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Anna Maria homeowners - Free quotes for replacement windows, doors, and more. ★★★★★ Reviews. 12+ brands. < Back My Window and Door Guy in Anna Maria, FL Service County: Manatee Get a free quote today! Enhance Your Anna Maria Home with My Window and Door Guy Welcome to My Window and Door Guy, the premier choice for homeowners in Anna Maria, FL, seeking top-quality window and door replacements. Our commitment to excellence, combined with a deep understanding of the unique needs of coastal living, makes us the ideal partner for your home improvement projects. Why My Window and Door Guy Stands Out in Anna Maria, FL Anna Maria, FL, known for its stunning beaches and charming community, deserves the best in home improvement. We provide: Hurricane-Resistant Windows and Doors : Protect your home from Florida's harsh weather with our hurricane-resistant and impact windows. Our products are designed to withstand the toughest storms, ensuring your safety and peace of mind. Energy Efficiency at Its Best : Upgrade to our energy-efficient doors and windows, like double-pane and Low-E windows, to reduce energy costs while keeping your home comfortable. A Wide Range of Stylish Options : From vinyl replacement windows to elegant French doors, our selection caters to every aesthetic. Our coastal windows, specifically designed for seaside homes, offer both beauty and resilience. Compliance with Florida Building Code : Our products are not only stylish but also fully compliant with the Florida building code, ensuring you receive quality, safe, and legal installations. Expert Installation Services : Our professional team, experienced in window and door installations, ensures a seamless and error-free process. Our Exclusive Product Range for Anna Maria Homes Customized Window Solutions : Choose from a variety of window styles, including casement windows, awning windows, picture windows, and bay windows, to enhance your home's beauty and functionality. Door Options for Every Home : Select from our wide range of door types, including storm doors, folding doors, and sliding patio doors, to find the perfect match for your home. Energy-Saving Innovations : Our insulated glass and Low-E windows are ideal for those looking to improve their home's energy efficiency. Tailored Solutions for Your Unique Home We understand that every home in Anna Maria is unique. Our team works with you to find the perfect match for your style and needs, ensuring that your new windows and doors not only look great but also provide the best functional benefits. Financing and Free Quotes We offer competitive financing options and free quotes, making it easier for you to embark on your window and door replacement journey. Local Experts You Can Trust As a business deeply rooted in the Tampa Bay area, we bring local expertise to every project in Anna Maria. In fact, we've owned a home in Anna Maria (Jacaranda Rd.) for more than 20 years! We understand the specific challenges and needs of coastal homes and are dedicated to providing solutions that meet these unique requirements. Join Our Satisfied Customers in Anna Maria Our customers in Anna Maria and the broader Tampa Bay area have already experienced the difference that My Window and Door Guy can make. Read their stories and see how we've transformed their homes. Get Started on Your Home Improvement Project Ready to enhance your Anna Maria home with new windows and doors? Contact My Window and Door Guy today for a free consultation. Let us help you take the first step towards a more beautiful, safe, and energy-efficient home. SERVICE AREA LOCATION: Anna Maria, FL, USA Call Us: 813-790-7247 Text Us: 813-790-7247 info@mywindowanddoorguy.com Get a free quote today!

