How To Choose a Window Company in Crofton
It's crucial to find a window replacement company that matches your unique values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following areas during your search:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement windows, it's crucial to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Choosing economy windows could actually increase your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The material, style, and size of your replacement windows have the greatest impact on your final cost. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. If you're undecided, a window company can help you figure out which options are most suitable 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 | $239-$1467 |
| Awning | $345-$963 |
| Bay | $797-$5912 |
| Custom | $354-$985 |
| Casement | $275-$1598 |
| Double-hung | $128-$832 |
| Egress | $236-$590 |
| Glass Block | $47-$598 |
| Picture | $207-$1532 |
| Single-hung | $93-$1576 |
| Skylight | $118-$1423 |
| Sliding | $271-$1379 |
| Storm | $56-$389 |
| Transom | $289-$604 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might choose a material based on your desired look, your energy efficiency goals, and the local climate. For example, windows made of wood 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 | $56-$1576 |
| Composite | $569-$1278 |
| Fiberglass | $93-$797 |
| Vinyl | $191-$1773 |
| Wood | $284-$1598 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each company you're considering about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you get a better picture of the total costs involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Select a company that focuses on window installation and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- How long it's been in business
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Private credentials attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
Window installers and subcontractors in Maryland must carry a license from the state's Home Improvement Commission. Each candidate for a license must take a trade and business exam, submit legal filings, verify surety bond information, and demonstrate good financial standing.
Types of Windows Offered
The type of window you desire should factor into your company choice. Not every contractor will necessarily be familiar with the types you want. A company website will tell 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 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 Trustpilot Ask people you know who have used the company you're interested in, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Crofton
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. Efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and retain heat in the wintertime, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
Do I need a building permit to replace my home's windows?
Can I replace just my windows' glass and not their frames?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
