How To Choose a Window Company in Madison
It's crucial to find a window installer that aligns with your specific values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following points during your hunt:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement windows, it's crucial to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Choosing economy windows could actually increase your overall cost, since they come with a shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The style, size, and material of your new windows play the largest role in determining your final cost. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. It's advisable to speak with a trusted window installer to decide on your ideal options.
To help you form a rough estimate, this table shows the typical cost of the most common residential window types.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $215-$1321 |
| Awning | $311-$867 |
| Bay | $717-$5324 |
| Custom | $319-$887 |
| Casement | $248-$1439 |
| Double-hung | $115-$749 |
| Egress | $212-$531 |
| Glass Block | $42-$538 |
| Picture | $186-$1380 |
| Single-hung | $84-$1419 |
| Skylight | $106-$1281 |
| Sliding | $244-$1242 |
| Storm | $50-$351 |
| Transom | $260-$544 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might choose a material based on your desired look, your energy efficiency goals, and the local climate. For example, wood windows can give your home an organic design without breaking the bank, but you'll have to invest more toward maintenance. Aluminum and composite windows cost more up-front, but they're incredibly durable against the elements, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $50-$1419 |
| Composite | $512-$1151 |
| Fiberglass | $84-$717 |
| Vinyl | $172-$1597 |
| Wood | $256-$1439 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for new windows will also include applicable warranty fees, permit application fees, and labor. Make sure to discuss each of these factors with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Peruse a company's website and chat with a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and warranties. Many window companies also keep online portfolios that highlight past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more dedicated instruction its staff has, and the longer it has been in business, the more likely it will provide high-quality service.
Licensing and Credentials
Alabama requires window installation businesses earning more than $50,000 on residential work to hold a license. The state's Licensing Board for General Contractors sets standards and supervises tests.
Types of Windows Offered
The kind of window you prefer should play a role in your company choice. Not every installer will necessarily be familiar with the window styles you want. A company website will reveal more about the varieties of windows it specializes in, such as:
- Awning
- Bay
- Bow
- Casement
- Crank-out
- Custom
- Double- or single-hung
- Egress
- Garden
- Jalousie
- Picture
- Sliding
- Skylight
- Specialty
- Storm
- Transom
- Vent
Customer Feedback
Perhaps the best way to screen window companies for your job is to read what previous customers have said about them. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Google, Trustpilot, and Yelp Talk to people you know who have used the company you'd like to hire, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Madison
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
Do I need a building permit to replace my home's windows?
Is it better to replace all my windows at once, or just a few at a time?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
