How To Choose a Window Company in Essex
Dependability is important when it comes to choosing a window installer. However, your chosen company should also align with your priorities and understand your vision. Keep in mind the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a significant investment, so balancing cost with long life is vital. Choosing cheap windows could actually increase your overall cost, since they come with a shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The size, material, and style of your new windows have the greatest impact on your final cost. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. If you're undecided, a window company can help you decide which options are ideal 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 | $231-$1422 |
| Awning | $335-$934 |
| Bay | $772-$5731 |
| Custom | $343-$955 |
| Casement | $267-$1549 |
| Double-hung | $124-$806 |
| Egress | $229-$572 |
| Glass Block | $45-$579 |
| Picture | $201-$1486 |
| Single-hung | $90-$1528 |
| Skylight | $114-$1379 |
| Sliding | $263-$1337 |
| Storm | $54-$377 |
| Transom | $280-$585 |
Window Material Cost
You'll also need to select a window material. Homeowners usually base their decision on energy efficiency objectives, aesthetic preferences and the local climate. Aluminum windows are perfect for sleek, modern designs, but they cost more up-front. You'll pay less for wood windows up-front, but you'll need to invest in regular maintenance to prevent the frame from warping and wear. Vinyl is readily available and tends to cost less, but don't underestimate its strong durability and low maintenance needs.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $54-$1528 |
| Composite | $551-$1239 |
| Fiberglass | $90-$772 |
| Vinyl | $185-$1719 |
| Wood | $275-$1549 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each contractor you're considering about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you gain a complete understanding of of the total costs involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Examine a company's website and chat with a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and guarantees. Many companies also keep online portfolios that highlight past projects.
Ensure that the company focuses on window replacement. The more dedicated instruction its staff has, and the longer it has been in operation, the more likely it will deliver top-notch 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 take a test on business and trade practices, submit business filings, verify surety bond information, and show good financial standing.
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 has expertise with the ones you want. Search 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 find out what previous customers have said about them. You can find customer reviews on websites like the BBB, Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google. 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Essex
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 investing in new, more efficient windows, you can enhance your home's energy efficiency and lower your electricity bills.
What is the maintenance schedule for an average window, and how long will it last?
I broke my window's glass. Could I replace just the glass?
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