How To Choose a Window Company in St. Louis Park
It's essential to find a window installer that aligns with your unique values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following traits during your hunt:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a major purchase, so balancing cost with quality is vital. Choosing budget 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 rely on the particular materials, sizes, and styles you need. 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. It's wise to speak with a reliable window installer to determine your most suitable options.
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 | $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
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might select a material based on your energy efficiency goals, your desired look, and the local climate. For example, wooden 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 in St. Louis Park's strong storms, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
| 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 window replacement will also include applicable warranty fees, permit application fees, and labor. Be sure to discuss each of these elements with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Examine a company's website and talk to a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and guarantees. Many window companies also keep online portfolios that exhibit past projects.
Ensure that the company focuses on window replacement. The more specialized training its staff has, and the longer it has been in operation, the more likely it will deliver excellent workmanship.
Licensing and Credentials
In the North Star State, installing windows and doors is considered carpentry work, and companies 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 legal disclosures, and take continuing education classes every two years once licensed. 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
No two businesses 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
Reading other customers' stories is a surefire way to screen different window companies. Read customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. 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 St. Louis Park
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
What is the maintenance schedule for an average window, and how long will it last?
How can I gauge the quality of a replacement window?
- Air leakage rating, which measures how tight a window's seal is
- Condensation resistance, which rates how a window deals with moisture
- U-factor, which shows a window's temperature-insulating capability
- Visible transmittance, which shows how much light passes through a window
- Solar heat gain coefficient, which measures how much heat from sunlight can pass through the window
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
