How To Choose a Window Company in New Bedford
With New Bedford's sheer size, you're sure to find a reputable replacement window company in line with your values and preferences. As you make calls, keep the following factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a significant investment, so balancing cost with value is crucial. Choosing economy windows could actually raise your overall cost, due to their reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, as well as the sizes, materials, and styles of replacement windows you choose, can impact pricing. 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 recommended to speak with a vetted window installer to decide on your best 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 | $224-$1378 |
| Awning | $325-$905 |
| Bay | $748-$5554 |
| Custom | $333-$925 |
| Casement | $259-$1501 |
| Double-hung | $120-$781 |
| Egress | $222-$554 |
| Glass Block | $44-$561 |
| Picture | $195-$1439 |
| Single-hung | $88-$1481 |
| Skylight | $111-$1337 |
| Sliding | $255-$1295 |
| Storm | $52-$366 |
| Transom | $271-$567 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you unique advantages 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 | $52-$1481 |
| Composite | $534-$1201 |
| Fiberglass | $88-$748 |
| Vinyl | $180-$1666 |
| Wood | $267-$1501 |
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 additional costs that your project may need.
Experience and Training
Choose a company that focuses on window repair and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- The number of years it's been in business
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Privately-issued certifications attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
Massachusetts window contractors are classified as general contractors and need a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) with a window classification. CSL applicants must pass an open-book exam and prove 36 months of work experience. Once a business 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 factor into your company choice. Not every installation crew will necessarily be familiar with the window styles you want. A company website will tell more about the window types it focuses on, 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
Reading other customers' stories is an interesting way to screen window companies in your area. You can find customer reviews on websites like Trustpilot, Yelp, Google, and the BBB. Speak with people you know who have used the company you're interested in, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in New Bedford
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 purchasing new, more efficient windows, you can improve your home's energy efficiency and lower your electricity bills.
How frequently should I upgrade or replace my windows?
How long does a window replacement job take?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
