How To Choose a Window Company in Northampton
It's essential to find a window installer that aligns with your unique values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following areas during your search:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement windows, it's essential to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Choosing cheap windows could actually increase your overall cost, since they come with a reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The style, size, and material of your replacement 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 new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. If you're undecided, a window company can help you decide which options are best for your home.
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-$1558 |
| Awning | $367-$1023 |
| Bay | $846-$6280 |
| Custom | $376-$1046 |
| Casement | $293-$1697 |
| Double-hung | $136-$883 |
| Egress | $251-$627 |
| Glass Block | $50-$635 |
| Picture | $220-$1628 |
| Single-hung | $99-$1674 |
| Skylight | $125-$1511 |
| Sliding | $288-$1465 |
| Storm | $59-$414 |
| Transom | $307-$641 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides unique advantages depending on the local 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 | $59-$1674 |
| Composite | $604-$1358 |
| Fiberglass | $99-$846 |
| Vinyl | $203-$1884 |
| Wood | $302-$1697 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each company you're evaluating about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you understand the overall expenses involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Choose 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 completed projects
- Official non-government certifications attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
Massachusetts window contractors are considered general contractors and need 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 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
No two window installers offer the same window styles and materials. Find one that specializes 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 best ways to screen different window replacement companies. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot Speak with people you know who have used a company you're interested in, and ask a representative for a copy of its reference list.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Northampton
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. Efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and in during the wintertime, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
How can I fix a rotting or molding window frame?
Can I replace just my windows' glass and not their frames?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