Floral City homeowners - Free quotes for replacement windows, doors, and more. ★★★★★ Reviews. 12+ brands. < Back My Window and Door Guy in Floral City, FL Service County: Citrus Get a free quote today! Revitalize Your Floral City Home with My Window and Door Guy Welcome to My Window and Door Guy, where we offer unparalleled window and door replacement services tailored for the charming community of Floral City, FL. Established in the late 19th century and boasting a population of about 5,000, Floral City is a gem in Citrus County, celebrated for its beautiful avenues lined with oak trees, rich history, and the picturesque Floral City Heritage Days. As a local business, we share your love for Floral City’s unique character and are dedicated to maintaining its beauty through our professional services. Why My Window and Door Guy is the Perfect Fit for Floral City In Floral City, where history intertwines with natural beauty, ensuring your home reflects this heritage while embracing modern efficiency is our goal. Here’s why we stand out: In-Depth Understanding of Floral City : Our local knowledge of Floral City’s architectural styles, climate patterns, and community needs means we provide solutions that truly resonate with your home. Hurricane Protection : Given Florida’s climate, our range of hurricane-resistant and impact windows and doors are designed to offer maximum protection while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of your home. Energy Efficiency at Its Best : With our energy-efficient doors and windows, including options like double-pane and Low-E windows, your home remains a haven of comfort while minimizing energy costs. Stylish and Functional Designs : From classic vinyl replacement windows to elegant French doors, and versatile sliding patio doors, our products are tailored to enhance the charm of your Floral City home. Adherence to Building Codes : All our installations comply with the stringent standards of the Florida building code, ensuring your upgrades are not only beautiful but also safe and durable. Seamless Professional Installation : Our team of skilled professionals ensures a hassle-free installation process, treating your home with the utmost care and respect. Our Premium Product Range for Floral City Homes Custom Window Styles : Choose from a variety of window styles, including casement, awning, picture, or bay windows, each designed to complement the unique aesthetics of Floral City homes. Doors for Every Style : Explore our range of doors, from welcoming front entry doors to stylish exterior French doors and practical sliding glass doors, each offering a perfect blend of beauty and functionality. Enhanced Energy Efficiency : Our products are designed to suit Floral City’s climate, providing energy efficiency and helping you save on utility costs. Personalized Service for Your Unique Home In Floral City, each home has a story. We offer personalized services to match the unique character of your home and your specific requirements. Flexible Financing and Transparent Estimates We understand that upgrading your home is an important investment. That's why we offer various financing options and provide free, transparent estimates to help you make informed decisions. Deeply Rooted in the Floral City Community As part of the Floral City community, we are committed to offering services that embody the town’s spirit – friendly, professional, and welcoming. Join Our Satisfied Floral City Customers Many homeowners in Floral City have trusted My Window and Door Guy for their window and door replacement needs. Their stories of satisfaction are a testament to our dedication to quality and service. Start Your Floral City Home Improvement Journey Ready to enhance your Floral City home with new windows and doors? Contact My Window and Door Guy today for a free consultation. Let us help you bring new life to your home, preserving its charm while adding modern efficiency and safety. SERVICE AREA LOCATION: Floral City, FL, USA Call Us: 813-790-7247 Text Us: 813-790-7247 info@mywindowanddoorguy.com Get a free quote today!

Englewood homeowners - Free quotes for replacement windows, doors, and more. ★★★★★ Reviews. 12+ brands. < Back My Window and Door Guy in Englewood, FL Service County: Sarasota Get a free quote today! Elevate Your Englewood Home with My Window and Door Guy Premier Window and Door Replacement Services in Englewood, FL Welcome to My Window and Door Guy, where we are dedicated to transforming homes in Englewood, FL, with our exceptional window and door replacement services. Englewood, established in the early 1900s and known for its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage, is a community that perfectly captures the essence of Florida living. With a population that values both its serene natural beauty and vibrant lifestyle, Englewood is more than just a place to live—it's a place to thrive. We at My Window and Door Guy are excited to contribute to this thriving community by providing the best in home window and door solutions. Customized Solutions for Englewood’s Unique Homes Designed for Florida’s Climate : Our windows and doors are specifically tailored to withstand the unique environmental conditions of Englewood, providing durability against humidity, heat, and coastal weather, while enhancing energy efficiency. Varied Style Options : Whether your Englewood home is a beachfront retreat or a suburban residence, our extensive range of styles will match your home’s design and your personal aesthetic. Energy Efficiency : In Englewood’s warm climate, energy-efficient windows and doors are crucial for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and reducing energy costs. Our Comprehensive Services Window Replacement : Choose from a variety of window types, including energy-efficient, impact-resistant, and stylish designs, all installed with professional expertise. Door Installation : We offer a range of door options, from secure and robust entry doors to elegant patio doors, designed to enhance both your home’s security and curb appeal. Why Englewood Residents Trust Us Expert Local Knowledge : Our team’s in-depth understanding of Englewood’s history, climate, and architectural styles ensures we provide solutions that are perfectly tailored to your home. Superior Craftsmanship : Using only high-quality materials and precise installation techniques, we ensure your new windows and doors are both aesthetically pleasing and durable. Customer-Centric Service : We prioritize your needs and preferences, offering personalized service from the initial consultation to the final installation. Our Commitment to Englewood Homeowners Living in Englewood is about enjoying Florida’s coastal charm and community spirit. We are committed to enhancing this experience with windows and doors that meet the practical needs of Florida living and reflect the unique beauty of Englewood. Begin Your Home Improvement Journey Consultation : Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll assess your current windows and doors, discuss your needs, and provide solutions tailored to your home and lifestyle. Transparent Quoting : Receive a clear, competitive quote with no hidden fees. Our honest pricing reflects our commitment to providing value and quality to Englewood homeowners. Efficient Installation : Our experienced team ensures a smooth installation process, delivering exceptional results with minimal disruption to your daily life. Upgrade Your Englewood Home with Us Choosing My Window and Door Guy means selecting a partner who understands and values the unique character of Englewood homes. Let us help you enhance your home with superior window and door solutions that bring comfort, style, and efficiency. Ready to enhance your Englewood home? Contact us today to start your window and door replacement project. SERVICE AREA LOCATION: Englewood, FL, USA Call Us: 813-790-7247 Text Us: 813-790-7247 info@mywindowanddoorguy.com Get a free quote today!

