How To Choose a Window Company in Scotch Plains
Reliability is crucial when it comes to choosing a window company. However, your chosen company should also align with your priorities and respect your vision. Consider the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to upgrading your windows, value is key. Each window you replace should provide maximum durability at a fair price point. Choosing budget windows could actually increase your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, in addition to the materials, sizes, and styles of replacement windows you choose, can impact pricing. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. It's wise to speak with a reliable window installer to decide on your ideal options.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $239-$1469 |
| Awning | $346-$965 |
| Bay | $798-$5922 |
| Custom | $355-$987 |
| Casement | $276-$1601 |
| Double-hung | $128-$833 |
| Egress | $236-$591 |
| Glass Block | $47-$599 |
| Picture | $207-$1535 |
| Single-hung | $93-$1579 |
| Skylight | $118-$1425 |
| Sliding | $271-$1381 |
| Storm | $56-$390 |
| Transom | $289-$605 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you unique advantages depending on your climate and energy efficiency needs. Vinyl and fiberglass are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, composites and aluminum look sleek and stay strong in Scotch Plains' strong storms, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $56-$1579 |
| Composite | $570-$1280 |
| Fiberglass | $93-$798 |
| Vinyl | $192-$1776 |
| Wood | $285-$1601 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each company you're evaluating about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you get a clear picture of the financial commitment involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Choose a business that focuses on window replacement and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- How long it's been serving the Scotch Plains area
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Official non-government credentials attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
New Jersey window installers must be licensed home improvement or home repair contractors. The state's Department of Consumer Affairs issues licenses and enforces insurance requirements.
A proper contract is just as important as a contractor's license in New Jersey. The DCA lists several clauses that a contractor must include for jobs over $500 in value. It's a major red flag for a company to overlook one of these clauses, so make sure you read everything before you sign.
Types of Windows Offered
There are numerous 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 one of the smartest ways to screen potential window companies. Read customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot, Google, and Yelp. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. 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 Scotch Plains
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
According to the national Department of Energy, up to a third 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.
How can I fix a rotting or molding window frame?
Should I replace my windows a couple at a time, or is it more economical to replace them all at once?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
