How To Choose a Window Company in Somerville
Each window company has different offerings and approaches. To ease the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement 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 premium windows may be more expensive to buy, they often yield better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The final cost of your replacement windows will depend on the specific styles, materials, and sizes you need. 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 speak with a reliable window installer to decide on 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 | $253-$1555 |
| Awning | $366-$1021 |
| Bay | $844-$6267 |
| Custom | $376-$1044 |
| Casement | $292-$1694 |
| Double-hung | $136-$882 |
| Egress | $250-$625 |
| Glass Block | $50-$634 |
| Picture | $220-$1624 |
| Single-hung | $99-$1671 |
| Skylight | $125-$1508 |
| Sliding | $287-$1462 |
| Storm | $59-$413 |
| Transom | $306-$640 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might select a material based on the local climate, your energy efficiency goals, and your desired look. For example, wooden windows can give your home an organic design without breaking the bank, but you'll have to invest more toward maintenance. Aluminum and composite windows cost more up-front, but they're incredibly durable against the elements, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $59-$1671 |
| Composite | $603-$1355 |
| Fiberglass | $99-$844 |
| Vinyl | $203-$1880 |
| Wood | $301-$1694 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each window installer you're considering about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you get a clear picture of the total costs involved in the project.
Experience and Training
The longer a window company has been operating, the better its workmanship will likely be. Talk with a company representative to learn more about its experience, guarantees, and public and private credentials. Company websites often keep photo galleries demonstrating previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
Massachusetts window installers are classified as general contractors and require a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) with a window classification. CSL applicants need to pass an open-book exam and prove three years of vocational training. Once a contractor 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
There are numerous replacement window types you can choose from, and it's crucial to find a company that is experienced 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 vet window companies for your job is to see what previous customers have said about them. You can find customer reviews on websites like Yelp, Trustpilot, the BBB, and Google. Referrals can also help you in your company search. Ask each company you're interested in for a list of references, and talk to family and friends about who they use for window installations.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Somerville
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
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. Energy-efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and in during the wintertime, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
What time of year should I replace my windows?
What's the typical timeline for a professional window replacement?
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