Disclaimer: We did NOT do this job. The pictures shown are those I took as I drove through the neighborhood leaving a neighbor's home where we were providing a consultation. Perhaps at first glance, all may look fine and dandy with this window replacement. And - truth be told, so long as the homeowner is happy, that's really all that matters. From our perspective, however, there's multiple things that we would have done differently. Let's break it down. 1st - How We Know These Are Replacement Windows There's a distinctive greenish tint/hue to the glass, and the pronounced white vinyl frames make a bold statement. The homes in this neighborhood were built in the 1990's, when both this type of glass, and frames, were not used. 2nd - The Homeowner Purchased 3 Too Many Windows As you look at the image above, there are 6 total windows used in these 3 openings, when only 3 are actually needed. Based on our experience, the openings are most likely approximately 82" tall. The 2 side openings are likely 26" wide, and the larger middle window is most likely approximately 52" wide. Likely Scenario #1: The salesman who sold these windows worked for a contractor who only has access to 76" tall round-top windows. We know, because we work with those manufacturer's too, and 76" is the cut-off height for single-hung, arch top windows. However, there are manufacturer's that make up to 96" tall, single-hung, arch top windows. Had My Window and Door Guy been working with this customer, we would have advised this customer to look at one of those manufacturer's because it is ALWAYS less expensive to purchase 3 windows instead of 6. It's one of the many reasons My Window and Door Guy works with 12+ window and door manufacturers - to be able to provide the best solutions for our customer's, their homes, and their budgets. Likely Scenario #2: Lazy salesman. The windows originally installed in this home likely contained 6 windows, as that's what they did in the 90's with aluminum frame single pane windows. We see it far too often when meeting with homeowners where they've received "like for like" replacement quotes, when the reality is the technology has advanced with "like for like" doesn't always make sense. Our guess is the salesman was lazy, or untrained, and just quoted the project "like for like." 3rd - Mis-Aligned Decorative Exterior Stucco Notice the white stucco band between the window openings. This must have been there originally, and not after the replacement windows were installed. The texture is surely different then the brown painted stucco. See how white stucco band is mis-aligned with the mull bar connecting the 2 windows in each opening? Likely Scenario #1: The salesman showed up for his appointment, knocked on the door, was let inside, took measurements from the inside, did his sales presentation, sold the job, and went on about his way. What he likely did NOT do: Walk around the exterior of the property. Key Point: If the person you're meeting with to discuss window and/or door replacements does NOT walk around and inspect the exterior, they're either inexperienced or just not knowledgeable enough to know what to look for. Likely Scenario #2: This sort of goes along with #1, but it's actually a bit more painful. Most window replacement contractors, including My Window and Door Guy, employ personnel who go out to re-measure the windows and/or doors after a homeowner decides to place an order. This measure technician's job is to provide final measurements for ordering purposes with the manufacturer's. In addition to just measuring, the measure tech is also taking notes as far as what additional materials need to be on the job site during installation. He is certainly walking around both the inside, and outside, of your home. I am 99.9% sure the measure tech noticed that the mull bar location would NOT align with the white stucco band. I am 100% sure the measure tech would NEVER have allowed this configuration to be installed on his own home ... but guess what? He kept his mouth shut. Why? That's what he's trained to do ... keep his mouth shut. I've seen it before, and have heard countless stories, where measure techs been scolded, reprimanded, and even fired for pointing out things like this. Hypothetically - if this measure tech pointed out to the homeowner during the re-measure how it would look aesthetically after the installation, it is possible, even probable, the homeowner could start having doubts. Doubts about the salesman, doubts about the company, doubts the installation, or more. Let's face it - projects average $20,000 +, so any chance to introduce doubt to a customer's mind is avoided like the plague. If the customer complains afterwards, the contractor can, and will, easily say something like this: "Sir/Mam - we did everything we said we were going to do, including installation of all of the windows listed on the contract that you signed and paid for. What, exactly, would you like me to do?" ----- At My Window and Door Guy - we believe your project is a complete team effort, and work tirelessly to ensure a 5-Star, 100% satisfaction