How To Choose a Window Company in Columbia
With Columbia's sheer size, you're sure to find a reputable window replacement company that aligns with your values and preferences. As you gather estimates, keep the following factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new windows, it's essential to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Choosing budget windows could actually increase your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The size, style, and material of your replacement windows are the most significant factors in your final cost. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. A professional can help you with picking the solutions that fit your preferences.
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 | $225-$1385 |
| Awning | $326-$909 |
| Bay | $752-$5582 |
| Custom | $334-$930 |
| Casement | $260-$1509 |
| Double-hung | $121-$785 |
| Egress | $223-$557 |
| Glass Block | $44-$564 |
| Picture | $196-$1447 |
| Single-hung | $88-$1488 |
| Skylight | $111-$1343 |
| Sliding | $256-$1302 |
| Storm | $52-$368 |
| Transom | $272-$570 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might pick 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 | $52-$1488 |
| Composite | $537-$1207 |
| Fiberglass | $88-$752 |
| Vinyl | $181-$1674 |
| Wood | $268-$1509 |
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 supplemental fees that your project may need.
Experience and Training
Select a company that focuses on window installation and repair, 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
Missouri doesn't mandate window companies to get a state license. Instead, local authorities set their own licensing requirements. Check with your county government office to see what regulations they have for window installers, and look for companies with reliable private accreditations in your own research. A few good places to start include certificates from the AWDI or FGIA.
Types of Windows Offered
The type of window you want should play a role in your company choice. Not every contractor will necessarily be familiar with the window styles you want. A company website will provide more about the varieties of windows it works 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
Reading other customers' stories is a great way to screen different window replacement companies. You can find customer reviews on websites like the BBB, Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot. Speak with people you know who have used the company you'd like to hire, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Columbia
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
According to the federal Department of Energy, as much as 33% of a house's HVAC usage is to compensate for the heat or cold entering through windows. Efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and in during the wintertime, improving your comfort and furthering your dollar.
Do I need a building permit to replace my home's 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.
