How to Avoid Residential Window Buying Mistakes

What Rules Should I Follow to Avoid Common Errors When Ordering Residential Windows?

As we start 2017, I wanted to publish a post to help folks make better decisions when ordering residential windows. So, if you’ve never ordered windows before or are a novice at it please read on. To keep things simple my comments are organized into a set of rules anyone can follow. All are based on actual residential window buying experiences we’ve encountered over the last 10 years. In addition, a description of window types is included for your education and reference. Finally, if this blog post helps just one person avoid mistakes when purchasing residential windows, I’ll consider it a success!

What are Common Window Types & Terminologies?

• Single Hung Window – A vertical window with a fixed top sash and a bottom sash that slides up and down.
• Architectural Single Hung Window – A vertical window with a movable bottom sash and elliptically shaped fixed top sash (in most cases).
• Double Hung Window – A vertical window with bottom and top sashes that both move up and down.
• Horizontal Single Slider Window – A horizontal window with one fixed and one operable sash that moves right to left or left to right.
• Fixed Picture Window – A window of any shape whose frame and glass do NOT open. It can be square, rectangular, elliptically shaped (like an arch), triangular, or trapezoidal. If you want a shaped window, it’s best to include a drawing to avoid confusion!
• Casement Window – Often called a crank-out, a window that looks like a picture window but opens with a side hinge (much like a door).
• Awning Window – A window that is similar to a casement window but with a scissor hinge that opens from the bottom.

Call 512-989-7000 and ask to speak directly to me with questions. I’m happy to help! Greg Ringer

Rule #1 – Always List Window Width First & Height Second

When ordering, quoting, or talking about residential windows the accepted industry standard is to list width first and height second. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule. So, if you’re looking for a window that’s 36” wide and 72” tall, you should always list it as 36” x 72”. To illustrate how this rule can affect a residential window’s dimensions and type when ordering, let me provide an example. If you request a window measuring 72” x 36” we’re likely to make a horizontal slider that’s 72” wide and 36” tall. Hopefully you can see the problem especially if you wanted a 36″ wide single hung window!

Rule #2 – Understand & Know How to Use Window Call Sizes

When ordering residential windows, it’s critically important to know what a call size is and how to use it. Call sizes are the most common residential windows used by builders, remodelers, and everyone in the building trades. A typical one is a 3050 single hung window where the number is pronounced “three-zero, five-zero”. The number refers to window measurements in feet and inches. Thus, 3050 defines a window for an opening three feet zero inches wide by five feet zero inches tall. To order a window for an opening framed at 32” wide by 66” tall, the call size would be 2856 (two feet eight inches wide by five feet six inches tall). This would be a two-eight, five-six window.

The mistake non-professionals sometimes make is to read building plans and order windows based on inches alone rather than call size. We try to catch this by asking clients to send us their plans so we can confirm what they actually need. At Ringer Windows, we also take the extra step of listing finished windows sizes on order confirmations. Lastly, we always confirm order sizes in writing but a few errors do slip through now and then. Unfortunately, once a window is made it can’t be changed!

Rule #3 – Be Sure to Specify Window Type

The next rule you need to follow is to always be sure to specify the type of windows you want. This is because some windows come in multiple styles for the same size, particularly with square windows. For example, a 48” wide x 48” tall window is a common size that we make in four types. They are single hung, double hung, horizontal slider, and fixed picture window. Please don’t assume we know which type you want or you might accidentally end up with the wrong one. Although we will confirm your order in writing, people don’t always catch these details. And once an order is confirmed and produced, you own the window so please think about the kind you want. Lastly, if you’re unsure please ask your Ringer Window Representative for help. We’re here to guide you!

Our Performa 3300 Series Single Hung, Fixed Picture, and Horizontal Slider Windows

Rule #4 – See Options in Person if You’re Unsure About Them

If you’re unsure about the size, color, or style of residential windows, please don’t order until you visit our facility. That’s because at Ringer Windows once you purchase we collect funds, order glass, and begin construction often within 24 hours. Once this process begins and we make the windows or glass it’s too late to change! This is why we try to confirm all orders in writing. Please don’t assume you have several days to change sizes, colors, options, or styles once you place an order. Of course, if we haven’t started we’re happy to make changes but our emphasis on fast turnaround is why many folks come to us!

Rule #5 – Gain Expertise About Local Building Codes

If you’re building or remodeling a home, especially in Austin where inspectors are very particular, make sure you understand the building codes! We know that many folks act as their own general contractor and that’s OK. However if you choose this route, you should know all building codes for residential windows before placing an order. Once windows are made there can be no changes without spending additional dollars to correct mistakes! We bid these types of jobs all the time sometimes without the benefit of building plans. However, it really helps to provide us with your plans so we can make recommendations. Lastly, even with guidance from an architect or building professional, it’s not uncommon to discover windows that don’t meet code. In those cases we do our best to bid window packages that meet all local codes.

Rule #6 – Order Your Windows Early

Please allow enough time for manufacturing by ordering your residential windows early! People sometimes assume that they can simply order windows and get them in a few days but that rarely works. Here at Ringer, we maintain one of the largest inventories of ready-made stock windows in Texas. However, even with our large selection we rarely have every single window that you’ll need. Because windows must to be installed as soon as framing goes up EVERYTHING wraps around them. Thus, windows are needed at the beginning of the job so order them early!

Rule #7 – Select the Windows You Want & Don’t be Cheap

Take control of your window selection and don’t be afraid to spend a little more for higher quality! The fact is most builders use low-priced, poorly made new construction windows. They pay little attention to window longevity, quality, appearance, or energy efficiency. Builders tend to focus on more “showy” things like flooring, plumbing fixtures, and lighting. That’s why if you’re building a new home, I urge you to take control of window selection if possible. The truth is, you’ll spend slightly more on superior windows with excellent energy efficiency and rock-solid reliability. However, this investment will save you a lot of money on HVAC costs from day one and never stop. In fact, some windows we sell are so efficient they’ll enable you to install a smaller HVAC system. This means a lower initial cost and less expense to operate the system over a lifetime.

My Final Suggestions for Residential Window Buyers

Avoid Seal & Balance Problems with Superior Windows

If you’ve had foggy windows with failed seals, you know they don’t last more than a few years after costly repair. Furthermore, anyone who’s experienced a sash that won’t open or stay in place knows the pain of cheaply made windows. Superior residential windows like ours will likely NEVER suffer seal failures or break down due to balance problems with their sashes.

Be Creative About Window Selection

My last recommendation for home buyers is to think creatively about window selection. Builders are quite happy to order the same set of commonly used windows and sizes for your job. Remember, they like things to be EASY and custom work takes time and costs more. This is why builders tend to shy away from anything that may be a little different. But if you perservere you’re likely to find window options you truly love. I’ve lost track of how many people we’ve helped by showing them ways to “jazz-up” their selections. These are often simple things like different window configurations or types. In fact very few of our suggestions add cost but make a HUGE difference in the way a home looks!

If you use or find any of my suggestions helpful, I hope you’ll drop me a line or post an online review for others. Feel free to share this information.

Contact Us About Our High-Quality Residential Windows Today!

Submit a contact form or call 512-989-7000 today about our high-quality residential windows. We’ll visit with you and provide a FREE estimate! Ringer Windows is the only local window manufacturing company in central Texas. Our experts are ready to assist with your vinyl new construction or replacement window needs. Also, be sure to ask about our full-service window installation. You’re just a local phone call away with Ringer Windows!

Call 512-989-7000