experience. If at any point in time anything seems amiss, we will communicate with you right away so as we both can figure out together the best path forward. Don't look back and wish your don't have a blog post entitled: Window Replacement Project Went Terribly Wrong 4th - Caulk/Paint Finishing As you look at this picture, and if you zoom in close to where the edge of the window frame meets the stucco - you will notice how to caulk bleeds over onto the brown stucco frame. It's reasonable for most homeowners to think something like: "Wow, that's a bad caulk job." In reality - you want loads of caulk in order to help provide water intrusion. While the contrast between these white windows and dark brown exterior paint exacerbate this caulk job spilling over to the brown stucco, this is to be expected and anticipated. To us here at My Window and Door Guy, this particular finish doesn't look very clean and finished. For the men out there reading this, it's sort of like getting a haircut without getting your neck cleaned up. This is one of many reasons we offer finishing services in addition to window/door installations. Conclusion: Pros: New Energy Efficient Windows Hurricane Impact Resistant Windows (known due to location being in the WBD). Increased Street Curb Appeal - maybe? Cons: Bought 3 too many windows Spent 50% more than necessary Decreased Aesthetics - the ability to line up the existing decorative stucco strip = costly and time consuming endeavor Want to Avoid a Window Replacement Project Went Terribly Wrong? Contact Us to Get a Free Quote and Consultation on Your Project. info@MyWindowAndDoorGuy.com Call or Text: 813-790-7247

Too often, the wrong terminology is used when describing types of windows. Don't get fooled by window salesmen using the wrong terms to describe what they're selling. Let's get right to it by watching this 18 second YouTube Video. Impact - Impact Resistant Glass for Windows and Doors The key takeaway is that the 2 x 4 did NOT penetrate through the glass. Sure, the glass broke, but there was no penetration. Impact resistant glass, as it's name implies, is designed to resist an impact from flying debri. The term most often used by those in the window and door business for this type of glass is "impact". Joe the salesman will likely refer to a window or door as "an impact door" or "an impact window". Using "impact" is simply a shorter way to say: "impact resistant door" or "impact resistant window". We will cover in separate posts more details about impact windows and doors (and the different grades of impact), but for now, the image below illustrates a PVB (polyvinyl butyl) interlayer sandwiched between 2 panes of glass to provide impact protection. Non-Impact Resistant Glass - aka Non-Impact - Windows and Doors On the other hand, non-impact windows and doors are NOT designed to withstand an impact from flying debri. Except in few areas in south Florida where they're not required, all new non-impact windows and doors installed in Florida will have double pane glass. The double panes of glass in your new windows and/or doors are going to be very energy efficient. However, they are not designed to withstand a direct impact from flying debri. Hurricane Windows and Doors - The truth is, there is no such thing as a "hurricane window" or a "hurricane door". I can't help but cringe when I hear a prospective customer say something like this to me: "The salesman from company X told me his windows are hurricane rated" or "he told me his windows are hurricane windows, and that's what I want." "Ok," I say. "But are they impact or non-impact?" Let's dive a little deeper on this, shall we? You're likely familiar with the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale, even if you don't know it by name. This is the scale of hurricane's from category 1 to category 5. Many non-impact resistant windows and doors are rated to withstand winds up to 140 mph. Withstanding high winds from a hurricane is a good thing ... unless something actually gets caught up in the wind and impacts one of your windows or doors. 2 Common Reasons Why Salesmen Call a Window or Door a "Hurricane Window" or "Hurricane Door" - and What You Should Say if they Do They're uneducated. While I hope that's the case, far to often they call their products hurricane windows or hurricane doors because of reason #2. They're intentionally misleading you. Impact windows and impact doors are more expensive than their non-impact counter parts. When a salesman tells you the windows they're selling are "hurricane rated", or "hurricane windows", or "hurricane doors", too often they're selling a non-impact window or door ... and NOT an impact resistant window or door. If the salesman uses a phrase like "hurricane rated", simply ask him "Is what you're offering 'impact resistant'? It's important to distinguish between what he is saying, and what the product is actually rated to do. Remember the old adage: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If the guy selling "hurricane rated" windows and/or doors is considerably less expensive than others selling impact