What to ask your salesman!

Questions You Should Ask Your Window Sales Rep Before Buying New Windows

Replacing windows is a big purchase. For most homeowners it’s something you might do once or twice in your entire life, and depending on the house it can easily run $20k–$60k or more.

The problem is a lot of window salespeople focus on closing the deal, not actually explaining what you’re buying.

If you’re getting quotes, here are some straightforward questions you should ask your window rep before signing anything.

1. Are these replacement windows or full-frame windows?

This is one of the biggest things homeowners misunderstand.

A replacement window goes inside your existing frame. It’s cheaper, but you lose some glass area.

A full frame window means the entire unit comes out and gets rebuilt from the studs out.

Ask your rep:

Which one are we doing and why?

2. What’s the actual energy rating?

You’ll hear a lot of marketing talk about “energy efficient.”

What actually matters is:

• U-Factor (how well it keeps heat in during winter)

• SHGC (how much solar heat comes in)

Here in Maryland the U-factor matters most, especially during those cold January nights.

3. What glass package is included?

Not all glass is the same, even if the windows look identical.

Ask if it includes:

• Low-E coating

• Argon gas

• Double or triple pane

• Tempered glass where required

A lot of entry level quotes leave this stuff out.

4. Are these custom built or stock windows?

Some companies install stock sizes and then fill the gaps with trim or filler pieces.

Custom built windows are made to the exact opening and usually seal better.

It’s worth asking.

5. What material are the frames made from?

Most homeowners will see options like:

• Vinyl

• Fiberglass

• Wood

• Composite

They all behave differently with temperature changes and long-term durability.

For example, fiberglass expands a lot less in heat and cold.

6. What insulation gets installed around the window?

This is something many homeowners never think about.

Ask if installers use:

• Low expansion foam

• Insulation

• Air sealing

The window could be great, but if the install isn’t sealed properly you’ll still feel drafts.

7. Who actually installs the windows?

This one matters a lot.

Ask:

• Are the installers employees or subcontractors?

• How long have they been installing windows?

A great window installed poorly will still perform badly.

8. What’s the real warranty?

Sales reps love talking about “lifetime warranties.”

But ask:

• Does it cover labor?

• Glass breakage?

• Is it transferable if you sell the house?

Not all warranties are equal.

9. What happens if you find rot when the windows come out?

This happens more often than people expect.

When old windows come out, sometimes you find:

• Rotten framing

• Water damage

• Insulation issues

Ask how that work is priced before the project starts.

10. Are you replacing interior trim or reusing it?

Some installers reuse the old trim.

Others replace it with new casing.

It can change how the finished window looks inside the house.

11. How long will the job take?

Typical installs look like:

• 1–2 days for smaller homes

• 3–5 days for larger houses

Ask how many installers will be working and whether the job will be completed straight through.

12. Do we need permits?

In many Maryland counties you might need a permit depending on the project.

Ask if the contractor pulls the permit and whether it’s included in the price.

13. What’s the lead time?

Windows usually aren’t sitting in a warehouse.

Typical lead times right now:

• Vinyl: 4–6 weeks

• Fiberglass or custom: 6–10 weeks

It’s good to know before planning the project.

14. How much glass am I losing?

Replacement windows usually have thicker frames than older wood windows.

That means slightly less visible glass.

Have the rep show you the difference.

15. Can you break down the price?

Ask them to explain:

• Window cost

• Installation cost

• Trim work

• Disposal of old windows

• Permits

Transparency makes comparing quotes much easier.

Final Thought

A good window rep should have no problem answering these questions.

If someone gets uncomfortable when you ask them, that’s usually a sign to slow down and get another opinion.

New windows should make your home:

• more comfortable

• more efficient

• and look better

Not leave you wondering what you actually paid for.