By

Jay Repsel, Sales and Marketing Manager

Mid-Illinois Complete Construction, Inc.

The mercury busting temperatures we've been having are a brutal reminder to us  about the importance of having properly functioning windows.  I've been selling building materials for nearly ten years now, and something I get asked about a lot is the "$189 window".  We've all seen the billboards and heard the radio ads from these national retail companies touting their $189 window. Homeowners are often enamored with the attractive price and bring it up to us when shopping around for windows. The fact of the matter is, that there IS a $189 window, but even they don't want to sell it to you.  Just listen to their pitch, they'll talk you out of it right away and into something much more expensive.

Here is how this process usually works: someone sees the billboard, calls the number and sets up and appointment to see this "$189 window".  Generally, a very pushy, salesman will arrive at your door for the appointment, and inevitably wiggle his way to your dining room table.  Be warned: If you have anxiety in high pressure sales situations, then this will not be a pleasant experience. This salesman will lead with their $189 window that you've heard so much about.  When you start looking at the specifications of this low priced marvel, it becomes more and more evident how they are able to sell this window for such a low price. It's single hung (only the bottom part opens), mechanically fastened, includes no screen, no Low E, or Argon gas. That's like advertising a car is "good on gas" only to find out that it has no engine. In the window business, this is referred to as a "caulk and walk" window.  Once you begin to add "features" such as a screen and Low E glass, the price quickly increases.

For those of you unfamiliar, a proper, effective replacement window should be fusion welded, double hung (both the top and bottom sash open), have a screen (duh), and have Low E and Argon gas between the panes for proper insulation and protection from the elements.

These companies also offer "free" basic installation.  What that means is that there is a laundry list of "add ons" that take that "free" window installation to a rather expensive process relatively quickly. Below is an example I received from one of my customers this week. Keep in mind, this homeowner called to inquire about the $189 window and here is what their estimate looked like at the end of the process.  Note the added costs:

$189 - Single Hung Window (includes no screen, mechanically fastened, no Low E, No Argon)

Sill/jamb repair $45 per window

Ladder charge $10 per window

Interior Trim     $30 per window

Storm window removal $30 per window

Exterior capping $50 per window

Blind/curtain removal $25 per window

Moving furniture $10 per item moved

Shutter removal $50 per window

Dump fee (Disposal of old windows)  $100

So that $189 window quickly turned into over $400.  That old saying "if it's too good to be true, it probably is." certainly applies here.

Give us a call today at (815) 220-0716 and we will give you an honest, no hassle estimate to replace the windows in your home.