resistant ones, it should be a red flag that could indicate his "hurricane rated" window is actually a non-impact one. How to Protect Yourself from Buying the Wrong The most important way you can protect yourself is to carefully review the sales contract to ensure the product(s) have an indication that they are "impact" or "impact resistant". Ultimately - it does not really matter what the salesman said in his sales presentation. The only thing thatr truly matters is what is written in the sales contract that you sign off on. How Do I Know If My New Windows are Impact Resistant or Non-Impact Resistant? So, you've already bought windows, and perhaps had them installed already. Now you'd like to know if the windows are actually impact resistant. You can do the following tests yourself. Flashlight Test - On your cell phone, turn on the flashlight. Hold it up to the window, and look at the glass. You'll see reflections of light ... you're looking for the prominent light reflections. If you see 3 prominent reflections of light - you most likely have Impact Resistant windows (or doors) since there are 3 panes of glass. If you see 2 prominent reflections of light - you most likely have Non-Impact Resistant windows (or doors) since their are only 2 panes of glass. Knock On The Glass - this is a little more nuanced, but if you knock on the glass with your nuckles, the sound it makes should be solid for impact windows. Be sure to knock from the inside of your home (not on the outside) since the laminated glass portion will be on the inside of your home. If you go knock on the outside of the window, you the sound it makes should be less dense, and not feel as solid. When friends, neighbors, and family members ask our clients who did their windows and doors, they proudly tell them: My Window and Door Guy! Let us provide you free consultation and quote for your upcoming project!

So - you're thinking about replacing the old, outdated windows in your home. With window and door replacement projects being one of the most expensive home improvement investments you can make, it is crucial you avoid these common mistakes we see homeowners make. Window Buying Mistake #1 - Falling for Promotions that are Nothing More Than Illusions If you're in the market for replacement windows and doors, chances are you've come across companies advertising discounts, promotions, and incentives. While there are some legitimate discounts and incentives, more often then not the companies simply inflate their price, then offer a "discount" which gets the pricing back to what it is normally. Here are some frequent sales, promotions, and incentives that I regularly see: Buy 2, Get 1 Free ! 75% (or whatever percent) off installation ! Initial Visit Incentive - 10% off if you buy today! One Day Only Sale ! 40% off sale ! I just did a Google search for "window replacement contractors near me", and this is what I saw at the top of the page. Note - I've blacked out the names of the companies on purpose. The truth is these discounts are designed to get you to call them up, schedule an appointment, and then their sleazy, high pressure salesmen will push and push you to buy from them today. They'll tell you all about why their window is the best, they have the best installers in town, yadda yadda yadda. They may even go so far as to "call their manager" to pull a favor - just for you - if you'll buy from today. Don't fall for these marketing and sales tactics and gimmicks! You're just going to overpay for something that you could save significantly on elsewhere! In reality, here's how it works in the window and door replacement contracting business: Once a homeowner signs a contract, your window contractor will order the product from either a supply house distributor, or from the manufacturer directly. There is a price the distributor, or manufacturer, charges the contractor for the product. The prices are typically flat - meaning they don't change. Some manufacturers may give the contractor a small discount (<5%) for larger size orders - but this will rarely, if ever, trickle down to you as the homeowner. In addition to the material costs, there's also labor costs - specifically installation. Contractors know how much they're going to pay their guys per door, or per window, to install them. And no, the installers are NOT taking 75% less pay because of some illusory "discount." The most important thing for a contractor is to be profitable. After all, if the contractor is not profitable, then they will not remain in business. Let's use a hypothetical example to illustrate: Customer Name: John and Jane Doe Project: Considering replacing 8 windows, 2 sliding glass doors, and a front door. Promotion: Buy 2, Get 1 Free! The salesman whose job it is to sell the project will work off of a price list. Hypothetically, let's say the cost of materials is $16,000 and installation will cost the contractor $4,000. Now - salesmen will RARELY know these costs. They're baked into the prices. John Doe sees the promotion Buy 2, Get 1 Free and calls the contractor, who schedules an in-home sales appointment