How To Choose a Window Company in North Potomac
An exceptional reputation is crucial when it comes to choosing a window company. However, your chosen company should also suit your priorities and respect your vision. Consider the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new windows, it's essential to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Although high-quality windows may cost more upfront, they often yield better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The style, material, and size of your new windows are the most significant factors in your final cost. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. It's wise to speak with a reliable window installer to decide on your most suitable options.
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 | $232-$1427 |
| Awning | $336-$937 |
| Bay | $775-$5751 |
| Custom | $345-$958 |
| Casement | $268-$1555 |
| Double-hung | $125-$809 |
| Egress | $230-$574 |
| Glass Block | $46-$581 |
| Picture | $201-$1491 |
| Single-hung | $91-$1533 |
| Skylight | $115-$1384 |
| Sliding | $264-$1342 |
| Storm | $54-$379 |
| Transom | $281-$587 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option offers different benefits depending on your climate and energy efficiency needs. 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 | $54-$1533 |
| Composite | $553-$1244 |
| Fiberglass | $91-$775 |
| Vinyl | $186-$1725 |
| Wood | $276-$1555 |
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 factor in the cost of installation, guarantees, and any other additional costs that your project may require.
Experience and Training
Browse a company's website and chat with a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and warranties. Many window companies also keep online portfolios that exhibit past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more specific training its staff has, and the longer it has been in business, the more likely it will deliver excellent workmanship.
Licensing and Credentials
Window specialists and subcontractors in Maryland must carry a license from the state's Home Improvement Commission. Each applicant for a license must take a trade and business exam, submit legal filings, verify surety bond information, and prove financial responsibility.
Types of Windows Offered
The kind of window you want should factor into your company choice. Not every installer will necessarily be familiar with the types you want. A company website will provide more about the window types it focuses on, 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
One of the most surefire ways to screen a company is to check what other customers have said about their experiences. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google 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 North Potomac
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 installing new, more efficient windows, you can improve your home's energy efficiency and minimize your electricity bills.
How frequently should I upgrade or replace my windows?
What are some important metrics to know when I shop for replacement windows?
- "visible transmittance," which indicates how much light passes through the window
- "solar heat gain coefficient," which measures how much UV light the window absorbs and releases as heat
- "Condensation resistance," which shows how well a window can resist moisture (the higher the number, the better)
- "Air leakage," which measures how easy it is for air drafts to occur (the lower the number, the better)
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
