. Triple pane vinyl replacement windows are projected to save you up to 20-40% on your heating and cooling fuel consumption. If you use 1000 gallons of oil a year that is a savings of 200-400 gallons of heating oil! Imagine if every home switched over to energy efficient windows?

Hopefully by now you are excited about how vinyl replacement windows might be a green replacement window option for your home. A good question at this point is "why are vinyl windows greener than wood or metal windows"? What an excellent question, here's the answer;

1. Vinyl windows that are made of pure PVC will last a lifetime. Generally wood and metal windows will fail in 5-20 years. A lifetime product will save room in our landfills.

2. Most brands of vinyl replacement windows offer triple pane glass. With triple pane glass you achieve the highest possible energy savings.

Good luck on your window project. If you are looking for a free replacement window estimate feel free to click here.

Cost of New Windows

Click on this link to view our 2009 Replacement Window Price List

Question: What is the cost of new windows?

Answer: $300-$2000 each.

The question is sort of like asking how much a new home cost. Cheap replacement windows that are installed by low grade contractors can cost you $300. Good replacement windows that are installed by skilled contractors can cost $400-$1200. A top end wood replacement unit can cost $1200-$2000.

If you are looking for the cost of a new window that is made of virgin vinyl then your price range is between $400-$700 if the glass is double pane. If the glass is triple pane then the replacement windows will cost between $600-$1200.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Triple Pane Windows

Since everyone is looking for information about the benefits of triple pane windows I decided to answer some common questions.

Question: Are triple pane windows worth the extra money?

Answer: In my opinion, triple pane windows will make your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. With less of a strain on your heating and cooling units, they will without a question save you money on your heating and cooling bills.

Question: Are triple pane windows really heavy, are they too heavy?

Answer: No, not at all, the balance system that makes the window go up and down is designed to make the window go up and down with ease. In fact you would not notice a difference if you were blind folded and tried some double pane and triple pane windows.

Question: What's the deal with triple pane windows and the Low E window film?

Answer: Most good quality triple pane windows have two layers of the Low E film. The two layers will block out around 95% of the harmful UV rays compared to around 50% with double pane windows with only one layer.

Question: I hear that triple pane windows can use Krypton gas, is it better than Argon gas?

Answer: Krypton gas is more dense than Argon gas so it insulates better.

Question: Are all triple pane windows about the same when it comes to energy efficiency?

Answer: No! The ratings on triple pane windows are all over the place, you should really pay attention to the "U-factor" when shopping for windows, the lower the number the better. Also a window is only as good as it's frame, stay away from cheap frames.

Question: Should I pay attention to the spacer systems in the triple pane windows?

Answer: First off, a window spacer is what separates the panes of glass (some people are not aware of the term). Window spacers are a very important part of the "glass pack", I would stay away from any metal spacer system since they can transfer the heat from the inside of your home to the outside. I personally like the foam window spacers.

Question: How much should I plan on spending for triple pane windows?

Answer: I would plan on spending between $700-$1000 for a top grade triple pane window. Replacement window cost is different in different areas of the country and there is a difference in cost between the brands.

Question: How do I find good replacement window companies for my project?

Answer: If you live in MA or RI you can contact my replacement window company and if you live in any other state you can request a couple free window estimates by clicking here.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Vinyl Window Cost

It seems like everyone is searching on the internet for vinyl window cost and only a few websites are actually giving you the cost. Recently I reviewed the search terms that people use to find my blog (this blog) and found that people are finding it because they are looking for replacement window cost. Here is a sample of some of the search terms:

basic cost of vinyl windows
vinyl window cost
how much will replacing windows cost?
how much does a window cost
lifetime warranty replacement windows
what does it cost for a vinyl window
how much does the one window replacement cost in Boston
vinyl replacement windows online pricing
how much does a bay window cost
used replacement windows ma
vynal window cost (*note spelling error)
vynle window prices (* note spelling error)
In total we get over a hundred visitors a month looking for replacement window pricing and cost.

If you are looking for cost then I will help you! If you live in MA or RI please visit my Replacement Windows website where you will find my phone number. All you need to do is give me a call and I can give you some ballpark numbers to work with.

If you live outside of MA or RI, please visit my Replacement Window Forum where you can sign up for free. On the forum you can ask any questions relating to your door or window project.

Friday, September 21, 2007

How About A Draft Free Winter

With winter on it's way, now is the perfect time to replace your drafty windows and doors. By replacing your doors and windows you can save up to 35% off of your heating bill! Since heating cost are very high, most people are torn between paying the high heating bills or living in a cold house. Energy efficient doors and windows can cut your heating bill and make your home a more comfortable place for you and your family.

