How To Choose a Window Company in Medford
Each window installer has different offerings and approaches. To simplify the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to window replacement, cost-effectiveness is king. Each window you buy should provide optimal durability at a reasonable price point. Although premium windows may cost more upfront, they often provide better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The age of your home, in addition to the materials, styles, and sizes of replacement windows you choose, can influence pricing. 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. If you're unsure, a window specialist can help you figure out which options are best for your home.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
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
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might choose a material based on your desired look, the local climate, and your energy efficiency goals. For example, wooden windows can give your home an organic design without breaking the bank, but you'll have to invest more toward maintenance. Aluminum and composite windows cost more up-front, but they're incredibly durable against the elements, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
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 considering about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you gain a complete understanding of the total costs involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Select a business that focuses on window replacement and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- How long it's been in business
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Private certifications attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
Massachusetts window companies 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 show 36 months of work 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
The style of window you desire should influence your company choice. Not every installer will necessarily be familiar with the window brand you want. A company website will tell more about the window types it works with, 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
Perhaps the best way to evaluate window companies for your job is to find out what previous customers have said about them. You can find customer reviews on websites like Google, the BBB, Trustpilot, and Yelp. 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 Medford
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
What should I do if a window is molding or has rot?
What's the typical timeline for a professional window replacement?
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