Can I buy my windows and doors from a national home improvement chain store?
There is an old adage, you get what you pay for. Be aware that the chain store is price-based and negotiates a “minimum cost” deal from the manufacturer before selling products in the store. For national chains, the manufacturer usually makes the least expensive window or door possible and often cuts quality corners to meet price points. Also, the majority of the windows and doors offered in that type store are in stock sizes that are not custom made for your house. Be aware that if you contract a chain store to install windows for you, the first time you meet your contractor or installer will be when he comes to measure your house for windows. You won’t be able to check out the quality of his work or references. He works for the chain store, not you.
