How To Choose a Window Company in Laurel
Each window installer has unique offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a significant undertaking, so balancing cost with durability is important. Although premium windows may be more expensive to buy, they often yield better long-term value due to their increased lifespan. The age of your home, together with the materials, styles, and sizes of windows you select, can impact pricing. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. A window expert can help you with choosing the solutions 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
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might pick a material based on your energy efficiency goals, the local climate, and your desired look. 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 in Laurel's strong storms, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
Window Types | Average Cost |
---|---|
Aluminum | $53-$1513 |
Composite | $546-$1227 |
Fiberglass | $89-$765 |
Vinyl | $184-$1703 |
Wood | $273-$1534 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your contractor will factor the price for your windows and the value of their services into its total estimate. Make sure to take into account the cost of installation, warranties, and any other additional costs that your project may require.
Experience and Training
Select a company that focuses on window replacement and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- How long it's been in business
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Official non-government credentials 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 applicant for a license must take a test on business and trade practices, submit legal filings, verify insurance information, and prove financial responsibility.
Types of Windows Offered
No two window companies offer the same window designs 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
One of the greatest ways to screen a company is to check what other customers have said about their experiences. 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 Laurel
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 improve your home's energy efficiency and reduce your electricity bills.
Are there tax incentives for installing energy-efficient windows?
Can I replace just my windows' glass and not their frames?
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