How To Choose a Window Company in Acton
Each window provider has unique offerings and approaches. To ease the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to replacing your windows, cost-effectiveness is paramount. Each window you purchase should provide unparalleled durability at a fair price point. Although top-of-the-line windows may come with a higher initial price tag, they often provide better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The age of your home, in addition to the materials, styles, and sizes of replacement windows you choose, can influence 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 guide you through choosing the options 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 | $253-$1555 |
| Awning | $366-$1021 |
| Bay | $844-$6267 |
| Custom | $376-$1044 |
| Casement | $292-$1694 |
| Double-hung | $136-$882 |
| Egress | $250-$625 |
| Glass Block | $50-$634 |
| Picture | $220-$1624 |
| Single-hung | $99-$1671 |
| Skylight | $125-$1508 |
| Sliding | $287-$1462 |
| Storm | $59-$413 |
| Transom | $306-$640 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might choose a material based on your desired look, your energy efficiency goals, and the local climate. 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 against the elements, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $59-$1671 |
| Composite | $603-$1355 |
| Fiberglass | $99-$844 |
| Vinyl | $203-$1880 |
| Wood | $301-$1694 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for window replacement will also include applicable warranty fees, permit-related costs (if required), and labor. Ensure that you discuss each of these factors with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Peruse a company's website and talk to a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and warranties. Many window companies also keep online portfolios that highlight past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more specialized training its staff has, and the longer it has been active, the more likely it will deliver excellent workmanship.
Licensing and Credentials
Massachusetts window contractors are considered general contractors and require a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) with a window specialization. CSL applicants must pass an open-book exam and show three years of vocational training. Once a company has a CSL, it must also register with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation as a "home improvement contractor."
Types of Windows Offered
There are numerous replacement window types you can choose from, and it's vital to find a company that focuses on installing the ones you want. Browse 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 vet window companies for your job is to find out what previous customers have said about them. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include 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 Acton
What are the benefits of hiring a window installer?
How frequently should I upgrade or replace my windows?
Can I replace just my windows' glass and not their frames?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
