How To Choose a Window Company in Minnetonka
Reliability is important when it comes to choosing a window installer. However, your chosen company should also match your priorities and understand your vision. Consider the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a significant undertaking, so balancing cost with quality is important. Although high-quality replacement windows may come with a higher initial price tag, they often provide better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The style, material, and size of your replacement windows play the largest role in determining your final cost. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. It's advisable to consult a trusted window installer to determine your best options.
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 | $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
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides different benefits depending on the local climate and energy efficiency needs. Vinyl and fiberglass are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, aluminum and composites look sleek and stay strong in Minnetonka's strong storms, so they tend to cost more.
Window Types | Average Cost |
---|---|
Aluminum | $55-$1573 |
Composite | $568-$1276 |
Fiberglass | $93-$795 |
Vinyl | $191-$1770 |
Wood | $284-$1595 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for new windows will also include warranty fees (if applicable), permit application fees, and labor. Make sure to discuss each of these factors with a sales representative before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
The longer a window provider has served your area, the better its workmanship will likely be. Contact a company representative to learn more about its experience, guarantees, and public and private credentials. Company websites often keep photo galleries showcasing 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 business representative must pass a pre-application exam, provide copies of Secretary of State filings, and participate in continuing education classes every two years once certified. If a window contractor makes $15,000 or less per year, it can apply for a Certificate of Exemption in place of a certification.
Types of Windows Offered
The kind of window you desire should influence your company choice. Not every installation crew will necessarily be familiar with the types you want. A company website will show more about the kinds of windows it deals with, 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
Perhaps the best way to prescreen window companies for your job is to check what previous customers have said about them. You can find customer reviews on websites like Yelp, Trustpilot, the BBB, and Google. 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 Minnetonka
What are the benefits of hiring a window installer?
What time of year should I replace my windows?
I broke my window's glass. Could I replace just the glass?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.