6 Mistakes People Make When Buying New/Replacement Windows

Buying new or replacement windows that are right for your home or business can be a daunting task with the multitude of window choices available. Avoiding false information and knowing what not to do is key to making a purchase that you feel comfortable with and will last for years to come. While purchasing windows can be a frustrating process, we’ve identified through 20 years of window manufacturing the top six mistakes people make when buying windows.

Casement Windows 

1. Cost-only thinking

When shopping for windows, the low-priced choices may seem attractive to you (and your wallet), but will end up costing you much more in the future. You don’t want to end up with windows that will need to be replaced soon after purchase – you want windows that can stand the test of time. Purchasing an inferior product based on price tag alone is asking for trouble.

Mistakes People Make When Buying Windows

2. Expensive doesn’t equal fair value

Buying the most expensive window doesn’t always translate to a great purchase. You may not need to pay as much as the window company is quoting you, or need the bells and whistles that are being sold. You can avoid this by asking questions, researching online, and avoiding impulse purchases. Keeping a clear head while a pushy salesman pitches his products can be tough, but you will be rewarded for your patience when you buy the window you are satisfied with.

Selecting Windows

3. Ignoring security and functionality

A stylish window is a great addition to your home, but you ignore functionality and security, you’re putting your weakest point of entry at risk. Bad weather and other unsavory possibilities could cause trouble, so it’s important to choose the right option for keeping your home safe.

4. Not focusing on style and type

Whether you’re buying a new window or replacing an old one, the type of window matters. By buying the same type of window, you miss out on a window that better fits your home’s design and could have better functionality. Your window is being replaced for a reason – a long-lasting substitution based on material, look, efficiency, and style makes a difference.

Buying New Windows

5. Lack of research

When making important decisions like buying a house, selecting a school for yourself or your children, or buying a car, I’m sure you did your research beforehand. Think of what would have happened if you didn’t? The same applies to buying windows – knowledge is power.

Here are a few tips to get you started and questions you should ask yourself:

  • What does the window company’s reviews look like on Google and Facebook? Their clients’ opinions can shine a light on whether they are the best fit.
  • Do they respond quickly to your email or phone call? Their customer service at first contact is a pretty good indicator for later interactions.
  • Check Google to see if there are any notable complaints.
  • Do they cater to your specific needs, ex. offering custom work, guaranteed energy efficiency, environmentally friendly etc.
  • Is their ordering process transparent? And how does it compare to competing companies?
  • What does their warranty process look like?

Bay Windows

6. Not preparing for maintenance

A brand new window will not safeguard your home from bad weather and intruders forever, but a durable material will keep maintenance costs to a minimum. Wooden, vinyl and fiberglass, and steel windows all require different amounts of servicing after purchase. Think about your long-term costs when selecting windows for your home.

Make the right choice

At Portella, we specialize in the design, manufacture and supply of individually engineered, high-quality steel windows. Our black metal windows are made from 100% recyclable, durable steel to boost the eco-credentials of your project. As well as market-leading sustainability, they also exceed all industry standards, providing a unique, luxurious and high-end finish to any development or renovation project. Get in touch to request a quote and get your project moving.


Make Portella a part of your next renovation or new architectural design. We provide high-quality steel doors, steel windows, and so much more. Find out more about us or get in touch today to see how our products can make a big difference in the look of a building’s architecture.

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