How To Choose a Window Company in Duluth
It's crucial to find a window installer that aligns with your unique values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following areas during your search:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a significant investment, so balancing cost with quality is crucial. Although premium windows may be more expensive to buy, they often yield better long-term value due to their increased lifespan. The style, size, and material 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. A window expert can guide you through choosing the solutions that fit your needs.
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 | $219-$1345 |
| Awning | $317-$883 |
| Bay | $730-$5421 |
| Custom | $325-$903 |
| Casement | $252-$1465 |
| Double-hung | $118-$762 |
| Egress | $216-$541 |
| Glass Block | $43-$548 |
| Picture | $190-$1405 |
| Single-hung | $85-$1445 |
| Skylight | $108-$1305 |
| Sliding | $248-$1264 |
| Storm | $51-$357 |
| Transom | $265-$554 |
Window Material Cost
You'll also need to choose a window material. Homeowners usually make their selection by considering aesthetic preferences, energy efficiency objectives 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 | $51-$1445 |
| Composite | $522-$1172 |
| Fiberglass | $85-$730 |
| Vinyl | $175-$1626 |
| Wood | $261-$1465 |
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 assess the cost of labor, guarantees, and any other extra expenses that your project may require.
Experience and Training
The longer a window company has been in business, the better its workmanship will likely be. Contact a company representative to learn more about its guarantees, experience, and public and private credentials. Company websites often keep photo galleries showing off previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
In the North Star State, window and door installation is considered carpentry, and businesses need either a remodeler or residential building contractor license from the Department of Labor and Industry. A company representative must clear a pre-application exam, provide copies of Secretary of State filings, and take continuing education classes every two years once certified. If a window installation company makes $15,000 or less per year, it can seek a Certificate of Exemption in place of a certification.
Types of Windows Offered
There are a variety of replacement window types you can choose from, and it's important to find a company that has expertise with the ones you want. Search 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 screen window companies for your job is to see what previous customers have said about them. You can find customer reviews on websites like Trustpilot, Yelp, Google, and the BBB. 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 Duluth
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
How can I fix a rotting or molding window frame?
How can I gauge the quality of a replacement window?
- "visible transmittance," which measures how much light can pass through the window
- "solar heat gain coefficient," which tells you 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 develop (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.