When you add up all of the gaps around a window that is drafty it adds up to the size of a brick! If your house has 12 windows and 3 doors it is like your home is missing 15 bricks. With the cold air pouring in and your heat rushing out the thought of living in this environment is just insane. Wearing extra layers of clothes, placing plastic sheets over the windows or hanging blankets over the windows is not the answer.

New energy efficient doors and windows are the answer if you want a comfortable house and lower heating bills. They are properly weather stripped in order to block drafts and their insulation slows down the heat when it try to escape from your home. With no cold air blowing into your home and the ability to keep your warm air in your home you will able to relax in your comfortable home. You will notice that your furnace cycles on and off less often, this means one thing, you are burning less fuel. Depending on your climate and how bad your existing windows are, you can save 35% on your fuel consumption. I have heard of cases where people saved up to 50%! Add up your heating bills for the past few heating seasons and ask yourself if you would like 35% of that money in your bank account?

The only catch is your new energy efficient doors and windows will need to be installed by a professional door and window company. You can take the best windows in the world and if they are not installed properly they will actually cost you more money to own than your old windows. Generally home builders, handymen, carpenters, and other tradespeople are not professional window installers. If your windows are not installed properly your warranty will become void, your home will be drafty and you will of wasted your hard earned money.

Monday, September 10, 2007


HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT WINDOW COMPANY FOR YOUR NEW WINDOWS

1. How long has the company been in business? Since most new companies do not make it past the first couple of years, it is very important to hire a company that is establish. If your project requires service work or warranty work, will the company be around to service your needs?
There is a big difference between “I’ve been doing this for 20 years” and someone actually running a company for 20 years.

2. Does the company hold the required licenses that the state requires for your project? Both MA & RI require window companies to register with the state. Make sure that you see a copy of the contractors current license.

3. Does the company have a general liability policy? Insurance is expensive for contractors, working with a company without insurance is a very expensive gamble. Ask to see a current copy of their insurance policy.

4. Workers comp insurance is required if the contractor has employee’s working on your project. If someone gets hurt while working on your house and the company does not have a policy the worker can go after your homeowners insurance.

5. Most towns require PERMITS for replacing your windows. The permits are for the towns to make sure that your contractor is using widows that meet the state’s standards. If your project is completed without a permit, you are responsible for the outcome of the job, not the contractor. If the contractor uses windows that do not meet the standards, you are responsible for correcting the problem.

6. How long has the company that actually makes the windows been in business? There are not many companies that have been making windows for several years. You should look for a company that has been making windows for a long time and that will honor their warranties.

7. Window product warranties have small print. Is the lifetime warranty really a lifetime warranty? Do you have to pay for a portion of the replacement parts during the warranty period? Is the warranty transferable in case you sell your house?

8. Labor warranties are also very important! How long is the labor warranty that the company is offering? Do they charge a “service fee” to come look at your problem? Does the company have a partnership with the window manufacture or will they both point fingers at each other while you are stuck in the middle?

9. Does the company conduct criminal background checks on their installers? Are you willing to have people working in your house with a questionable background?

10. Does the company conduct drug testing? Do you want someone working in your house that might have an issue with drug dependency? Can you trust them around your assets and your kids?

11. Does the company have an established business location? Is the company run from the backseat of a car or from a commercial location that you can visit?

12. Can you communicate with the company, do they answer the phone and reply to e-mails in a prompt manner? Are they available for emergency service should you have an issue with your project?

13. Are the installers factory trained? Window manufactures will void a warranty if the project is not installed correctly. You can buy the most expensive widow on the market and if it is not installed properly, the window will fail and you will not have a warranty.

14. Does the window company have a clean record with the state? When you check the on-line complaint forums, does the company appear?

15. Does the company provide you with pictures of completed jobs?

16. Does the company provide you with references that you can call?

17. Does the company have a formal proposal and contract? Does the contract state the starting and completion time frames? Does the contract protect you and the contractor or just the contractor? MA law requires wording that protects the homeowner.

18. How much money is the company looking for up-front? Do they want you to pay in full and then wait months for your project?

19. Do they offer several way to pay for your project? Does the company take checks and credit cards? Do they take the credit cards that you like to use for points and cash back? Do they offer a finance program so you can pay for your project over a longer period of time? Do they offer a deferred payment program so you can start your payments in a few months?

20. Does the company offer a referral program? If you refer them to your friends, neighbors and relatives do they reward you?
A great replacement window company is only a click away.