with John AND Jane. Yes - they want both spouses there in order for the salesman to avoid the dreaded "Let me talk with my spouse and get back to you objection". The salesmen gets done his presentation (sometimes 90+ minutes), and tells you the normal price is $60,000. But, because of the Buy 2, Get 1 Free promotion, John and Jane can get this project done for $40,000. WOW WOW - a $20,000 savings! Sounds great, right! What if Jane and John look at each other, and look back to the salesman and say something like: "This is a great product you have, $40,000 is just a little more than we were expecting. Let us think it over and get back to you." The salesman expects this, by the way. Through his training with his employer, he knows that when the "list price" is $60,000, he can actually sell the job for $30,000 (in this example - and yes, this happens all the time). After their objection - the salesman may say something like this: "John and Jane - I can appreciate that, not a problem. However, do you remember when I first got here, I told you that we have our advertised discounts, but we also have some unadvertised promotions too?" "Well, we're staying so busy, and while I'd love to be able to come back, it just takes away from everyone else we have to see. So, if you're able to make a decision today, we have this Initial Visit Incentive where we can take an additional 10% off, or $4,000, to get your project done for $36,000. Now, this incentive is good for today only. Otherwise, if you do want to think about it, not a problem, we can schedule a time for me to come back to write up your contract for $40,000." F.U.D Fear Uncertainty Doubt These are strong emotions that skilled salesmen know how to pray upon. "Jane - you're not really going to let me walk out the door leaving $4,000 on the table, are you?" If Jane and John still say know, don't be surprised if he says something like this: "Hmmm ... Ok. So Jane and John, you guys said you like this window, right? You like us as a company, right? All things being equal, would you want these windows and doors in your home?" "If you could wave a magic wand to get this done, what would the price need to be for you to feel comfortable moving forward tonight ... and now before you answer, the reason I ask is because this is a larger job for us than most. The average job we do is around $20,000, so there may be some extra consideration we can provide - but I'd need to get my manager's approval first - because of the size of your project?" John says something like: "$32,000" You might not see it - but the salesman is smiling inside. He knows he just made a sale! He might go through the song and dance of calling his manager for "approval", but he already knows he can sell it for $32,000. If the salesman does call his manager (who we'll call Bob) where you can hear (another good sales tactic) - you might here something like this: "Hey Bob, I'm with John and Jane Doe here. They're looking at 8 windows, 2 sliding glass doors, and a front door. I'm looking to see if I can get some help and your approval to proceed with this job. Our normal price is $60,000, with our Buy 2 Get 1 discount, it's at $40,000, I've given them the Initial Visit Incentive as well and we're at $36,000. It's still a little much for them, but they said they'd be willing to move forward for $32,000. I really want to get this done for them because [insert reason here 😁], can we get it done?" Bob - the sales manager - knows that at the normal price of $60,000, they can sell it for $30,000, and be profitable. So of course he's going to say yes. What You Can Do To Avoid Overpaying Get multiple quotes from multiple different contractors. This is the best way to compare options. Sleep on it. I GUARANTEE you the deal the salesman is offering today will be good tomorrow, or next week. If you decide you really want to go with the contractor at $32,000, call him back when you're ready and I guarantee you he will write the contract up for $32,000 - even if he said when he was in your home the first time the deal was good for that day only. Do you really think a contractor is going to turn down a $32,000 check because you did not buy the 1st day? Ask around, get referrals. Whether you ask your neighbors, family members, co-workers, or Facebook groups (highly recommend by the way), the collective power and knowledge that other homeowners have based on their experiences can help drive you to a more informed safe decision. At My Window and Door Guy - we don't play these silly sales games. We offer fair, honest, and transparent pricing. If you'd like to get a free quote, give us a call at 813-790-7247 or fill out the form and one of our product specialists will reach out to discuss your project with you. Window Buying Mistake #2 - Not Getting a Discount by Paying with Cash or Check 65% of all home improvement projects are financed, including window and door replacement jobs. By offering financing, contractors are able to get more business than they otherwise would without offering their customers financing. My Window and Door Guy is no exception. In fact, we