How To Choose a Window Company in Worcester
Each window installer has varying offerings and approaches. To simplify the company search, keep these factors in mind:
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. Choosing budget windows could actually increase your overall cost, since they come with a shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The material, size, and style of your replacement windows are the most significant factors in your final cost. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. If you're undecided, a window provider can help you figure out which options are most suitable for your home.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $227-$1393 |
| Awning | $328-$915 |
| Bay | $756-$5615 |
| Custom | $336-$935 |
| Casement | $262-$1518 |
| Double-hung | $122-$790 |
| Egress | $224-$560 |
| Glass Block | $44-$568 |
| Picture | $197-$1455 |
| Single-hung | $89-$1497 |
| Skylight | $112-$1351 |
| Sliding | $257-$1310 |
| Storm | $53-$370 |
| Transom | $274-$573 |
Window Material Cost
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, composites and aluminum look sleek and stay strong against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $53-$1497 |
| Composite | $540-$1214 |
| Fiberglass | $89-$756 |
| Vinyl | $182-$1684 |
| Wood | $270-$1518 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for window replacement will also include applicable warranty fees, permit-related costs (if required), and labor. Be sure to discuss each of these aspects with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Choose a company that focuses on window replacement and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- How many years it's been operating
- Photo galleries of completed projects
- Privately-issued certificates attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
Massachusetts window installers are considered general contractors and need a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) with a window specialization. CSL applicants must pass an open-book exam and show 36 months of full-time experience. Once a contractor 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 crucial to find a company that has expertise 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. Read customer reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. 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 Worcester
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 should I do if a window is molding or has rot?
What's the typical timeline for a professional window replacement?
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