How To Choose a Window Company in Gloucester
An exceptional reputation is key when it comes to choosing a window replacement company. However, your chosen company should also suit your priorities and respect your vision. Think about the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new windows, it's essential 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, since they come with a reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, together with the sizes, styles, and materials of replacement windows you choose, can impact pricing. 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 advisable to consult a vetted window installer to determine your best options.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
| 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
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you different benefits depending on the local 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 | $61-$1736 |
| Composite | $627-$1408 |
| Fiberglass | $103-$877 |
| Vinyl | $211-$1953 |
| Wood | $313-$1760 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each company you're evaluating about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you get a clear picture of the financial commitment involved in the project.
Experience and Training
The longer a window company has been in business, the better its workmanship will likely be. Call a company representative to learn more about its guarantees, experience, and public and private credentials. Company websites often have photo galleries demonstrating previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
Massachusetts window installers are classified as general contractors and require a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) with a window specialization. CSL applicants need to pass an open-book exam and demonstrate three years of full-time experience. Once a contractor 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
No two window companies offer the same window styles and materials. Look for one that specializes in the type you want for your home.
- 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 screen window companies for your job is to check what previous customers have said about them. 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 Gloucester
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
The U.S. Department of Energy states that 25%–30% of a home's heating and cooling capacity is used to compensate for heat gain and heat loss through windows. By investing in new, more efficient windows, you can boost your home's energy efficiency and minimize your electricity bills.
How frequently should I upgrade or replace my windows?
How can I fix a broken window screen?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
