How To Choose a Window Company in Brookline
Each window provider has specialized offerings and approaches. To simplify the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new windows, it's important to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Although premium windows may cost more upfront, they often yield better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The size, style, and material of your new windows play the largest role in determining your final cost. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. If you're unsure, a window company can help you determine which options are ideal 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 | $277-$1704 |
| Awning | $401-$1119 |
| Bay | $926-$6869 |
| Custom | $412-$1144 |
| Casement | $320-$1857 |
| Double-hung | $149-$966 |
| Egress | $274-$685 |
| Glass Block | $54-$695 |
| Picture | $241-$1780 |
| Single-hung | $108-$1831 |
| Skylight | $137-$1653 |
| Sliding | $315-$1602 |
| Storm | $65-$452 |
| Transom | $335-$702 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option offers unique advantages depending on the local 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 | $65-$1831 |
| Composite | $661-$1485 |
| Fiberglass | $108-$926 |
| Vinyl | $222-$2060 |
| Wood | $330-$1857 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for window replacement will also include applicable warranty fees, permit application fees, and labor. Make sure to discuss each of these aspects with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Peruse a company's website and contact a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and guarantees. Many window companies also keep online portfolios that highlight past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more dedicated instruction its staff has, and the longer it has been in operation, the more likely it will provide excellent workmanship.
Licensing and Credentials
Massachusetts window companies 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 show three years 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 several replacement window types you can choose from, and it's crucial to find a company that is experienced with the ones you want. Search 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 easiest ways to screen a company is to read what other customers have written about their experiences. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Trustpilot, the BBB, and Google 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 Brookline
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
Are there tax incentives for installing energy-efficient windows?
Will my window company install blinds?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
