Starting your window project? Ten key considerations to get it right

While the sea of options can feel overwhelming, making the right choices today transforms a daunting construction project into a lifetime of quiet comfort and curb appeal.

If you plan to live in your home for a long time or want to make sure your home will be in great shape if you plan to sell in the future, there are a lot of factors that you should consider. You don’t want to be stuck with a purchase that you or a future buyer may not be completely happy with.

1. Evaluate function & environment

Replacement is your one chance to fix functional flaws. Don’t just replicate what's there; evaluate how each room works. You can swap a protruding casement window that blocks your deck for a hung unit that saves space, or choose an awning window that allows for fresh air even during a downpour. By matching the right function to your local climate and floor plan, you transform a static wall into a strategic tool for air quality, convenience, and year-round comfort.

2. Installation type:
(retrofit vs. full-frame)

This is the most critical technical decision in your project, and it depends entirely on the health of your home's structure.

3. Consider energy efficiency
& in-home comfort

Energy efficiency isn't just about a lower utility bill—it’s about eliminating that "cold shoulder" feel when sitting near a window in winter. To get the best return on investment, look past the marketing and focus on two key numbers:

4. Match the style of your home

Windows are the "furniture" of your exterior; they can either elevate your home’s architecture or look like a mismatched afterthought. This is your opportunity to correct past mistakes and restore your home’s character.

5. Pick features & options

Once you’ve settled on the style, it’s time to customise. These "finishing touches" are what bridge the gap between a standard window and a high-end home upgrade.

6. Think about security

Windows are a primary entry point, so their security features should never be an afterthought. Modern windows offer far more than a simple latch.

7. Choose a qualified installer

The best window in the world will fail if it’s installed poorly. Every company has a different philosophy, and getting at least three quotes isn't just about price; it’s an education. Each consultation will reveal new details about your home and available options. When you’re ready to vet your finalists, dive deep into these categories:

8. Get comparative quotes

When buying windows, it’s just natural to want to get the best price you can, especially if you are replacing all the windows in your home. Unfortunately, there’s more to shopping for new windows than price. The lowest price may not be the best value. There are lots of things to consider.

9. Check the warranty

You can have the best windows in the world, but if those windows are installed incorrectly, you could be dealing with water damage, heat loss, bug infestations, airflow issues, and a general loss of comfort throughout your home. In many ways, the most important part of buying windows is the warranty.

Many window companies in and around the Ottawa area claim to have the best window warranty in the business. Unfortunately, the warranty language is often vague, misleading or full of fine print that is difficult to interpret. Every window company is different, and even companies that sell and install the same product will have differing warranties.

10. Scheduling, lead times,
and the "grant effect"

When researching your timeline, it is important to consider the impact of government incentive programs. Even when specific federal or provincial grants are closed to new applicants, they continue to influence lead times across the industry. During active grant cycles, a massive surge in demand for high-efficiency, Energy Star-certified windows can create significant manufacturing backlogs.

Furthermore, homeowners finishing existing grant journeys must meet strict completion deadlines (often year-end), which can lead to a "seasonal rush" that fills up installation schedules months in advance. To avoid these bottlenecks, we recommend starting your investigation early to secure your place in the queue, regardless of your current program status.