SCORE AND COMPARE WINDOW COMPANIES

1. How long have they been in business? (1) = not important to me (5) =very important to me.
1 2 3 4 5
2. Do they have the required licenses?
1 2 3 4 5
3. Do they have general liability?
1 2 3 4 5
4. Do they have a workers comp policy?
1 2 3 4 5
5. Will they pull a permit for the project?
1 2 3 4 5
6. Length of time the company has been making windows?
1 2 3 4 5
7. Window product warranty.
1 2 3 4 5
8. Labor warranty.
1 2 3 4 5
9. Does the company conduct criminal background checks?
1 2 3 4 5
10. Does the company conduct drug testing?
1 2 3 4 5
11. Does the company have an establish business location?
1 2 3 4 5
12. Will the company answer you calls and be there for emergency service?
1 2 3 4 5
13. Are the installers factory trained, do they receive annual training?
1 2 3 4 5
14. Does the company have a clean record free of complaints?
1 2 3 4 5
15. Does the company provide you with pictures of similar jobs?
1 2 3 4 5
16. Does the company provide you with references?
1 2 3 4 5
17. Does the company use a formal proposal and contract, is it legal?
1 2 3 4 5
18. How much money do they want up front?
1 2 3 4 5
19. Do they offer you several ways to pay for your project?
1 2 3 4 5
20. Does the company offer a referral program?
1 2 3 4 5

As you can see there is more to picking a company than just the price. The 20 things listed above will give you a rating so you can determine the actual value of the company that you choose. By comparing scores you can get a really good feel of what you are getting for your money. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact us at our website.


Wednesday, September 5, 2007

How Much Does A $200 Window Really Cost?

The average person driving down the street seeing sign after sign littering the telephone poles promoting $200 windows could only conclude that a new window cost $200. After seeing several signs of different colors and with different phone numbers, all new windows must cost $200. Let’s explore what a $200 window really cost.

A $200 window is a base model that is used to attract price shoppers in order to get a salesperson in their home. Generally the salesperson is honest enough to inform you that the window is a piece of garbage and that a good window will cost at least $400+. Let’s assume that the sales person is not honest. When you add on Argon gas and a single layer of Low E to meet the energy codes the price jumps to a little over $300. When the sales person finds that your install is not a “basic install” your price will generally jump another $50-$75 which brings your total to a little under $400. So now we can conclude that a $200 window cost a little under $400.

At this point my article should end, I answered the question correct? Well not really, cheap windows are just cheap windows and are made by companies that make cheap windows. Cheap “vinyl” windows are made of vinyl that is mixed with used plastic. These windows will always began to fade and discolor, the surface begins to chalk like cheap plastic lawn chairs and the material falls apart. The glass is generally a single strength glass which cracks very easily letting cold air in and creating a hazard. The frames are never sturdy and they will sag due to the weight of the glass this prevents the frames from contacting the weather stripping properly. The life span of a cheap window is around 3-5 years before they fail. But wait, the sales guy said that they have a lifetime warranty. A warranty is only as good as the company that stands behind the warranty. There are over 600 names brands of windows in the US today, how many can you name? Companies make a ton of money making cheap products and changing their names every few years in order to avoid warranty issues. Look for a replacement window company that has been in business for a while.

In case you have not put the pieces together yet, a $200 window is actually a $400 window and it will fail in a few years. Once you replace the $400 windows you are at $800 per window. The question now is how long do you want your windows to last before you need to replace them again? Hopefully you will only want to replace them once in your lifetime. So, how about asking the “$200 window company’ for some really good windows? Let’s take a look at the integrity of a company that sells crappy products. Their marketing is illegal in most areas, they litter telephone poles, place flyers under your windshield and call your home even if you are on the do not call list. They offer prices that are low in order to pull a “bait and switch” once they get in your home. They generally have not been in business in one area long enough to answer any warranty complaints. Is this the type of company that you want to buy your product from?

You might need to reread this again to understand how a $200 window turned into an $800 window, it’s hard to stomach! If you are going to spend $800 on a window, please only spend it once in your life!

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Home Improvement Pricing Games



In an effort to attract new customers, home improvement contractors like to run ads with big “discounts”. We have all seen the 25%-50% off ads in our newspapers and in our mail. When the sales person comes to our house there is another 10% off sale if we act today. Some even call their boss to get a few more 10% off discounts. If we add up all the discounts the products must be free!

Heavy discount marketing requires greed on the part of the consumer in order to work. If a consumer wants to pay a fair price for a fair product or service this tactic will not work. Who in their right mind actually believes that someone is offering them vinyl replacement windows or siding for 50% off? If any company discounted their service 50% they would go out of business in a few weeks. Who would want to buy from a company that is going out of business? If the company was going out of business, would they sell more products for a loss to go out of business even quicker?

I think we can agree that the 50% discount is really fishy, let’s see how it works. Let’s say they want to sell their service for $900 a unit. In order to run a 50% off sale their “regular price” needs to be $1800 per unit. If they want to offer a few 10% off deals while they are selling their product in the customer’s home their “regular price” needs to be real high.

