How To Choose a Window Company in St. Charles
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 essential to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Although high-quality windows may cost more upfront, they often provide better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The style, material, and size of your replacement windows have the greatest impact on 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. It's recommended to consult a trusted window installer to figure out your most suitable options.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $232-$1423 |
| Awning | $335-$935 |
| Bay | $773-$5738 |
| Custom | $344-$956 |
| Casement | $267-$1551 |
| Double-hung | $124-$807 |
| Egress | $229-$572 |
| Glass Block | $45-$580 |
| Picture | $201-$1487 |
| Single-hung | $90-$1530 |
| Skylight | $114-$1381 |
| Sliding | $263-$1338 |
| Storm | $54-$378 |
| Transom | $280-$586 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you different benefits depending on your climate and energy efficiency needs. Fiberglass and vinyl are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, composites and aluminum look sleek and stay strong against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $54-$1530 |
| Composite | $552-$1241 |
| Fiberglass | $90-$773 |
| Vinyl | $186-$1721 |
| Wood | $276-$1551 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each company you're evaluating about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you gain a complete understanding of the total costs involved in the project.
Experience and Training
The longer a window company has been operating, the better its workmanship will likely be. Call a company representative to learn more about its guarantees, public and private credentials, and experience. Company websites often keep photo galleries where you can see previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
Missouri doesn't require window installers to get a state license. Instead, cities and counties set their own licensing requirements. Consult with your city government to see what rules they have for contractors, and look for businesses with reliable private accreditations in your own research. A few good places to start include credentials from the AWDI or Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance.
Types of Windows Offered
No two window companies offer the same window styles and materials. Look for one that's an expert in 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
One of the best ways to vet a company is to check what other customers have written about their experiences. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Yelp, the BBB, and Google 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 St. Charles
What are the benefits of hiring a window installer?
I've heard there are tax credits for energy-efficient windows. How much could I save?
How can I gauge the quality of a replacement window?
- Air leakage rating, which indicates how tight a window's seal is
- Condensation resistance, which measures how a window deals with moisture
- U-factor, which measures a window's temperature-insulating capability
- Visible transmittance, which measures how much light passes through a window
- Solar heat gain coefficient, which determines 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.
