How To Choose a Window Company in Andover
Trustworthiness is important when it comes to choosing a window company. However, your chosen company should also match your needs and understand your vision. Keep in mind the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to window replacement, cost-effectiveness is key. Each window you buy should offer unparalleled durability at a fair price point. Although top-of-the-line windows may cost more upfront, they often provide better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The material, style, and size of your replacement windows have the greatest impact on your final cost. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. It's wise to consult a vetted window installer to figure out your ideal options.
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 | $263-$1616 |
Awning | $381-$1061 |
Bay | $877-$6512 |
Custom | $390-$1085 |
Casement | $303-$1760 |
Double-hung | $141-$916 |
Egress | $260-$650 |
Glass Block | $52-$658 |
Picture | $228-$1688 |
Single-hung | $103-$1736 |
Skylight | $130-$1567 |
Sliding | $299-$1519 |
Storm | $61-$429 |
Transom | $318-$665 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might pick a material based on the local climate, your energy efficiency goals, and your desired look. For example, wood windows 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 | $61-$1736 |
Composite | $627-$1408 |
Fiberglass | $103-$877 |
Vinyl | $211-$1953 |
Wood | $313-$1760 |
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 extra expenses that your project may need.
Experience and Training
The longer a window provider has been in business, the better its workmanship will likely be. Contact a company representative to learn more about its experience, public and private credentials, and guarantees. Company websites often keep photo galleries showcasing previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
Massachusetts window companies are classified as general contractors and require a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) with a window classification. CSL applicants need to pass an open-book exam and prove three years of vocational training. Once a business 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
The kind of window you want should play a role in your company choice. Not every contractor will necessarily be familiar with the types you want. A company website will provide more about the styles of windows 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 see what other customers have said about their experiences. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Yelp, Trustpilot, and the BBB Ask people you know who have used the company you're evaluating, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Andover
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
According to the federal 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 in during the wintertime, improving your comfort and furthering your dollar.
Do I need a building permit to replace my home's windows?
Will my window company install blinds?
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