How To Choose a Window Company in Salem
Dependability is crucial when it comes to choosing a window company. However, your chosen company should also align with your needs and appreciate your vision. Keep in mind the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement windows, it's important to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Choosing economy windows could actually raise your overall cost, since they come with a reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, in addition to the sizes, styles, and materials of replacement windows you select, can influence pricing. 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. An installer can help you with picking the solutions that fit your needs.
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 | $223-$1372 |
| Awning | $323-$901 |
| Bay | $745-$5529 |
| Custom | $331-$921 |
| Casement | $258-$1494 |
| Double-hung | $120-$778 |
| Egress | $221-$552 |
| Glass Block | $44-$559 |
| Picture | $194-$1433 |
| Single-hung | $87-$1474 |
| Skylight | $110-$1331 |
| Sliding | $253-$1290 |
| Storm | $52-$364 |
| Transom | $270-$565 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option offers unique advantages depending on the local climate and energy efficiency needs. Vinyl and fiberglass are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, aluminum and composites look sleek and stay strong against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $52-$1474 |
| Composite | $532-$1195 |
| Fiberglass | $87-$745 |
| Vinyl | $179-$1658 |
| Wood | $266-$1494 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for window replacement will also include applicable warranty fees, permit application fees, and labor. Ensure that you discuss each of these aspects with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
The longer a window company has been in business, the better its workmanship will likely be. Talk with a company representative to learn more about its experience, public and private credentials, and guarantees. Company websites often keep photo galleries demonstrating previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
In New Hampshire, local governments can issue their own licenses, permits, and guidelines for service providers, including window installation companies. We strongly recommend contacting your local building office to see what's required of contractors in your area. You can also visit each company's website to check for private accreditations and professional memberships. The two most well-known certificates come from the AWDI and Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance.
Types of Windows Offered
No two window installers offer the same window styles and materials. Find 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
Perhaps the best way to evaluate window companies for your job is to see what previous customers have said about them. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Google, Trustpilot, and Yelp 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.
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Window Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Salem
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 purchasing new, more efficient windows, you can boost your home's energy efficiency and minimize your electricity bills.
What time of year should I replace my windows?
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 shows how a window manages 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.
