How To Choose a Window Company in Cottage Grove
Each window installer has specialized offerings and approaches. To ease the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to replacing your windows, cost-effectiveness is king. Each window you buy should provide maximum durability at an affordable price point. Choosing economy windows could actually increase your overall cost, since they come with a reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, as well as the sizes, materials, and styles of 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. A professional can help you with choosing the solutions that fit your requirements.
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 | $240-$1475 |
| Awning | $348-$969 |
| Bay | $801-$5946 |
| Custom | $356-$991 |
| Casement | $277-$1607 |
| Double-hung | $129-$836 |
| Egress | $237-$593 |
| Glass Block | $47-$601 |
| Picture | $208-$1541 |
| Single-hung | $94-$1585 |
| Skylight | $118-$1431 |
| Sliding | $273-$1387 |
| Storm | $56-$392 |
| Transom | $290-$607 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might choose a material based on your desired look, the local climate, and your energy efficiency goals. For example, wood 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 | $56-$1585 |
| Composite | $572-$1286 |
| Fiberglass | $94-$801 |
| Vinyl | $192-$1784 |
| Wood | $286-$1607 |
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 take into account the cost of labor, warranties, and any other extra expenses that your project may need.
Experience and Training
Choose a business that focuses on window repair and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- How many years it's been operating
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Official non-government accreditations attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
In the North Star State, installing windows and doors is considered carpentry, and firms need either a remodeler or residential building contractor license from the Department of Labor and Industry. A company representative must successfully complete a pre-application exam, provide copies of Secretary of State filings, and take continuing education classes every two years once licensed. If a window installation company makes $15,000 or less per year, it can request a Certificate of Exemption in place of a license.
Types of Windows Offered
The type of window you desire should play a role in your company choice. Not every installer will necessarily be familiar with the window brand you want. A company website will tell more about the window types 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
One of the best ways to vet a company is to read what other customers have said about their experiences. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Google, Trustpilot, and the BBB Ask people you know who have used the professional you're thinking of hiring, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Cottage Grove
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
According to the federal 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.
Do I need a building permit to replace my home's windows?
Do window installers also work with blinds and coverings?
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