How To Choose a Window Company in Ames
Each window provider has specialized offerings and approaches. To ease the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a significant investment, so balancing cost with quality is vital. Choosing cheap windows could actually increase your overall cost, since they come with a shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, together with the styles, sizes, and materials of replacement windows you opt for, can influence pricing. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. If you're undecided, a window provider can help you figure out which options are best for your home.
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 | $221-$1358 |
| Awning | $320-$892 |
| Bay | $738-$5475 |
| Custom | $328-$912 |
| Casement | $255-$1480 |
| Double-hung | $119-$770 |
| Egress | $219-$546 |
| Glass Block | $43-$554 |
| Picture | $192-$1419 |
| Single-hung | $86-$1460 |
| Skylight | $109-$1318 |
| Sliding | $251-$1277 |
| Storm | $51-$360 |
| Transom | $267-$559 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might choose a material based on the local climate, your energy efficiency goals, and your desired look. 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 | $51-$1460 |
| Composite | $527-$1184 |
| Fiberglass | $86-$738 |
| Vinyl | $177-$1642 |
| Wood | $263-$1480 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each company you're considering about warranty fees, labor costs, 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 installer 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 keep photo galleries where you can see previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
Iowa requires window contractors to register with the state's Division of Labor if they make over $2,000 per year from contracts. While the registration process doesn't involve exams, new contractors must still provide proof of insurance and have at least a $25,000 bond.
Types of Windows Offered
There are many replacement window types you can choose from, and it's important to find a company that focuses on installing the ones you want. Look on a company's website and reviews for any of these types:
- 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 a great way to screen different window replacement companies. Read customer reviews on sites such as Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. Ask 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 Ames
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
What time of year should I replace my windows?
Do window installers also work with blinds and coverings?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
