How To Choose a Window Company in Chillum
It's essential to find a window installer that matches your specific values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following areas during your hunt:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a significant investment, so balancing cost with quality is crucial. Although top-of-the-line replacement windows may cost more upfront, they often provide better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The overall cost of your window replacement will rely on the specific sizes, materials, and styles you need. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. A window expert can help you with picking 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 | $229-$1408 |
| Awning | $332-$925 |
| Bay | $765-$5677 |
| Custom | $340-$946 |
| Casement | $264-$1534 |
| Double-hung | $123-$799 |
| Egress | $227-$566 |
| Glass Block | $45-$574 |
| Picture | $199-$1471 |
| Single-hung | $89-$1513 |
| Skylight | $113-$1366 |
| Sliding | $260-$1324 |
| Storm | $53-$374 |
| Transom | $277-$580 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option offers unique advantages depending on the local climate and energy-saving goals. Fiberglass and vinyl are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, composites and aluminum look sleek and stay strong in Chillum's strong storms, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $53-$1513 |
| Composite | $546-$1227 |
| Fiberglass | $89-$765 |
| Vinyl | $184-$1703 |
| Wood | $273-$1534 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for window replacement will also include warranty fees (if applicable), permit application fees, and labor. Make sure to discuss each of these elements with a sales representative before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Select a provider that focuses on window replacement and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- How long it's been in business
- Photo galleries of completed projects
- Official non-government accreditations attesting to its workmanship
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 successfully complete a trade and business exam, submit business filings, verify surety bond information, and prove financial responsibility.
Types of Windows Offered
No two businesses 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
Perhaps the best way to prescreen window companies for your job is to see what previous customers have said about them. Read customer reviews on sites such as Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot. 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.
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Window Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Chillum
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
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 purchasing new, more efficient windows, you can boost your home's energy efficiency and minimize your electricity bills.
How frequently should I upgrade or replace my windows?
How can I gauge the quality of a replacement window?
- Air leakage rating, which indicates how tight a window's seal is
- Condensation resistance, which shows how a window deals with moisture
- U-factor, which measures a window's temperature-insulating capability
- Visible transmittance, which shows how much light passes through a window
- Solar heat gain coefficient, which evaluates 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.
