How To Choose a Window Company in Rockville
Reliability is essential when it comes to choosing a window company. However, your chosen company should also align with your needs and understand your vision. Think about the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a substantial expense, so balancing cost with long life is important. Although premium windows may be more expensive to buy, they often yield better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The final cost of your window replacement will rely on the particular materials, styles, and sizes you need. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. If you're undecided, a window provider can help you figure out which options are best 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 | $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 gives you 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 total cost for new windows will also include applicable warranty fees, permit application fees, and labor. Make sure to discuss each of these elements with an sales representative before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Choose a company that focuses on window repair and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- How long it's been serving the Rockville area
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Privately-issued 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 applicant for a license must pass a test on business and trade practices, submit business filings, verify insurance information, and prove good financial standing.
Types of Windows Offered
The style of window you prefer should influence your company choice. Not every contractor will necessarily be familiar with the window styles you want. A company website will reveal more about the styles of windows 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
Reading other customers' stories is a surefire way to screen different window companies. Read customer reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. 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 Rockville
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
According to the national Department of Energy, up to a third of a house's HVAC usage is to compensate for the heat or cold entering through windows. Energy-efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and retain heat in the wintertime, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
Does window replacement involve pulling permits?
Do window companies have guarantees or warranties for their work?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.