have our financing options posted publicly on our Financing Options webpage. Contractors are not banks, however, and therefore the financing options they offer originate with a lending institution. The contractor facilitates the homeowner applying for the loan with a bank, and then after the job is finished the bank pays the contractor directly. The homeowner, in turn, repays the loan to the bank. Suppose you decide to proceed with a $10,000 project, and the contractor offers 0% financing for 12 months. Sounds great, right? Well ... not so fast. The contractor should be offering you a discount (or you should ask for one) if you pay with a check. The reason is: Dealer Fees. You see, when you finance the $10,000 project, the contractor is NOT going to get $10,000 from the bank when the job is finished. Depending on the loan type, anywhere from 3% - 29% of the amount financed is kept by the bank, with the remaining sent to the contractor. After all, the bank needs to make money too in order to stay in business. So, in this scenario where you would have financed $10,000, and the contractor 'pays' 5% in dealer fees, the contractor only receives $9,500, and the bank 'keeps' the other $500. At My Window and Door Guy - we provide our customers a discount for paying via check. With us, you could either finance $10,000 and we receive $9,500 from the bank after the job is finished, or you could write us a check for $9,500 after the job is finished. It's the same for us either way - but you save $500. If the contractor you're considering hiring tells you the price is the same whether you finance or pay in cash, and does not offer you a discount ... there's a very good chance that contractor is so highly overpriced that you would be better off finding a contractor who does. Window Buying Mistake #3 - Not Evaluating Different Manufacturers' Products For one reason, or many, you've decided you want to replace your windows and/or doors. Many homeowners then call up 3 different contractors to get a quote. Sounds logical, right? What happens, then, when all 3 show up and provide you with a quote for the same product from the same manufacturer? At this point, all you've really accomplished is price compare the exact same product, just sold through 3 different contractors. This is all fine and dandy if you already know the manufacturer and product line you want. For example, my father sold for Pella Windows and Doors outside of Philadelphia for 25 years. He's extremely loyal to them, and when it came time for him to replace his windows and doors in his home in Florida, that's who he wanted to go with, no matter what. If you're shopping around for new replacement windows and doors, it's probably a good idea to get quotes for different manufacturer's products. That way you can compare not only prices, but the pros and cons of the products. Custom Window Systems (CWS) is a manufacturer of non-impact, and impact resistant, windows and doors. If you go to their website https://www.cws.cc/ ... you will see the image above after you click on Windows & Doors. Like most window and manufacturers, CWS offers multiple product lines that are impact and multiple product lines that are non-impact. Takeaway Point: Not only should you evaluate different manufacturers, but you should also evaluate the different product lines. Simonton Windows and Doors is another manufacturer. They refer to their product lines as Collections, and you can see 12 different Collections here: https://www.simonton.com/windows/windows-collection At My Window and Door Guy, we are proud to offer 12+ brands of manufacturers. By doing so, were able to ensure our customers have plenty of options to choose from in order to get the results they desire. Window Buying Mistake #4 - Failing to Focus on the Results You're Looking for Why are you looking to replace your windows in the first place? Nobody just wakes up one day and says to themselves: "I think I'll spend $20,000 + to replace my windows." I like asking this question to prospective customers because it provides some insight into what they are seeking to accomplish by taking on this project. More importantly, it helps to understand the RESULTS they're looking to get by replacing their windows and/or doors. Typical answers we hear include: These rooms are too hot even with the A/C cranked down. I want to protect my home in case of a hurricane These windows don't work (lift or slide), and I want windows that will work I want something to block out the noise from outside (traffic, neighbors, etc.) Whatever your reasons are - we implore you during your search to keep the RESULTS you're looking for top of mind. Here's what typically happens: You've decided you want to replace your windows and doors because you want X, Y, Z. You call several contractors to get some quotes. They all come out and tell you what their window is the best window out there, it's going to do this, going to do that. The salesman makes it all sound great, and you decide to buy. The truth is, ALL new windows compared to windows made 20+ years ago are going to be more energy