How To Choose a Window Company in Malden
An exceptional reputation is important when it comes to choosing a window provider. However, your chosen company should also suit your priorities and appreciate your vision. Consider the following factors during your company search:
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 be more expensive to buy, they often yield better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The material, size, and style of your replacement windows have the greatest impact on your final cost. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. It's recommended to speak with a vetted window installer to figure out your most suitable options.
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 | $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 different benefits depending on your climate and energy efficiency needs. Vinyl and fiberglass are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, composites and aluminum 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 total cost for new windows will also include applicable warranty fees, permit-related costs (if required), and labor. Be sure to discuss each of these factors with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Peruse a company's website and talk to a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and guarantees. Many window companies also keep online portfolios that showcase past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more specific training its staff has, and the longer it has been in operation, the more likely it will deliver top-notch workmanship.
Licensing and Credentials
Massachusetts window installers are classified as general contractors and need a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) with a window specialization. CSL applicants must pass an open-book exam and demonstrate three years of vocational training. 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
The kind of window you prefer should play a role in your company choice. Not every contractor will necessarily be familiar with the window brand you want. A company website will tell more about the kinds of windows it specializes in, such as:
- 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 read what other customers have written about their experiences. Read customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. Referrals can also help you in your company search. Ask each company you're interested in for a list of references, and talk to family and friends about who they use for window installations.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Malden
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
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 installing new, more efficient windows, you can boost your home's energy efficiency and lower your electricity bills.
How can I fix a rotting or molding window frame?
My window screen tore. How should I fix it?
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