How To Choose a Window Company in Reisterstown
Each window installer has specialized offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement windows, it's important to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Choosing cheap windows could actually increase your overall cost, since they come with a shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The final cost of your replacement windows will depend on the specific styles, materials, and sizes you need. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. If you're unsure, a window specialist can help you decide which options are best 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
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you unique advantages depending on your climate and energy efficiency needs. Fiberglass and vinyl are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, composites and aluminum look sleek and stay strong against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $54-$1528 |
| Composite | $551-$1239 |
| Fiberglass | $90-$772 |
| Vinyl | $185-$1719 |
| Wood | $275-$1549 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for new windows will also include applicable warranty fees, permit application fees, and labor. Ensure that you discuss each of these factors with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Choose a business that focuses on window replacement and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- How long it's been serving the Reisterstown area
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Official non-government accreditations attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
Window specialists and subcontractors in Maryland must carry a license from the state's Home Improvement Commission. Each candidate for a license must successfully complete a trade and business exam, submit legal filings, verify insurance information, and demonstrate financial responsibility.
Types of Windows Offered
The style of window you want should influence your company choice. Not every installation crew will necessarily be familiar with the window brand you want. A company website will show more about the window types it specializes in, 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 greatest ways to evaluate a company is to see what other customers have written about their experiences. You can find customer reviews on websites like Google, Yelp, Trustpilot, and the BBB. 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 Reisterstown
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 purchasing new, more efficient windows, you can improve your home's energy efficiency and reduce your electricity bills.
What is the maintenance schedule for an average window, and how long will it last?
How can I gauge the quality of a replacement window?
- "visible transmittance," which measures how much light can pass through the window
- "solar heat gain coefficient," which tells you how much UV light the window absorbs and releases as heat
- "Condensation resistance," which determines 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 develop (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.
