How To Choose a Window Company in Amherst
Each window company has varying offerings and approaches. To ease the company search, keep these factors in mind:
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Window Cost
Replacing your windows is a substantial expense, so balancing cost with quality is vital. Although high-quality windows may cost more upfront, they often provide better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The types, sizes, and materials of your new windows are the most significant factors in your final cost. An installer can help you with picking the options that fit your needs.
In the below table, you can find cost data for the most common residential window types to determine how much you might pay:
Window Types
Average Cost
Arched $219-$1343 Awning $316-$882 Bay $730-$5414 Custom $324-$902 Casement $252-$1464 Double-hung $117-$762 Egress $216-$540 Glass Block $43-$547 Picture $190-$1403 Single-hung $85-$1443 Skylight $108-$1303 Sliding $248-$1263 Storm $51-$356 Transom $264-$553 -
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might choose a material based on your energy efficiency goals, the Amherst climate and your aesthetic preferences. The table below showcases the cost differences between the most common materials: Finally, ask each installer you're evaluating about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you get a clear picture of of the overall expenses involved in the project.
Window Types
Average Cost
Aluminum $51-$1443 Composite $521-$1171 Fiberglass $85-$730 Vinyl $175-$1624 Wood $260-$1464 -
Experience and Training
Browse a company's website and chat with a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and warranties. Many companies also keep online photo galleries that highlight past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more specific training its staff has, and the longer it has been in operation, the more likely it will provide excellent craftsmanship.
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Licensing and Credentials
New York's state government doesn't issue contracting licenses for window installers, but this hasn't stopped local governments from taking charge and creating their own licenses. For example, to put in windows in New York City, a company must obtain a Home Improvement Contractor License by passing exams and environmental audits.
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Types of Windows Offered
There are numerous replacement window types you can choose from, and it's vital to find a company that has expertise with the ones you want. Look on a company's website and reviews for any of these types:
Finally, pay close attention to the materials that a provider uses. Each frame material has a different price point, energy efficiency level and life span. A company will usually specify whether the windows they place use fiberglass, metal, vinyl, composite, or wood. -
Customer Feedback
One of the easiest ways to evaluate a company is to see what other customers have written about their experiences. You can find customer reviews on websites like Yelp, Trustpilot, the BBB, and Google. Speak with people you know who have used the professional you're thinking of hiring, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Amherst Window FAQ
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
Amherst homeowners could save up to $370 per year by upgrading to efficient windows. They'll also reduce their property's carbon dioxide emissions by 65 pounds per year.
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. Energy-efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and retain heat in the wintertime, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
What time of year should I replace my windows?
With Amherst's chilly and snowy winters, it's best to schedule your window replacement for the warmer months. You might also choose to replace your windows in the autumn, when costs may be lower.
Should I replace my windows a couple at a time, or is it more economical to replace them all at once?
To form a window replacement game plan, consider your finances, home improvement goals, and energy savings targets. A step-by-step replacement allows for cost savings and prioritize the windows that need the most attention, but you'll also notice smaller gains in efficiency. A whole-home replacement will be more expensive up front, but you'll see a more dramatic energy efficiency improvement.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
