How To Choose a Window Company in Needham
Trustworthiness is crucial when it comes to choosing a window installer. However, your chosen company should also suit your needs and understand 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 premium windows may be more expensive to buy, they often yield better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The size, material, and style of your new windows play the largest role in determining your final cost. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. It's advisable to consult a reliable window installer to determine your most suitable options.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $261-$1602 |
| Awning | $377-$1052 |
| Bay | $870-$6459 |
| Custom | $387-$1076 |
| Casement | $301-$1746 |
| Double-hung | $140-$909 |
| Egress | $258-$644 |
| Glass Block | $51-$653 |
| Picture | $226-$1674 |
| Single-hung | $102-$1722 |
| Skylight | $129-$1554 |
| Sliding | $296-$1507 |
| Storm | $61-$425 |
| Transom | $315-$660 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you unique advantages depending on your climate and energy-saving goals. 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-$1722 |
| Composite | $621-$1397 |
| Fiberglass | $102-$870 |
| Vinyl | $209-$1937 |
| Wood | $310-$1746 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your contractor will factor the price for your windows and the value of their services into its total estimate. Make sure to assess the cost of installation, warranties, and any other supplemental fees that your project may need.
Experience and Training
The longer a window provider has served your area, the better its workmanship will likely be. Talk with a company representative to learn more about its guarantees, public and private credentials, and experience. Company websites often have photo galleries demonstrating previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
Massachusetts window companies are classified as general contractors and require a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) with a window classification. CSL applicants must pass an open-book exam and demonstrate 36 months of vocational training. 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
There are a variety of replacement window types you can choose from, and it's vital to find a company that has expertise with the ones you want. Browse 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
Perhaps the best way to screen window companies for your job is to find out what previous customers have said about them. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot Talk to 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 Needham
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 investing in new, more efficient windows, you can improve your home's energy efficiency and lower your electricity bills.
Are there tax incentives for installing energy-efficient windows?
How important are guarantees and extended support packages?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