efficient, provide better protection, operate better, etc. But did you truly get the MAXIMUM result you sought out to get when you started this project? Fortunately - their are objective ways to measure a window's performance to properly compare them during your evaluation process. There's obviously many different factors that go into which window is best for your desired results. Use the information above as a starting point to evaluate the differences between options you are considering. By the way - most salesmen do not like to take the time to get this information to you. If you're not getting the information you need to make an informed decision, find a contractor who will. Here'd the kicker: A lot of the information detailed above will be on the NFRC sticker that is required to be affixed to your window when it arrives for installation. Make sure you get this information before you order so you can compare options before hand. The NFRC sticker reminds me of the window sticker on new cars. One of the things it tells you is the EPA's estimated Highway and City MPG. Similarly, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is going to tell you how much heat is reflected away (the lower the number the better). So - if you ever have a window salesman tell you something like "Our window is the most energy efficient window available" - simply ask him what is the SHGC number, and let him know you will compare that number to others you are considering. I'd actually love to be a fly on the wall to see his reaction when you tell him this 😂. Window Buying Mistake #5 - Failing to Review the Sales Contract Perhaps the most avoidable mistake, but happens far too often, is homeowners who fail to read their sales contract. The sales contract is going to (or should, more on that later) specify exactly what you are purchasing, the terms and conditions, possibly warranty information, and more. If there is ever a discrepancy between what you THINK you bought instead of what you actually bought, no lawyer (yours included), no judge, no mediator, is going to care what you remember hearing. The only thing that matters is what is written down and signed off on by the parties to the contract. Therefore, read it! If it's not written down, then it doesn't exist! Here are some examples of what I've seen in this business: Example #1: The manufacturer's name and product line is NOT listed. There's a well known window and door contractor in the greater Tampa area who specifically does not list the brand name or product line name on their contracts. They simply list the style (e.g. single hung, double hung, picture window, etc.) and whether it is impact or non-impact. The customer in this scenario has no idea what window will actually get delivered and installed. Example #2: A customer thought they had a "lifetime warranty" when in reality, they only had a 10 year warranty. While looking through the paperwork signed by the customer, it was written very clearly on the back of the sales contract the warranty was for 10 years only. The customer only found out after they called their contractor for service only to be told it would cost them money because they were out of their warranty period. Example #3: I was visiting a customer in Polk County who had already replaced some of their windows, and wanted to replace the rest of them. The customer told me they wanted hurricane windows just like the ones that had already been replaced. Knowing that there is no such thing as a hurricane window (click the link to learn more), I inspected their existing windows. It turns out they had non-impact windows. The customer was shocked, but when we reviewed their original contract, it had "non-impact" checked along with her signature on the agreement. There was nothing that could be done by anyone because the original contractor installed exactly what was specified on the agreement. Window Buying Mistake #6 - Not Seeing the Window Sample! While this may seem obvious - the vast majority of window salesmen do not carry, and do not show, window samples to prospective customers. More often then not, they're just lazy. I don't know about you, but if I'm going to spend $5,000, $10,000, or more on a window replacement project, I sure do want to see what I'm buying before hand! Part of the reason we started My Window and Door Guy was because we got tired of seeing all the shenanigans window and door companies were pulling in this business. We knew there had to be a better way to provide exceptional products, professional installation, fair and transparent pricing. That's why we offer 12+ brands, never apply any sales pressure, and work to help you get the results you are looking for. For a free, no cost, no obligation quote, reach out to us to see what we can do for you! Avoid the window buying mistakes by working with a reputable, knowledgeable contractor! BONUS TIP Installation Matters! I'd rather have a mediocre window with a great installation instead of a great window with mediocre installation. Ask your salesman WHO is going to be doing the installation, what their experience is, and more.