How To Choose a Window Company in Ellicott City
Trustworthiness is essential when it comes to choosing a window installer. However, your chosen company should also match your priorities and respect your vision. Keep in mind the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost
When it comes to upgrading your windows, cost-effectiveness is king. Each window you buy should provide unparalleled durability at a fair price point. Choosing budget windows could actually raise your overall cost, since they come with a reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The material, size, and style of your new windows are the most significant factors in your final cost. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. If you're unsure, a window specialist can help you decide 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 | $242-$1489 |
| Awning | $351-$978 |
| Bay | $809-$6004 |
| Custom | $360-$1000 |
| Casement | $280-$1623 |
| Double-hung | $130-$845 |
| Egress | $240-$599 |
| Glass Block | $48-$607 |
| Picture | $210-$1556 |
| Single-hung | $95-$1601 |
| Skylight | $120-$1445 |
| Sliding | $275-$1400 |
| Storm | $56-$395 |
| Transom | $293-$613 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides unique advantages depending on your climate and energy-saving goals. Fiberglass and vinyl 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 | $56-$1601 |
| Composite | $578-$1298 |
| Fiberglass | $95-$809 |
| Vinyl | $194-$1801 |
| Wood | $289-$1623 |
Experience and Training
The longer a window installer has served your area, the better its workmanship will likely be. Call a company representative to learn more about its experience, public and private credentials, and guarantees. Company websites often have photo galleries where you can see previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
Window installers and subcontractors in Maryland must carry a license from the state's Home Improvement Commission. Each applicant for a license must take a test on business and trade practices, submit legal paperwork, verify surety bond information, and demonstrate financial responsibility.
Types of Windows Offered
There are a variety of replacement window types you can choose from, and it's important to find a company that specializes in the ones you want. Check 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. You can find customer reviews on websites like Google, the BBB, Yelp, and Trustpilot. 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 Ellicott City
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
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 investing in new, more efficient windows, you can boost your home's energy efficiency and lower your electricity bills.
What time of year should I replace my windows?
What repair services do window companies offer?
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