How To Choose a Window Company in Dearborn Heights
It's important to find a window installer that aligns with your specific values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following points during your hunt:
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 raise your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The overall cost of your replacement windows will depend on the particular styles, sizes, and materials you need. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. If you're undecided, a window specialist 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 | $233-$1434 |
Awning | $338-$941 |
Bay | $779-$5779 |
Custom | $346-$963 |
Casement | $269-$1562 |
Double-hung | $125-$813 |
Egress | $231-$577 |
Glass Block | $46-$584 |
Picture | $202-$1498 |
Single-hung | $91-$1541 |
Skylight | $115-$1391 |
Sliding | $265-$1348 |
Storm | $54-$380 |
Transom | $282-$590 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides different benefits depending on your climate and energy efficiency needs. Fiberglass and vinyl are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, aluminum and composites look sleek and stay strong against Dearborn Heights' fierce wind, so they tend to cost more.
Window Types | Average Cost |
---|---|
Aluminum | $54-$1541 |
Composite | $556-$1250 |
Fiberglass | $91-$779 |
Vinyl | $187-$1733 |
Wood | $278-$1562 |
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 factor in the cost of installation, warranties, and any other additional costs that your project may require.
Experience and Training
Choose a provider that focuses on window replacement and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- How long it's been in business
- Photo galleries of completed projects
- Privately-issued certificates attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
Depending on the specifics of your job, a window contractor may need either a maintenance and alterations license or residential builders license from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. For more information on licensing requirements, contact your municipal office.
Types of Windows Offered
The type of window you prefer should factor into your company choice. Not every installer will necessarily be familiar with the window styles you want. A company website will provide more about the kinds 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 simplest ways to evaluate a company is to check what other customers have written about their experiences. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Yelp, 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 Dearborn Heights
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
The U.S. Department of Energy states that 25%–30% of a home's heating and cooling capacity is used to compensate for heat gain and heat loss through windows. By upgrading to new, more efficient windows, you can improve your home's energy efficiency and reduce your electricity bills.
Does window replacement involve pulling permits?
What are some important metrics to know when I shop for replacement windows?
- Air leakage rating, which measures how tight a window's seal is
- Condensation resistance, which rates how a window deals with moisture
- U-factor, which measures a window's insulating capability
- Visible transmittance, which measures how much visible light passes through a window
- Solar heat gain coefficient, which evaluates how much heat from sunlight can pass through the window
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.