Business
When it’s time to consider new windows, here’s what you need to know
Replacement Windows vs. New-Construction Windows – What Should I Get?
If installing new windows for your home is on your 2022 to-do list, there are two routes you can take. Either you can get new construction or replacement windows. The type you choose depends upon several factors, such as your house, current windows, and their condition.
If you are new to home renovation, you must wonder what the difference is between replacement and new construction windows. Keep reading to learn everything about both types and where to buy windows that work best for your house.
What are replacement windows?
As the name suggests, these windows basically replace your house’s old windows using the existing rough openings. They are usually custom-made to fit easily into the current frame.
Replacement windows are comparatively easy to install than construction windows as they require minimal work, which can be done without touching the trims or the insulation around the window.
What are construction windows?
New construction windows are typically used for newly constructed homes or other new constructions, like a home extension. This does not imply that they can only be used for newly built homes. In some situations, such as intense remodelling or repairing badly damaged existing structures, replacing old windows with new construction windows is the best option.
Replacement windows and construction windows are available in various styles, finishes, and materials. So you can pretty much find a style that goes well with your home based on whichever window is right for your home.
When should I use replacement windows?
Replacement windows are a good choice if your window frames are in good condition and you’re ready to invest in new energy-efficient windows. Generally, these units are used when the wall has already been constructed and cannot be significantly altered. These windows are ideal when:
- you are replacing an existing window
- you want the wall to stay in its place as much as possible
- the window is not going to be used for a new building
- you want to get the same window style but modern and energy-efficient
When should I use new-construction windows?
Replacement windows are not the ideal option if the window frames in your current home are damaged. In that case, you would need to remove the existing frame. Installing new construction windows is the ideal solution in such a situation. In addition, new construction windows are suitable when:
- you are building a new house
- you are planning an extension in your house
- the wall is being rebuilt
- the wall is damaged and needs major repairing
Whether you should opt for replacement or new-construction windows depends upon several factors, as mentioned above. However, keep in mind that construction windows are standard-sized windows. So you cannot just plug them into any opening where an existing window was removed from, even if they appear to be the exact same size as the old window.
Which one is more cost-effective?
When it comes to installing new windows in your home, replacement windows are generally the least expensive option. Because these windows are inserted in existing frames, they typically require less labour making them more affordable. The price for a replacement window may start from $300 per unit and rise depending on the custom features you choose, such as:
- Frame material. Vinyl here is the most affordable, while wood is the most expensive.
- Hardware. You can choose standard or opt for elite hardware, customizing locks, handles, etc., to match your preferences.
- Colour. White, Black or other basic colours will not significantly affect the price. Still, if you want custom shades to complement your exterior and interior, you should expect a price change of around 15%.
- Glazing. The current standard is double pane windows, but if you live in cold regions, triple pane windows would be a better choice. But the price for these units may be up to 20% higher depending on the glazing and LoE coating you choose.
Initially, the price of new-construction windows may appear less, but it truly relies on the type and number of windows you order. Since they are standard size, they are produced in large volumes and hence available at a lower price.
However, the price can significantly increase when you consider the cost of replacing the current window frame and repairing the surrounding interior and exterior walls.
But installing construction windows can prove to be the most acceptable alternative and the best investment if you’re installing windows in new construction or your current window frames are in poor condition.
Where to buy new windows for your house?
Due to a large number of Red Deer window companies in the market today, you will have several options at various price ranges.
To help you pick the best option for your house, we advise dealing with experienced professionals that offer Energy Star-rated windows, free quotes & consultation and qualified in-house installers to ensure correct installation and maximum energy efficiency for your new windows.
Final thoughts
If you are about to install new windows, choosing whether to get replacement windows or new construction windows is a decision you must make very carefully.
A new construction window may be a good option in situations like an extension to your home or building a new home.
However, a replacement window will be more suitable if you plan to replace your existing windows, not changing rough openings and window styles. Opting for custom-made replacement windows means saving yourself a lot of time, hassle, and money in the future.
The Downtown Business Association (DBA) Board of Directors has made the decision to wind down the Association’s operations at the end of 2025.
The Board determined that the Association is no longer able to operate sustainably under the financial framework available for 2026. After exploring all reasonable alternatives, the Board concluded that it could not continue without reducing services to a level that would no longer provide meaningful value to levy-paying businesses.
The DBA does not receive any operating funding from City Hall in a regular year, all funds raised are through Business Improvement Area Levy that consists of a mandatory levy placed on all businesses operating within the Business Improvement Area. These funds are legislated under the Municipal
Government Act, to be used to promote the Business Improvement Area, which is achieved through marketing and event initiatives along with providing advocacy support primarily to local government on behalf of the business community.
In recent years, the DBA has been a committed advocate for re-examining the approach to Downtown Governance. The Board has consistently maintained that the responsibility for funding downtown initiatives in such a socially charged environment should not rest solely with the business community.
