Replacing Windows? See How Much You Should Spend.

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How much will it cost to replace my windows or doors? That’s probably the single, most-asked question we get. And because it’s also one of the first questions we get, it is difficult to answer without knowing very critical information about the installation, size, options and many other details. Our professional, no-obligation consultations are the best and most accurate way to answer the question as our design experts will help educate you on various features and options and provide you with exact pricing for your project.

While you can see how providing a price over the phone without seeing your home or knowing your needs is challenging at the least, we don’t want you to start your window or door project in the dark. So let’s talk about some price ranges and other information. Keep in mind, a consultation is the single, best way to know exactly what you need, so use the following information for basic price guidance only.

Window pricing covers a wide range starting at a few hundred dollars for a basic small, single hung window and ranging to several thousand dollars for a very large custom window with many added features. Doors follow a wide range too, with a basic steel door installed starting around $1,900 while an elaborate double door with transom and sidelines might be several times that much or more.

The Cheapest May Be The Most Expensive

Keep in mind that these prices include all hardware, finishing, professional installation and a full warranty. And since window and door products generally follow the “get what you pay for” mantra, we typically don’t carry products in the lowest end of the range that don’t meet our minimum quality criteria. Some of these “budget” products may need to be replaced much earlier than a quality product resulting in a higher lifetime cost.

Focus On The Return On Your Investment…

One of our favorite resources for pricing and value is the “Remodeling 2017 Cost vs Value Report” (www.costvsvalue.com)1. This detailed industry report provides average prices for several styles of window and door installations. The report can be viewed nationally or specifically for the Louisville market.

The “Cost vs Value Report” also provides a projected return on investment for many home improvement projects. For instance, a professional install of 10 upscale wood windows with exterior aluminum cladding can recoup 70.7% of the project cost or $12,898 in added home value based on an estimate of $18,245 invested. Another example is a mid-range fiberglass entry door replacement. The “Cost vs Value Report” estimates you would recoup 85.1% of your cost or $2,739 in added home value from a $3,219 investment in the door and installation. Nice!

…And Added Energy Efficiency

Savings on heating and cooling bills will vary greatly depending on the condition of your windows, doors and the rest of the envelope of your home. It’s safe to say your home with be more comfortable with new windows or doors if you had drafts around your old windows or doors. We had a recent project where the homeowners saved 75% on their heating bills that they attributed primarily to new windows. That’s very high and not typical, but it can happen and at least some energy savings should be factored into your investment return.

Do A Little Each Year

As you start crunching numbers in your head, you may see costs that don’t match your budget. Have no fear. We have many repeat customers that do a few windows at a time or a door and some windows. We’ll work with you and your budget to put together a plan and a schedule for your home.

Read More: Why Replacing Your Windows In Stages Might Make Sense For You.

Get Started Today!

Give us a call at 502-896-1717 to schedule an professional, in-home consultation. It’s the first step to finding out exactly what your specific needs are and how to make the most of your budget. And in the end, you’ll love how new windows and doors can transform your home. Interested in low-e glass as a replacement window? Read out blog about it here!

1 © 2017 Hanley Wood, LLC. Complete data from the Remodeling 2017 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.

A Look Back at Door Store and Windows Over the Years

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In celebration of our 20th anniversary, we want to take a look back at some of the milestones of our business.
October 1, 1997 – Ann Gregory and her father, John Gregory open The Door Store in Hikes Point Shopping Center on Taylorsville Road with partner, David Doctor. Focusing exclusively on replacement doors, The Door Store was a unique concept for the Louisville market.

1998 – Within the first year, the Door Store installs its 100th door and starts to establish itself as an expert in Louisville door replacement.

2003 – The Door Store becomes Door Store and Windows as the company adds window products to meet customer needs for a replacement window and door company with outstanding design and installation expertise. In 2006, the company becomes an authorized installing retailer for Marvin Windows and Doors and quickly becomes one of Marvin’s star dealers.

July 4, 2005 – Door Store and Windows moves from Hikes Point Plaza on Taylorsville Road to a highly visible and easily accessible location on Shelbyville Road. The new office/showroom facility more than triples the available showroom space for the company and adds office and warehousing space.

March 2006 – As Door Store and Windows continues its growth, Ann’s sister, Laurie Scarborough joins the firm for a “temporary” period of time to help with strategic planning, marketing, accounting and operations. Nearly ten years later, Laurie finally trades her fold-up table for a real desk and takes on a partnership role in the business.

The heart of Door Store and Windows is the team. Every member has been critical to the success of the business. Several team member additions signaled major changes and milestones for the company. Craig Rowe was hired as Lead Installer and Installation Manager in 2006. Don Erickson was brought in to establish the new construction division of the business in 2009. Virginia Bell took on CFO duties in 2015 and has recently assumed the role of Operations Manager.

2013 – Finding the best manufacturer/partners has always been a key to Door Store and Windows’ success. The company evaluates and scrutinizes every partner and found a gem with ProVia Doors. ProVia has been producing high quality entry, patio and storm doors in Ohio’s Amish country for almost 40 years and truly meets high standards of excellence.

2014 – Despite difficult prevailing economic conditions from the financial crisis and the associated housing collapse, Door Store and Windows finds the right combination of great value and outstanding customer service to continue its sales growth and receive Marvin’s highest dealer recognition – the Marvin President’s Club award – for the first time. Every year since then, the company has been awarded the Marvin President’s Club award and the ProVia Platinum Club award in the same year.

2016 – Door Store and Windows is named Window & Door Magazine 2016 National Dealer of the Year. As the first Kentucky company to be awarded this honor, the company is profiled on the cover of the window and door industry’s top national publication, Window & Door Magazine, and established as a nationally-recognized industry leader.

