How To Choose a Window Company in Missoula
Each window installer has different offerings and approaches. To ease the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new 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 shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, together with the styles, sizes, and materials of windows you opt for, can impact pricing. 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 speak with a reliable window installer to figure out your ideal 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 | $211-$1297 |
| Awning | $305-$852 |
| Bay | $704-$5228 |
| Custom | $313-$871 |
| Casement | $243-$1413 |
| Double-hung | $113-$735 |
| Egress | $209-$522 |
| Glass Block | $41-$529 |
| Picture | $183-$1355 |
| Single-hung | $82-$1394 |
| Skylight | $104-$1258 |
| Sliding | $240-$1219 |
| Storm | $49-$344 |
| Transom | $255-$534 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might choose a material based on your energy efficiency goals, your desired look, and the local climate. For example, windows made of wood 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 | $49-$1394 |
| Composite | $503-$1130 |
| Fiberglass | $82-$704 |
| Vinyl | $169-$1568 |
| Wood | $251-$1413 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for window replacement will also include applicable warranty fees, permit-related costs (if required), and labor. Be sure to discuss each of these aspects with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Select a company that focuses on window replacement and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- The number of years it's been in business
- Photo galleries of completed projects
- Official non-government credentials attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
Montana requires window professionals to enroll in the Construction Contractor Registration Program instead of getting licensure. The law applies to any business that adds to or removes from real property, be it a home or a business. Since there's no licensing exam involved, we advise you to explore private certifications from each company you're considering.
Types of Windows Offered
There are many replacement window types you can choose from, and it's vital to find a company that is experienced with the ones you want. Browse 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
Reading other customers' stories is an excellent way to screen window companies in your area. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot 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 Missoula
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 boost your home's energy efficiency and minimize your electricity bills.
Do I need a building permit to replace my home's windows?
My window screen tore. How should I fix it?
You might need to get a new screen for large tears or those along the edges of the window. A window installer you trust can get the job done at a reasonable cost.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
