How To Choose a Window Company in Salem
Dependability is crucial when it comes to choosing a window provider. However, your chosen company should also align with your needs and appreciate your vision. Think about the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new windows, it's important to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Although high-quality windows may be more expensive to buy, they often yield better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The age of your home, in addition to the materials, sizes, and styles of replacement windows you choose, can impact pricing. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. It's recommended to speak with a vetted window installer to figure out 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 | $263-$1616 |
| Awning | $381-$1061 |
| Bay | $877-$6512 |
| Custom | $390-$1085 |
| Casement | $303-$1760 |
| Double-hung | $141-$916 |
| Egress | $260-$650 |
| Glass Block | $52-$658 |
| Picture | $228-$1688 |
| Single-hung | $103-$1736 |
| Skylight | $130-$1567 |
| Sliding | $299-$1519 |
| Storm | $61-$429 |
| Transom | $318-$665 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement 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-$1736 |
| Composite | $627-$1408 |
| Fiberglass | $103-$877 |
| Vinyl | $211-$1953 |
| Wood | $313-$1760 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for new windows will also include warranty fees (if applicable), permit-related costs (if required), and labor. Make sure to discuss each of these elements with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
The longer a window installer has been operating, the better its workmanship will likely be. Speak with a company representative to learn more about its experience, public and private credentials, and guarantees. Company websites often have photo galleries showing off previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
Massachusetts window companies are considered general contractors and require a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) with a window classification. CSL applicants need to pass an open-book exam and prove 36 months of work experience. Once a business 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 numerous replacement window types you can choose from, and it's vital to find a company that focuses on installing the ones you want. Check 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
One of the simplest ways to evaluate a company is to read what other customers have said about their experiences. You can find customer reviews on websites like Google, the BBB, 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.
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Window Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Salem
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
What time of year should I replace my windows?
Should I replace my windows a couple at a time, or is it more economical to replace them all at once?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
