How To Choose a Window Company in Chelmsford
It's crucial to find a window replacement company that matches your individual values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following areas during your search:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement windows, it's important to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Choosing economy windows could actually increase your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The material, style, and size of your replacement windows are the most significant factors in your final cost. 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. It's recommended to speak with a reliable window installer to determine your ideal 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
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you unique advantages 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 | $59-$1671 |
| Composite | $603-$1355 |
| Fiberglass | $99-$844 |
| Vinyl | $203-$1880 |
| Wood | $301-$1694 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each contractor you're evaluating about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you get a better picture of the overall expenses involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Select a company that focuses on window replacement and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- The number of years it's been in business
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Official non-government accreditations attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
Massachusetts window contractors are considered 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 work experience. Once a business has a CSL, it also needs to register with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation as a "home improvement contractor."
Types of Windows Offered
There are many replacement window types you can choose from, and it's crucial to find a company that focuses on installing the ones you want. Look on 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
Reading other customers' stories is an excellent way to screen different window companies. You can find customer reviews on websites like Trustpilot, the BBB, 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 Chelmsford
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
Are there tax incentives for installing energy-efficient windows?
Is it better to replace all my windows at once, or just a few at a time?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