Let us use a regular price number of $2500 for a replacement window. They can run an ad for 50% this month only, they don’t want you to wait until next month. Their asking price is now $1250 for each window, when they you this price you will reply that it is to high. Now comes the first “price drop”, a 10 % savings if you act now. Your new price is $1125 for each window. If you balk at this price generally you will get another 10% if you let them place a job sign in front of your home for a few months. You new super low price is around $1000. If you balk at this price thy will call their boss to offer you an even lower price if you agree to sign the deal today, let’s say another 10% off. So far the price went from $2500 all the way down to $900.

It seems like there is no end to the price drops. Some companies will call back a week or two after the appointment to offer a few more price drops. Most consumers hate this tactic because they are afraid to buy before the lowest price. Imagine buying 20 windows for $1250 each ($25,000) and finding out that your neighbor bought the same windows for $800 each ($16,000)? You just overpaid $9000 , would you be angry?

In an effort to combat this time of pricing tactic I promote a “regular everyday price” and 10% off when needed to drive sales. No fabricated sales, no inflated prices, no price drop until they buy tactics, just an honest price for a good product. This type of sales policy does not leave any room for the salespeople to overcharge some people while discounting other people. Hopefully all the consumers who are tired of the pricing games will demand this pricing method from their home improvement contractors. Let’s keep the used car buying experience on the car lots and not in our homes.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

THE BEST REPLACEMENT WINDOWS, HOW DO YOU RATE THEM?


I have been answering the same question over and over again on Home Improvement web-sites, which window is the best. Most window buyers have no idea how to rate a window company.


Rating windows is not as easy as saying one is better than the other one. Consider these things when rating windows:
Looks- which window looks the best to you the owner. Does the window look good viewed from both the inside and the outside?
Function- does the window meet your needs? Do you want the sashes to tilt in for easy cleaning?
Options- does the window company offer the options that you need? How about colors, windows are now sold in several different color both on the inside and the outside. Window screen are now available with several different options.
Maintenance- do you want a window that is easy to clean and does not require any painting or staining?
Warranty- how long is the warranty that they offer? Will the company be around to honor the warranty? Does the warranty cover labor? Is the warranty pro-rated? Do you have to buy replacement parts at an inflated price?
NFRC ratings- Do you care about how good the glass is? Do you understand the benefits of triple pane glass? Do you know the differences between the different spacers? Do you know about Argon gas or Kyrpton Gas?
Customer service- will the company handle your window issues in a timely manner. If one of your sashes (glass) breaks how long will it take to get you a new one.
You should check the BBB reports, and several of the other on-line complaint databases to get a feel for what people are saying about a company.


Please post your questions and I will try to assist you with your home improvement needs.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Great summer window projects

Great summer projects, bay & bow windows, garden windows and enclosed porches.

Looking for low stress project to make your home more enjoyable this summer? We can install a new bay or bow window in your home in under a day. A new bay or bow window will increase your home’s curb appeal and provide a great source of ventilation while our special glass reflects out the harmful sun rays. If you are looking for a way to enjoy your porch all year long, we can enclose your porch with new vinyl sliding windows. Our sliding windows will provide great ventilation during the summer and keep the cold out during the winter. Our garden windows are a great way to enjoy gardening without having to leave your home! The summer only last for a few months so contact us now before the snow flies to get you project started.

Friday, June 1, 2007

Copy Of Blurb Page Ads From Providence and Boston

Not sure if anyone uses the local Blurb pages, sort of a take off from Craigslist. They allow people to post ads for 100 days.


http://www.replacementwindowpros.com/
Your local full service window company. We offer;
double hung windows
casement windows
garden windows
bay windows
bow windows
awning windows
hopper windows

Our windows our available with the following finishes;

white vinyl replacement windows
beige vinyl replacement windows
real wood replacement windows
vinyl wood grain that can be stained

We offer our services in the following towns;
Providence
Warwick
Cranston
Pawtucket
East Providence
Cumberland
South Attleboro
North Attleboro
Plainville
Wrentham
Foxboro
Mansfield
Walpole
Sharon
Westwood
Canton
Dover
Needham
Dedham
Easton
Norton

If you live within 15 miles of these towns contact us for a free window inspection

http://www.replacementwindowpros.com/

Saturday, May 26, 2007

New FHI Windows Website Now Online

After months of planning, our new replacement windows website is complete and available for internet users to browse, get information on Park Avenue windows and to request installation services from a professional window installer, FHI Window Company.

We have included useful information on the features and benefits of various styles of vinyl replacement windows we offer from the Park Avenue Windows Collection. Explore our new Window Showcase for help with choosing the right product for the job.

Visit our site and explore the options that are available when you request services from FHI Window Company. If you have any questions or need assistance with any of the windows we carry, you can contact us through our online form. Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Tuesday, September 5, 2006

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