Are you having problems with your replacement windows or builder series windows in your ten-fifteen year old home? Sadly, I hear about problems like functionality, rot, drafts, cold, windows won't stay up, or your top sash keeps slipping down on a regular basis. I always feel bad for these people because they just bought replacement windows 7-10 years ago and they are at the table again. Or they bought a new home 10-15 years ago and all their windows have to be replaced and the builder or the contractor who sold the windows is long gone.

My advice for these problems is to become educated about the window products on the market and ask about the warranties. This applies if you are building a new home or replacing windows in an existing home.

If you are replacing windows, make sure you work with a company committed to quality products with an easy to understand warranty and a great service record. When you buy a quality product you shouldn't have to replace it. The windows may need service but they should not have to be replaced. If you buy a low-end window, you will find they cannot be serviced.

To steal a line from a clothing retailer: "Our best customer is an educated customer."

These are words to take seriously because many people get educated through the "school of hard knocks!" Other words to live by, "Good things are seldom cheap and cheap things are seldom good."

Good luck!