How To Choose a Window Company in Branford
An exceptional reputation is key when it comes to choosing a window provider. However, your chosen company should also match your priorities and appreciate your vision. Consider the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to replacing your windows, value is most important. Each window you buy should provide optimal durability at an affordable price point. Choosing budget windows could actually increase your overall cost, since they come with a reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The material, size, and style of your new windows have the greatest impact on 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. An installer can guide you through selecting the products that fit your preferences.
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 | $245-$1505 |
| Awning | $354-$988 |
| Bay | $817-$6066 |
| Custom | $363-$1011 |
| Casement | $283-$1640 |
| Double-hung | $132-$853 |
| Egress | $242-$605 |
| Glass Block | $48-$613 |
| Picture | $212-$1572 |
| Single-hung | $96-$1617 |
| Skylight | $121-$1460 |
| Sliding | $278-$1415 |
| Storm | $57-$399 |
| Transom | $296-$620 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might pick 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 | $57-$1617 |
| Composite | $584-$1312 |
| Fiberglass | $96-$817 |
| Vinyl | $196-$1819 |
| Wood | $292-$1640 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each window installer you're considering about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you get a better picture of the overall expenses involved in the project.
Experience and Training
The longer a window company has been in business, the better its workmanship will likely be. Call a company representative to learn more about its public and private credentials, experience, and guarantees. Company websites often have photo galleries where you can see previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
While Connecticut doesn't require contractors to carry licenses, they must still register with the state's Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), and there are still restrictions on what jobs they can perform. Most residential window installers are considered "minor contractors" and can only work on single and multi-family residences. If a company performs glasswork, it must have a Glazier license from the DCP.
Types of Windows Offered
No two window companies offer the same window styles and materials. Look for one that specializes in the type you want for your home.
- Awning
- Bay
- Bow
- Casement
- Crank-out
- Custom
- Double- or single-hung
- Egress
- Garden
- Jalousie
- Picture
- Sliding
- Skylight
- Specialty
- Storm
- Transom
- Vent
Customer Feedback
Reading other customers' stories is one of the smartest ways to screen different window replacement companies. Read customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot, Google, and Yelp. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. Speak with people you know who have used a company you're interested in, and ask a representative for a copy of its reference list.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Branford
What are the benefits of hiring a window installer?
How frequently should I upgrade or replace my windows?
How can I gauge the quality of a replacement window?
- Air leakage rating, which measures how tight a window's seal is
- Condensation resistance, which shows how a window holds moisture
- U-factor, which measures a window's temperature-insulating capability
- Visible transmittance, which measures how much visible light passes through a window
- Solar heat gain coefficient, which measures how much heat from sunlight can pass through the window
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
