How To Choose a Window Company in Coon Rapids
Each window provider has different offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a significant investment, so balancing cost with durability is vital. Choosing cheap windows could actually increase your overall cost, due to their reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, as well as the sizes, styles, and materials of replacement windows you select, can influence pricing. 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. If you're unsure, a window specialist can help you figure out which options are best for your home.
To help you form a rough estimate, this table shows the typical cost of the most common residential window types.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $228-$1404 |
| Awning | $331-$922 |
| Bay | $763-$5661 |
| Custom | $339-$943 |
| Casement | $264-$1530 |
| Double-hung | $123-$796 |
| Egress | $226-$565 |
| Glass Block | $45-$572 |
| Picture | $198-$1467 |
| Single-hung | $89-$1509 |
| Skylight | $113-$1362 |
| Sliding | $259-$1320 |
| Storm | $53-$373 |
| Transom | $276-$578 |
Window Material Cost
You'll also need to select a window material. Homeowners often choose a material based on energy efficiency objectives, aesthetic preferences and the local climate. Aluminum windows are perfect for sleek, modern designs, but they cost more up-front. You'll pay less for wood windows up-front, but you'll need to invest in regular maintenance to prevent the frame from warping and wear. Vinyl is readily available and tends to cost less, but don't underestimate its strong durability and low maintenance needs.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $53-$1509 |
| Composite | $545-$1224 |
| Fiberglass | $89-$763 |
| Vinyl | $183-$1698 |
| Wood | $272-$1530 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each window installer you're evaluating about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you get a clear picture of the financial commitment involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Examine a company's website and talk to a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and warranties. Many window companies also keep online photo galleries that showcase past projects.
Ensure that the company focuses on window replacement. The more specialized training its staff has, and the longer it has been active, the more likely it will provide high-quality service.
Licensing and Credentials
In the North Star State, installing windows and doors is considered carpentry work, and businesses need either a remodeler or residential building contractor license from the Department of Labor and Industry. A business representative must clear a pre-application exam, provide copies of business filings, and enroll in continuing education classes every two years once licensed. If a window contractor makes $15,000 or less per year, it can request a Certificate of Exemption in place of a certification.
Types of Windows Offered
No two window contractors offer the same window types and materials. Look for one that focuses on the type you want for your home.
- 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 greatest ways to vet a company is to see what other customers have said about their experiences. You can find customer reviews on websites like Google, the BBB, Trustpilot, and Yelp. Speak with people you know who have used the company you'd like to hire, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Coon Rapids
What are the benefits of hiring a window installer?
How can I fix a rotting or molding window frame?
What are some important metrics to know when I shop for replacement windows?
- "visible transmittance," which indicates how much light enters through the window
- "solar heat gain coefficient," which shows how much UV light the window absorbs and releases as heat
- "Condensation resistance," which shows how well a window can resist moisture (the higher the number, the better)
- "Air leakage," which evaluates how easy it is for air drafts to occur (the lower the number, the better)
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
