How To Choose a Window Company in Council Bluffs
Each window provider has varying offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to replacing your windows, cost-effectiveness is king. Each window you buy should provide optimal durability at a reasonable price point. Although top-of-the-line replacement windows may be more expensive to buy, they often provide better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The style, material, and size of your replacement windows are the most significant factors in your final cost. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. If you're undecided, a window provider can help you determine which options are best for your home.
In this table, you can find cost data for the most common residential window types to determine how much you might pay.
| 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 pick a material based on your desired look, the local climate, and your energy efficiency goals. 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 in Council Bluffs' strong storms, 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
Your contractor will factor the price for your windows and the value of their services into its total estimate. Make sure to factor in the cost of installation, guarantees, and any other extra expenses that your project may need.
Experience and Training
Browse a company's website and talk to a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and guarantees. Many window companies also keep online galleries that present past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more specific training its staff has, and the longer it has been active, the more likely it will provide top-notch craftsmanship.
Licensing and Credentials
Iowa mandates window contractors to enroll with the state's Division of Labor if they make over $2,000 per year from jobs. 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
The type of window you desire should factor into your company choice. Not every installer will necessarily be familiar with the window styles you want. A company website will provide more about the varieties of windows it deals with, 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 evaluate window companies for your job is to find out what previous customers have said about them. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Trustpilot, Yelp, and the BBB Referrals can also help you in your company search. Ask each company you're interested in for a list of references, and talk to family and friends about who they use for window installations.
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Window Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Council Bluffs
What are the benefits of hiring a window installer?
What should I do if a window is molding or has rot?
How can I gauge the quality of a replacement window?
- "visible transmittance," which measures how much light can pass through the window
- "solar heat gain coefficient," which shows how much UV light the window absorbs and releases as heat
- "Condensation resistance," which shows 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.
