So many manufacturers and companies are promoting the amazing $1,500 tax credit that homeowners can get as part of the 2009 American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. This is a very good thing for the home improvement industry because it stimulates business. It’s good for the country because it stimulates business, helps make the environment cleaner and lessens America’s dependence on foreign oil.  And of course it’s great for homeowners because it puts cash into homeowners’ hands  and saves them money by virtue of lower heating and cooling costs.

Some companies are so excited to push this tax credit program that they fail to fully explain all the details. Gorell has always understood the importance of doing business with integrity and works with home improvement specialists that carry Gorell windows to take the time to ensure homeowners understand the requirements of the program—and talk to their tax advisors about the tax credit. While this is a great program for consumers, there are specific requirements pertaining to products purchased for the tax credit and there are also government tax regulations pertaining to the tax credit program. For example, the tax credit applies only to the homeowner’s primary residence. Also, a homeowner’s tax credit cannot exceed his or her tax liability. For more on the tax credit rules and regulations, visit http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=113316.  Gorell always encourages homeowners to talk to a tax advisor to review individual situations.   

As homeowners, what should we be looking for in a window warranty?  Like vinyl replacement windows, the warranty can come in all shapes and sizes.  There are limited warranties, transferable warranties, warranties with exclusions, and many other types.

As homeowners, one of the first things we want to look for in a window warranty is lifetime.  But even seeing this, you have to look further.  A lifetime warranty usually has some criteria attached to it.  It might be a Lifetime Limited warranty, where the window pro-rates after 5 or 10 years.  Let me give you an example of pro-rating.  If you have a Lifetime Limited warranty, but as you look at the 'stipulations' or criteria, you see that although there is a lifetime warranty included in your window, you might have to pay 50% of the window cost to replace/warrant your windows after 10 years, and after 15 years, you may have to pay 75%, and after 15 years, you may be responsible for 90% of the cost.  Nevertheless, the warranty can still be called Lifetime (Limited).

Many companies offer a Lifetime Warranty to the first homeowner.  If you are the first homeowner, that sounds great, but what happens if you move.  One of the reasons you purchased replacement windows to improve the value of your house.  If you can't transfer the warranty, or the warranty pro-rates when you sell your house, you have to evaluate whether your investment in replacement windows was really worth it.

As we look through a window warranty, we also want to find out what parts and pieces are covered and for how long these parts are covered.  Many times a warranty will have a lifetime warranty on the vinyl, but only 10 year warranty on parts.  Does this make sense when you are purchasing a quality product?

Let me give you an example of what I mean.  If you go out and purchase a refrigerator, and the warranty on the refrigerator is for 10 years.  Does the refrigerator usually break down the day before the warranty runs out or the day after.  It's been my experience that the warranty runs out the day after, probably yours too.  My point, a manufacturer only warranties their product for exactly how long they think it will last.

Look at some of the name brand windows and their warranties.  You will find those warranties are much more limited and reduced in length compared to a company such as Gorell, where this blog is located.  It's interesting that manufacturers like Gorell have strong confidence in the product, and from experience, they stand behind the product.

Also, take a look at the warranty on their insulated glass.  What is covered here and for how long?  There are some manufacturers that warrant for glass breakage.  Again, it seems the Gorell's of the world outclass some of the name brand windows in terms of warranty for seal failures - and glass breakage!

My point with warranties is simply this.  Make sure you find an easy to read warranty, and if there is fine print, make sure you read it thoroughly.  Look for how long the insulated glass seal is warranted for as well as the parts.  If you find a window manufacturer that includes glass breakage in their warranty, all the better for your piece of mind.

When you are investing thousands of dollars in your home, you want to make sure you make the right choice of product, and you have a warranty to back up that choice.  Good luck with your purchase!