How To Choose a Window Company in Portage
Each window installer has specialized offerings and approaches. To simplify the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to window replacement, cost-effectiveness is most important. Each window you purchase should provide maximum durability at a reasonable price point. Although high-quality windows may be more expensive to buy, they often yield better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The age of your home, as well as the sizes, materials, and styles of windows you select, can impact pricing. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. If you're unsure, a window company can help you determine 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 | $255-$1568 |
| Awning | $369-$1029 |
| Bay | $852-$6319 |
| Custom | $379-$1053 |
| Casement | $294-$1708 |
| Double-hung | $137-$889 |
| Egress | $252-$631 |
| Glass Block | $50-$639 |
| Picture | $221-$1638 |
| Single-hung | $100-$1685 |
| Skylight | $126-$1521 |
| Sliding | $290-$1474 |
| Storm | $59-$416 |
| Transom | $308-$646 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might select a material based on your energy efficiency goals, your desired look, and the local climate. For example, windows made of wood 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-$1685 |
| Composite | $608-$1366 |
| Fiberglass | $100-$852 |
| Vinyl | $205-$1895 |
| Wood | $304-$1708 |
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 labor, warranties, and any other extra expenses that your project may need.
Experience and Training
The longer a window company has served your area, the better its workmanship will likely be. Call a company representative to learn more about its experience, public and private credentials, and guarantees. Company websites often keep photo galleries demonstrating previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
Depending on the details of your job, a window technician 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 the necessary licenses, contact your local government.
Types of Windows Offered
The type of window you want should play a role in your company choice. Not every installation crew will necessarily be familiar with the types you want. A company website will show more about the varieties of windows it focuses on, 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
Reading other customers' stories is a great way to screen different window replacement companies. 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 Portage
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
What is the maintenance schedule for an average window, and how long will it last?
How do replacement windows differ from new construction windows?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
