Home Depot has a big range of windows, from entry-level to high-end and everything in between.
In fact, it has a big range of everything you’ll need for a remodel – so it seems like a perfect one-stop-shop for your project.
However, there a few things you should know about Home Depot window replacements, before you finalize your decision.
Who Makes Home Depot Windows?
Home Depot has over 2,000 home improvement stores throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. You can buy upwards of 30 different window brands from Home Depot stores, most of which are for DIY installation.
If you want to work through their Home Services division, they will organize local contractors to install the windows for you. However, you then have only 4 brands to choose from:
- American Craftsman windows – vinyl replacement windows at competitive price points.
- Andersen windows – wood and composite windows in various colors and finishes.
- Jeld-Wen windows -vinyl, aluminum or wood windows for new construction and replacements.
- VantagePointe by Simonton windows – slimline vinyl replacement windows that allow for a bigger viewing area.
Home Depot Windows Pros and Cons
Here are some more of the pros and cons of buying your windows through Home Depot.
Pros
You might have noticed how hard it is to get prices from most window companies. You have to disclose your contact details before they give you any info at all – and then they’ll hit you with their hard-sell tactics!
Home Depot windows, on the other hand, have complete price transparency. All of the prices are right on their website. This helps you make an informed decision that fits your individual budget and household needs.
Home Depot gives you a wide range of choices, from frame material or type of glass right down to the hardware on the windows.
Home Depot also has a lot of window-related products available, like curtains and blinds. Homeowners often look for these at the same time as new windows, so everything is conveniently in one place.
Throughout the year, Home Depot will spotlight specific installation services from doors to toilets to windows. You should watch the offers section of their website for window installation specials if you are anticipating a window replacement in the near future.
Cons
Home Depot is, first and foremost, a retailer, and the stores employ most of their floor staff as retail clerks. A visit to one of the stores will usually reveal that there are few home improvement specialists – if any -available to answer your in-depth questions.
Home Depot At Home Services offers a short service warranty of only 1 year on some of its products. This doesn’t give you much time after installation to figure out if anything is amiss.
Home Depot uses third-party contractors to install its windows. The company does background checks on these contractors, but they don’t control every aspect of their operations. If they mess up the job, you might have a hard time getting Home Depot to fix “someone else’s problem”.
It’s also easy to guess that many smaller, less experienced installers are drawn to a system like Home Depot’s, where they get customers sent to them without having to pay for advertising. This is not to say that problems happen with all, or even most, of Home Depot’s third-party installers of course – but you’ll have to decide if it’s worth the risk.
Most contracts for Home Depot windows installation have a section discussing potential unforeseen future expenses before starting a project. They should be able to give you a price range to expect, but they can’t promise to stick to an original quote if issues arise.
Home Depot Window Installation Costs
It’s impossible to pinpoint costs of Home Depot window installations, as there are so many variables.
You can end up paying more than you expected. This is a risk you take with any remodeling project, however, and not specific to Home Depot.
Here are a few of the issues that could potentially affect your window installation costs:
- Water damage and rot to the wood surrounding the window opening.
- Electrical wiring and plumbing that’s discovered after removing the old window, that needs re-routing.
- Unforeseen joist modification, header installation or drywall repair from installing a bigger window.
Conclusion
Like any big box retail store, Home Depot has some advantages and disadvantages over smaller suppliers. On the one hand, it has a big range of windows and other items to choose from, and it’s super-convenient. On the other hand, it lacks a personal touch when it comes to customer service.
If you value range, convenience, and pricing over getting prompt assistance if you have a problem with your window replacements, then Home Depot has a lot to offer.
But if you’d prefer not to take any risks with a third-party installer, then it’s better to buy DIY window replacements, then hire someone you trust to install them.