October 1, 2017 – Door Store and Windows rings in their 20th anniversary and will celebrate by honoring the team members, stake holders, vendor/partners and, of course, the local community for helping create outstanding customer experiences for Louisville homeowners for two decades.

 

Multiple Window and Door Styles Can Be Crafted For a Unified Look

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There are a number of different window styles available – casement, double-hung, picture and more – each designed for a particular use. But how do you use the different styles together without your house looking like a hodge-podge of window openings? We can help.

Can You Find The Four Different Window and Door Styles In This Picture?

While all of these windows and doors look very similar, this photo shows four different styles of window/door in use – casement (at left in kitchen), double-hung (corner above lamp), and picture windows (next to double-hung) along with sliding doors (next to picture window and far right). Notice how well the different styles of windows and doors maintain the “two-over-two” grid pattern.

Watch the video at right to find out more about how the architect put the appropriate style of window/door where it was needed.

Changing Grid Pattern Sizes and Muntin Styles

Before

The original windows in this home were a mish-mash of grid pattern sizes and muntin usage that didn’t match the proportions of the house.

 

 

 

After

Adding external muntins, changing to a larger grid pattern size and adding muntins to the half-round windows makes this home look more stately.

 

 

 

Call one of our design consultants at 502-896-1717 to get started on your project. We can help you transform your home with new windows or doors.

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Why Replacing Your Windows In Stages Might Make Sense

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Replacing a house full of windows sounds like a daunting task, right? Great news – it does not have to be! Quite often we meet homeowners who know they need to replace most if not every single window in their home. However, they are not ready to tackle such a large project all at once. Or, they know the project will be more than this year’s budget. Or, just maybe, this first time purchase is scary and the homeowners want to test the waters – see if they like the product and the installing contractor.

It’s Smart To Replace Your Windows A Few At A Time.

Regardless the reason, it is okay to change out your windows over several years. You do not have to compromise. Buying windows for your home is a big investment and you don’t have to make the investment all at once.

Check Out These Before and After Images Of A Recent Project:

     

Here’s How It’s Done

One recent project shows how replacing windows in stages can be more manageable for your nerves and your budget. These homeowners found extensive rot and general loss of function for many of their windows and wanted to replace them with energy-efficient models that offered key features for their lifestyle. The 1926 home included 42 windows and was a perfect candidate for replacement in stages to meet the homeowners’ feature and budget needs. They added a touch of architectural style by replacing the original 6 over 6 grille design with a 3 over 1 design.

MONEY SAVING TIP: If you purchase five to eight windows at a time, your window dealer can offer you the best price on installation because their team is fully employed for the day. Also, the right designer/consultant/retail dealer can offer suggestions on window designs that can maintain the architectural integrity of your home and also save money – not all windows have to be re-created exactly as they were.

Now For The Big Question: Which Windows To Do First?

How do you know which windows to replace first? In this case, the decision was based on a combination of regaining functionality and retaining proper aesthetics. The original kitchen windows were difficult to open and close, so adding functional windows to this part of the home was important. In addition, the homeowners decided to replace all the windows on the kitchen side of their home to avoid a potential mismatched look from the change in grille pattern. Insert windows were used to avoid disturbing the original interior trim. The results are impressive. Even with the grille changes, the new windows look like they had always been part of the charming home’s architecture. And the homeowners were thrilled to get exactly the windows they wanted for their home within a budget they could manage.

Why Wait Any Longer?

Follow your wishes. Do not compromise for cost or time, because as you can see, both are negotiable! If you are ready, jump right in and replace all of your windows. Or, take a more measured pace and replace five to eight windows a year until the project is finished. The choice is up to you. Take as many “bounds” as you need!

Adding A Personal Touch To New Window Installation

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One of the real thrills of our business is to hear the stories of the relationships between homeowners and their homes. Often, people look at their home as simply an inanimate object. But others look at their homes as though they are a close, longtime friend. MaryGrace F. and Kathy K. are the latter. Their delightful Clifton Heights home is steeped in history and they have spent quite a bit of time uncovering its past while returning it to its original splendor.

House Was Moved From Original Location

Originally built in the late 1800s in the Clifton Heights area overlooking the Ohio River, the home and surrounding property was purchased by Warren Clay Callahan, a developer who used the home as his residence and business office. In 1910, Mr. Callahan subdivided the property around the home and created the Indianola neighborhood. Mr. Callahan named one of the subdivision streets after himself (Warren Road) but that road was situated behind his house. It is speculated that to correct this situation, Mr. Callahan moved his home about 500 yards to its current location fronting Warren Road and facing the Ohio River.

Unexpected Discoveries

MaryGrace and Kathy approach the renovation of their home in stages and each stage seems to bring an unexpected thrill, like finding out that their house was moved. Other unexpected discoveries include finding an old linoleum area rug in good shape under a layer of shag carpeting in their attic bathroom and uncovering a recessed area in the dining room behind lathe, plaster and wallpaper to reveal late 1800s era wallpaper. The couple converted the recessed portion to a curio cabinet and it is now on display in the room.

Window Showcases Personal Artwork

The latest renovation involved replacement of a vinyl front facade window. MaryGrace worked with the Door Store and Windows to create a place to show off a stained glass panel made by Kathy several years ago. The window happened to be the same width as the stained glass art, so we were able to design a two-wide Marvin Ultimate Casement window with a transom to display and protect the piece of art which was mounted on the inside transom frame. The stained glass artwork brought a personal touch to the window replacement project and will provide lasting memories for the homeowners.

Want to “Pretty-Up” Your Porch?

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Look at this lovely redo! Easy, breezy fix!

Took a dated porch complete with aluminum jalousie windows and a heavy, dark security door, and made it into a new favorite place to sit and enjoy the weather.  Sweet!

BEFORE

AFTER