Replacement Windows Definitive Guide – About.com Home

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By Lee Wallender

When you remove your old window, you are removing only the sash and a few other related parts. You are not removing the entire window that was originally installed by the house builder. It is nearly impossible to remove every, single bit of material from the old window, so some of it remains attached to your house.

Even though the replacement window is not the same as the original window (also called a new construction window), it does function the same.

Remember, when you are shopping for replacement windows, you are shopping for both windows and installation companies, though they fall under the same umbrella.

If doing an Internet search, be sure to geo-target your searches. For instance, in Google, search for "replacement windows [your city]." A map of your community should appear, along with a list of local window companies. Any ads reading "Top 5/10/etc. Window Companies" should be avoided, as they are little better than scams. ServiceMagic does a decent job of connecting you to participating installers, but keep in mind their referrals are not recommendations as to the quality of work.

The replacement window industry is highly competitive, which can breed bad operators--all the way from the salesperson up to the company itself. Here are basics of buying replacement windows:

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Replacement Windows Definitive Guide - About.com Home