How To Choose a Window Company in Arlington
An exceptional reputation is key when it comes to choosing a window installer. However, your chosen company should also suit your needs and appreciate your vision. Consider the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a substantial expense, so balancing cost with value is important. Although top-of-the-line windows may cost more upfront, they often yield better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The overall cost of your window replacement will depend on the particular sizes, materials, and styles you need. 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 advisable to consult 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 | $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
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides different benefits depending on your climate and energy-saving goals. 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 | $59-$1671 |
| Composite | $603-$1355 |
| Fiberglass | $99-$844 |
| Vinyl | $203-$1880 |
| Wood | $301-$1694 |
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 take into account the cost of labor, guarantees, and any other additional costs that your project may entail.
Experience and Training
Select a company that focuses on window installation and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- How many years it's been operating
- Photo galleries of completed projects
- Official non-government credentials attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
Massachusetts window contractors are classified as general contractors and need a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) with a window specialization. CSL applicants need to pass an open-book exam and demonstrate 36 months of full-time experience. 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
There are a variety of replacement window types you can choose from, and it's crucial to find a company that is experienced with 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
One of the most surefire ways to vet a company is to check what other customers have written about their experiences. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Trustpilot, the BBB, and Google Talk to people you know who have used the company you'd like to hire, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Arlington
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
What is the maintenance schedule for an average window, and how long will it last?
What are some important metrics to know when I shop for replacement windows?
- "visible transmittance," which measures how much light passes through the window
- "solar heat gain coefficient," which tells you 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 evaluates 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.
