Real Estate

BEAUTIFUL NEW WINDOWS ARE A SMART INVESTMENT

Are your current windows dull, aging, discolored or lackluster? Are they drafty and inefficient? New windows, from a reputable contractor, can add charm to your home. They provide great views, bring in more light and create greater comfort for entertainment spaces such as enclosed patios. So they are well worth the investment.

As you plan for your window replacement, you’ll want to weigh the benefits of different styles and features against the costs to find the windows that best meet your needs at the most affordable cost for your particular situation. This guide will help you love the choice you’re making.

HOW YOUR WINDOW REPLACEMENT COST IS DETERMINED

The cost of window replacement involves much more than the number of windows in your home. Here’s a look at some of the other features that will factor into the overall price of your new windows. On average, vinyl windows can cost around $400-$650* per window to replace while wood will cost $700-$1000* or more.

*These are general average window replacement cost amounts and not a specific estimate. Contact JohnMcCarter to for a free estimate for your window replacement

STYLE OF WINDOWS

Windows come in a wide variety of styles, offering you flexibility when you envision how you want your home to look. Simple replacement windows that fit exactly where the old windows were are likely to cost less than installing a new bow or bay window that adds beauty but requires installers to make space in the wall. Traditional double-hung windows may cost less than more sophisticated styles.

SIZE OF WINDOW REPLACEMENT

Size definitely affects your cost, in several ways. For windows that are standard in size, you will generally pay less than if you need windows that meet a specialty measurement. For a larger home with more windows, the cost will likely be higher than for a smaller home with fewer windows.

WINDOW FRAME MATERIAL

Do you prefer traditional wood windows? Vinyl? Fiberglass? Each material has its own price and comes with pros and cons to consider as you choose your new windows. Wood is classic in look and style but requires more maintenance. Vinyl is simple to care for and more affordable, but it isn’t a high-end style. Fiberglass is durable and can be made to look similar to wood.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Today’s windows, like those manufactured by Pella, offer many ways to add energy efficiency to your home. They may have added insulation, low emissivity (low-E) glass that keeps out UV rays, triple panes, specialty gas fills, and other traits that prevent drafts and keep your home a stable, comfortable temperature. The types of energy-efficient features you select will affect the window replacement’s overall cost.

SPECIAL FEATURES

In addition to the usual window elements to pick from — frame, glass, panes, etc. — there are also special elements that some high-end window product lines make available. Extra-secure locking mechanisms, impact-resistant glass, windows with shades built in between the panes, and other modern options allow you to highly customize your window installation. These will cost more than traditional windows, but the expense can be worth it.

LABOR AND INSTALLATION

The workmanship involved in window replacement matters, because proper installation done right the first time makes your life easier. Great window contractors will make sure the windows fit correctly, communicate clearly, keep the worksite clean, and perform the installation to the brand’s standards, which protects your warranty. A trusted local window contractor with a stellar reputation may cost a little more, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind you get from knowing the windows are installed right.

Ready for new windows that provide a major improvement to your home lifestyle? Think beyond glass and frame styles, because today’s windows come with some pretty amazing features — including built-in blinds. And while not having to dust them is an obvious plus, there are a lot of additional cool benefits to investing in built-in blinds when you upgrade your windows.

Here’s a closer look at why homeowners are choosing this option for their window replacements more and more.

TOP 7 REASONS YOU’LL LOVE BUILT-IN BLINDS 

1. NO MORE COMPLICATED CLEANING RITUALS 

Let’s face it — cleaning a set of traditional blinds is not an easy task. They gather a lot of dust, and it’s difficult to truly clean all the many moving parts. Plus, the strings used to hang the elements together get dirty and are impossible to keep pristine. As a result, blinds end up looking old fast.

Not so with built-in blinds. Set between panes of glass, they are protected from exposure to everyday dust and grime. You won’t have to labor to wash them because they are so simple to care for.

2. AN END TO BROKEN, TANGLED CORDS

Another challenge with blinds is how difficult it can be to keep them operational. The strings and twist handles they come with can easily break or stop working. And these cords can also be a safety risk if you have small children or pets around.

With built-in blinds, you eliminate all these concerns. With Pella windows, built-in blinds are not only beautiful but easy to work.

3. EFFECTIVE IN MANY TYPES OF WINDOWS  

If you’re looking for a window treatment that adapts well to different areas of your home — and to different window styles — look no further than between-the-pane blinds. They’re an effective, attractive option for sliders and double-hung replacement windows, which are perfect for bedrooms. 

But what’s even better is that integrated blinds and shades are ideal ways to dress windows that are custom in size and shape. Pella’s built-in blinds work well for windows that would otherwise be hard for traditional blinds, such as bays, bows, and sliding glass doors. 

4. EASY TO GET A NEW STYLE OR LOOK  

Getting a new set of traditional blinds can be a hassle. Either you have to choose the cookie-cutter options, or if you want a custom fit, they must be precisely measured and prepped to fit your windows.

Here’s good news — built-in blinds are actually much more convenient to upgrade than you might think. Pella specifically designs all its between-the-glass products to be interchangeable with a simple snap-in technology that’s easy for our team to work with. So if you want to change colors, switch blinds for shades, or use grilles instead, Pella makes that a breeze. 

(The key, of course, is to invest in Pella windows to begin with, so upgrading in-glass elements is simple.)

5. LASTING BEAUTY AND PERFORMANCE 

If you’re wondering whether built-in blinds will match your interior décor, don’t worry. With Pella windows, between-the-glass features like blinds come in a range of colors chosen to blend well with common interior design styles. 

And because they’re protected within the glass, these between-the-glass blinds are more durable than traditional window treatments. Since they’re not exposed to dust, dirt and everyday elements, they retain their attractive appearance.

Plus, in the unlikely event that something in your integrated blinds needs adjusting, Pella designs them to be easily accessible by our team so you never have to stress about repairs.

6. BETTER FOR THOSE WITH ALLERGIES 

If someone in your family suffers from allergies, built-in blinds are an excellent choice. Protected inside panes of glass, they won’t gather dust, pollen, and pet dander in the places where you live, work, and play.

7. AVAILABLE WITH SMART HOME INTEGRATIONS 

Old-fashioned blinds (shades and window curtains too) are truly old-school, requiring you to operate them manually. But if you have smart home features, built-in blinds by Pella are super easy to integrate.

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