How To Choose a Window Company in Leominster
Each window installer has different offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement windows, it's crucial to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Although high-quality replacement windows may come with a higher initial price tag, they often provide better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The material, style, and size of your replacement windows play the largest role in determining your final cost. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. A window expert can help you with choosing the products that fit your requirements.
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 | $227-$1393 |
| Awning | $328-$915 |
| Bay | $756-$5615 |
| Custom | $336-$935 |
| Casement | $262-$1518 |
| Double-hung | $122-$790 |
| Egress | $224-$560 |
| Glass Block | $44-$568 |
| Picture | $197-$1455 |
| Single-hung | $89-$1497 |
| Skylight | $112-$1351 |
| Sliding | $257-$1310 |
| Storm | $53-$370 |
| Transom | $274-$573 |
Window Material Cost
You'll also need to choose a window material. Homeowners often make their selection by considering energy efficiency objectives, aesthetic preferences and the local climate. Aluminum windows are perfect for sleek, modern designs, but they cost more up-front. You'll pay less for wood windows up-front, but you'll need to invest in regular maintenance to prevent the frame from wear and warping. Vinyl is readily available and tends to cost less, but don't underestimate its strong durability and low maintenance needs.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $53-$1497 |
| Composite | $540-$1214 |
| Fiberglass | $89-$756 |
| Vinyl | $182-$1684 |
| Wood | $270-$1518 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each window installer you're evaluating about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you understand the total costs involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Examine a company's website and chat with a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and warranties. Many window companies also keep online galleries that present 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 deliver excellent craftsmanship.
Licensing and Credentials
Massachusetts window companies are considered general contractors and require a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) with a window classification. CSL applicants need to pass an open-book exam and demonstrate three years of work experience. Once a company 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
No two window companies offer the same window designs and materials. Look for one that's an expert 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
Reading other customers' stories is one of the smartest ways to screen different window companies. Read customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot, Google, and Yelp. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. Speak with people you know who have used the professional you're thinking of hiring, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Leominster
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
According to the national 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 retain heat in the wintertime, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
What should I do if a window is molding or has rot?
How do replacement windows differ from new construction windows?
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