How To Choose a Window Company in Bethesda
Each window company has varying offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost
When it comes to upgrading your windows, value is paramount. Each window you buy should offer optimal durability at an affordable price point. Choosing economy windows could actually raise your overall cost, due to their reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The overall cost of your window replacement will hinge on the particular styles, sizes, and materials you need. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. An expert can guide you through choosing the options that fit your needs.
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 | $232-$1427 |
| Awning | $336-$937 |
| Bay | $775-$5751 |
| Custom | $345-$958 |
| Casement | $268-$1555 |
| Double-hung | $125-$809 |
| Egress | $230-$574 |
| Glass Block | $46-$581 |
| Picture | $201-$1491 |
| Single-hung | $91-$1533 |
| Skylight | $115-$1384 |
| Sliding | $264-$1342 |
| Storm | $54-$379 |
| Transom | $281-$587 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides unique advantages depending on your 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 | $54-$1533 |
| Composite | $553-$1244 |
| Fiberglass | $91-$775 |
| Vinyl | $186-$1725 |
| Wood | $276-$1555 |
Experience and Training
Browse a company's website and talk to a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and warranties. Many companies also keep online portfolios that present past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more specialized training its staff has, and the longer it has been in operation, the more likely it will provide excellent craftsmanship.
Licensing and Credentials
Window contractors and subcontractors in Maryland must carry a license from the state's Home Improvement Commission. Each candidate for a license must pass a trade and business exam, submit legal filings, verify insurance information, and demonstrate financial responsibility.
Types of Windows Offered
There are several replacement window types you can choose from, and it's crucial 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
Perhaps the best way to prescreen window companies for your job is to read what previous customers have said about them. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Yelp, the BBB, and Google 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Bethesda
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
According to the national Department of Energy, up to a third of a house's HVAC usage is to compensate for the heat or cold entering through windows. Energy-efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and in during the wintertime, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
How can I fix a rotting or molding window frame?
Should I replace my windows a couple at a time, or is it more economical to replace them all at once?
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