How To Choose a Window Company in Plymouth
It's essential to find a window installer that aligns with your specific values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following traits during your search:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to upgrading your windows, value is most important. Each window you purchase should provide maximum durability at a reasonable price point. Choosing budget windows could actually increase your overall cost, since they come with a shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, together with the styles, sizes, and materials of replacement windows you opt for, can affect pricing. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. It's advisable to consult a trusted 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 | $230-$1414 |
| Awning | $333-$929 |
| Bay | $768-$5700 |
| Custom | $342-$950 |
| Casement | $266-$1541 |
| Double-hung | $124-$802 |
| Egress | $228-$569 |
| Glass Block | $45-$576 |
| Picture | $200-$1477 |
| Single-hung | $90-$1520 |
| Skylight | $114-$1372 |
| Sliding | $261-$1330 |
| Storm | $54-$375 |
| Transom | $278-$582 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option offers unique advantages depending on the local climate and energy efficiency needs. Vinyl and fiberglass 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 | $54-$1520 |
| Composite | $548-$1233 |
| Fiberglass | $90-$768 |
| Vinyl | $184-$1710 |
| Wood | $274-$1541 |
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 take into account the cost of labor, warranties, and any other extra expenses that your project may need.
Experience and Training
Select a provider that focuses on window installation and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- How long it's been serving the Plymouth area
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Privately-issued certifications attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
Massachusetts window companies are considered 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 full-time experience. 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
The style of window you want should factor into your company choice. Not every installer will necessarily be familiar with the window brand you want. A company website will reveal more about the varieties of windows it deals 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
One of the greatest ways to vet a company is to read what other customers have said about their experiences. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Google, the BBB, and Yelp Talk to people you know who have used the company you're evaluating, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Plymouth
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
According to the national Department of Energy, as much as 33% of a house's HVAC usage is to compensate for the heat or cold entering through windows. Energy-efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and in during the wintertime, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
Does window replacement involve pulling permits?
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.
