How To Choose a Window Company in Columbus
Each window provider has unique offerings and approaches. To simplify the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a significant investment, so balancing cost with performance is crucial. Although high-quality windows may be more expensive to buy, they often yield better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The age of your home, as well as the sizes, styles, and materials of windows you select, 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. If you're unsure, a window specialist can help you determine which options are most suitable for your home.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $215-$1323 |
| Awning | $311-$868 |
| Bay | $718-$5331 |
| Custom | $319-$888 |
| Casement | $248-$1441 |
| Double-hung | $116-$750 |
| Egress | $213-$532 |
| Glass Block | $42-$539 |
| Picture | $187-$1382 |
| Single-hung | $84-$1421 |
| Skylight | $106-$1283 |
| Sliding | $244-$1244 |
| Storm | $50-$351 |
| Transom | $260-$545 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides unique advantages depending on your climate and energy-saving goals. Vinyl and fiberglass are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, aluminum and composites look sleek and stay strong in Columbus' strong storms, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $50-$1421 |
| Composite | $513-$1153 |
| Fiberglass | $84-$718 |
| Vinyl | $172-$1599 |
| Wood | $256-$1441 |
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 additional costs that your project may need.
Experience and Training
Select a business that focuses on window replacement and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- How many years it's been operating
- Photo galleries of completed projects
- Official non-government certificates attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
If a window contractor or subcontractor makes more than $5,000 per year, it must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor to stay in good standing. It also needs a permit from each county in its service area, if the local government opts to require them. Some jurisdictions, like Omaha and Lincoln, require installers to pass a test, while others do not.
Types of Windows Offered
The style of window you desire should factor into your company choice. Not every contractor will necessarily be familiar with the window styles 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
One of the simplest ways to screen a company is to check what other customers have written about their experiences. Read customer reviews on sites such as Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. Talk to people you know who have used the professional you're thinking of hiring, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Columbus
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
Does window replacement involve pulling permits?
Is it better to replace all my windows at once, or just a few at a time?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
