Buying Replacement Windows in San Diego from a Home Improvement Store

If you’re a homeowner, you probably know your way around your local home improvement store. Even if you aren’t particularly handy or a DIYer, you probably still find yourself in a big box home improvement store on occasion. These places are great! They have everything you need to fix up or improve your home—from flooring to roofing materials, and everything in between. 

One of those “in-between” items is replacement windows. Home improvement stores have them on their shelves, and you can also purchase them from their home services department. But there are a few things you should know before you buy replacement windows as a San Diego home improvement store. 

The Difference Between New Construction and Replacement Windows

First of all, you need to understand that the windows on the shelves a home improvement store are what are known as “new construction windows.” These are windows that are installed while a home is still under construction—when the home’s studs are still exposed. While these windows can technically be installed in an existing home, doing so often requires opening up the surrounding walls to get them to fit, or adding materials around the windows to hold them in place. This is because new construction windows only come in certain sizes, and those sizes may not coincide with the sizes you need for your home. 

Replacement windows, on the other hand, are made to order to fit in the spaces that a home’s current windows occupy. In other words, they replace your existing windows (hence, the name). In order to buy replacement windows from a home improvement store, you will need to have someone come to your home to take measurements, and then order the sizes you need.

Who Installs the Replacement Windows Purchased at Home Improvement Stores?

When you order replacement windows from a home improvement store and pay for installation, the store then subcontracts out the installation to an outside contractor. The outside contractor will be licensed, but may not be licensed or experienced specifically in window installation. You could end up with a great subcontractor, but more than likely the people installing your windows will be less experienced contractors who are willing to take the lower-than-average rates offered by most home improvement stores.

A Better Options for Replacement Windows in San Diego

Instead of purchasing windows through a home improvement store, a better option is to go with a company that specializes in replacement windows in San Diego. These companies likely will have better products, more knowledgeable salespeople, and their own team of experienced window installers. They will also have prices that are competitive with the prices of the big box home improvement stores!

One great option is BM Windows in San Diego. They sell top-rated windows from manufacturers like Anlin Windows and Doors. They have their own team of installers, whose work they guarantee. Not only that, their prices are great and their customer service is top-notch!