How To Choose a Window Company in Ensley
It's crucial to find a window installer that matches your unique values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following areas during your search:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a significant undertaking, so balancing cost with long life is crucial. Choosing cheap windows could actually increase your overall cost, due to their reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The material, style, and size of your replacement windows have the greatest impact on your final cost. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. A professional can guide you through choosing the options that fit your requirements.
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 | $209-$1285 |
| Awning | $303-$843 |
| Bay | $698-$5178 |
| Custom | $310-$863 |
| Casement | $241-$1400 |
| Double-hung | $112-$728 |
| Egress | $207-$517 |
| Glass Block | $41-$524 |
| Picture | $181-$1342 |
| Single-hung | $82-$1380 |
| Skylight | $103-$1246 |
| Sliding | $237-$1208 |
| Storm | $49-$341 |
| Transom | $253-$529 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option offers different benefits depending on the local climate and energy-saving goals. Vinyl and fiberglass are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, aluminum and composites look sleek and stay strong against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $49-$1380 |
| Composite | $498-$1120 |
| Fiberglass | $82-$698 |
| Vinyl | $168-$1553 |
| Wood | $249-$1400 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each contractor you're considering about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you get a clear picture of the total costs involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Select a company that focuses on window replacement and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- The number of years it's been in business
- Photo galleries of completed projects
- Official non-government certifications attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
Window companies in Florida need a residential, general, or glazing license from the state Construction Industry Licensing Board. Some licenses let companies operate in one location exclusively, while others enable crews to work across the state. Cities might have their own supplementary licenses, but they cannot overlap with licenses that the state oversees.
Types of Windows Offered
No two window companies offer the same window styles and materials. Look for one that's an expert 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
Perhaps the best way to vet window companies for your job is to check what previous customers have said about them. You can find customer reviews on websites like Trustpilot, the BBB, Yelp, and Google. Speak with people you know who have used the company you're evaluating, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Ensley
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
The U.S. Department of Energy states that 25%–30% of a home's heating and cooling capacity is used to compensate for heat gain and heat loss through windows. By investing in new, more efficient windows, you can improve your home's energy efficiency and minimize your electricity bills.
Does window replacement involve pulling permits?
How can I gauge the quality of a replacement window?
- "visible transmittance," which indicates how much light can enter through the window
- "solar heat gain coefficient," which shows how much UV light the window absorbs and releases as heat
- "Condensation resistance," which measures how well a window can resist moisture (the higher the number, the better)
- "Air leakage," which measures how easy it is for air drafts to develop (the lower the number, the better)
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