Despite their efforts, the DBA recognized that the funds generated through the Business Improvement Area Levy were insufficient to effectively address the growing challenges of the current operating environment. This ongoing financial strain highlighted the need for a more equitable and sustainable
model to re-establish the downtown as a safe and welcoming heart of the city.
At the annual DBA budget presentation to City Hall, the DBA requested the essential funding needed to implement the Greater Downtown Governance Committee’s recommendations — work that the DBA is uniquely positioned to lead and has been delivering despite depleting resources for many years. The request was not approved. Instead, The City offered a one-time $100,000 Grant-in-Lieu, paired with a proposed 60% increase to the Business Improvement Area levy in 2026.
After careful analysis, the Board concluded that increasing the levy would place undue strain on already challenged businesses and compromise the DBA’s role as a trusted advocate. Operating with the reduced funding of $225,000 would require further staff reductions in an already under resourced environment and a significant reduction in programs, making it impossible to deliver the level of support that downtown businesses deserve and vitally need.
Beginning January 1, 2026, the City of Red Deer will become the primary contact point for matters previously supported by the DBA, including downtown support programs, business-district coordination, events, safety and cleanliness support, and stakeholder engagement. The DBA will work with City staff to support a smooth transition.
The DBA will continue to provide Clean Team services through the delivery of the City-funded environmental contract until February 1st, 2026.
Quote from CEO, Amanda Gould:
“To our business community, we have always operated with your best interests in our heart, continually driving the vision of a thriving downtown environment that serves every member of our community. The changes ahead will have a significant impact on downtown, as there will no longer be an organization dedicated to ensuring the downtown remains top-of-mind, leading events, marketing initiatives, or advocating on your behalf. It is likely you will experience less coordinated support and collective representation.
After 13 years of service to you and our beautiful downtown, it is with great personal sadness that we find ourselves here, but our message remains clear – addressing the unique challenges of our downtown should not rest solely on your shoulders. We cannot, in good faith, collect a levy that does not enable us to provide the essential services needed for our evolving downtown landscape”.
Quote from DBA Board Chair, Brandon Bouchard:
“The incredible staff at the Downtown Business Association have consistently delivered on their mandate with outstanding dedication and effectiveness. Through their efforts, they have successfully promoted the downtown area, organized impactful marketing and event initiatives, and provided steadfast
advocacy support for the business community. Their work has extended well beyond the legislated requirements, as they have proactively responded to the evolving needs of downtown businesses, adapting to challenges and supporting operations within a complex and changing environment.
Despite the staff’s relentless commitment to positioning the DBA as an effective leader for downtown interests, the absence of a sustainable funding model has made it impossible to continue delivering meaningful support. The Board cannot, in good conscience, propose a levy that does not enable the
Association to meet the required level of service, address the shifting priorities of the business community, or respond to the continually evolving needs of the downtown”.
A new program funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership will accelerate expansion in Alberta greenhouses and vertical farms.
Albertans want to keep their hard-earned money in the province and support producers by choosing locally grown, high-quality produce. The new three-year, $10-milllion Growing Greenhouses program aims to stimulate industry growth and provide fresh fruit and vegetables to Albertans throughout the year.
“Everything our ministry does is about ensuring Albertans have secure access to safe, high-quality food. We are continually working to build resilience and sustainability into our food production systems, increase opportunities for producers and processors, create jobs and feed Albertans. This new program will fund technologies that increase food production and improve energy efficiency.”
“Through this investment, we’re supporting Alberta’s growers and ensuring Canadians have access to fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables on grocery shelves year-round. This program strengthens local communities, drives innovation, and creates new opportunities for agricultural entrepreneurs, reinforcing Canada’s food system and economy.”
The Growing Greenhouses program supports the controlled environment agriculture sector with new construction or expansion improvements to existing greenhouses and vertical farms that produce food at a commercial scale. It also aligns with Alberta’s Buy Local initiative launched this year as consumers will be able to purchase more local produce all year-round.
The program was created in alignment with the needs identified by the greenhouse sector, with a goal to reduce seasonal import reliance entering fall, which increases fruit and vegetable prices.
“This program is a game-changer for Alberta’s greenhouse sector. By investing in expansion and innovation, we can grow more fresh produce year-round, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen food security for Albertans. Our growers are ready to meet the demand with sustainable, locally grown vegetables and fruits, and this support ensures we can do so while creating new jobs and opportunities in communities across the province. We are very grateful to the Governments of Canada and Alberta for this investment in our sector and for working collaboratively with us.”
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP)
Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation and resiliency in Canada’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
Quick facts
- Alberta’s greenhouse sector ranks fourth in Canada:
- 195 greenhouses produce $145 million in produce and 60 per cent of them operate year-round.
- Greenhouse food production is growing by 6.2 per cent annually.
- Alberta imports $349 million in fresh produce annually.
- The program supports sector growth by investing in renewable and efficient energy systems, advanced lighting systems, energy-saving construction, and automation and robotics systems.
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