How To Choose a Window Company in Eden Prairie
Trustworthiness is crucial when it comes to choosing a window installer. However, your chosen company should also suit your priorities and understand your vision. Think about the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement windows, it's crucial to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Choosing cheap windows could actually raise your overall cost, due to their reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The total cost of your window replacement will depend on the specific materials, styles, and sizes you need. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. It's recommended to speak with a reliable window installer to decide on your ideal options.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $238-$1464 |
| Awning | $345-$961 |
| Bay | $795-$5900 |
| Custom | $354-$983 |
| Casement | $275-$1595 |
| Double-hung | $128-$830 |
| Egress | $236-$589 |
| Glass Block | $47-$597 |
| Picture | $207-$1529 |
| Single-hung | $93-$1573 |
| Skylight | $118-$1420 |
| Sliding | $271-$1376 |
| Storm | $55-$389 |
| Transom | $288-$603 |
Window Material Cost
You'll also need to choose a window material. Homeowners frequently 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. Wood windows cost less 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 | $55-$1573 |
| Composite | $568-$1276 |
| Fiberglass | $93-$795 |
| Vinyl | $191-$1770 |
| Wood | $284-$1595 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each window installer you're considering about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you understand the total costs involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Select a business that focuses on window replacement and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- How long it's been in business
- Photo galleries of completed projects
- Private credentials attesting to its workmanship
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 company representative must clear a pre-application exam, provide copies of Secretary of State filings, and enroll in continuing education classes every two years once certified. 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
There are numerous replacement window types you can choose from, and it's essential to find a company that specializes in the ones you want. Check 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 vet window companies for your job is to find out what previous customers have said about them. You can find customer reviews on websites like Trustpilot, Google, Yelp, and the BBB. Speak with people you know who have used a company you're interested in, and ask a representative for a copy of its reference list.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Eden Prairie
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
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 enhance your home's energy efficiency and reduce your electricity bills.
What should I do if a window is molding or has rot?
What repair services do window companies offer?
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