How To Choose a Window Company in Colonie
Reliability is important when it comes to choosing a window provider. However, your chosen company should also suit your needs and appreciate your vision. Think about the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new windows, it's important to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Although premium replacement windows may come with a higher initial price tag, they often provide better long-term value due to their increased lifespan. 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 trusted window installer to determine 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 | $217-$1332 |
| Awning | $314-$874 |
| Bay | $723-$5368 |
| Custom | $322-$894 |
| Casement | $250-$1451 |
| Double-hung | $116-$755 |
| Egress | $214-$536 |
| Glass Block | $42-$543 |
| Picture | $188-$1391 |
| Single-hung | $85-$1431 |
| Skylight | $107-$1292 |
| Sliding | $246-$1252 |
| Storm | $50-$353 |
| Transom | $262-$548 |
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, wood windows 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 | $50-$1431 |
| Composite | $517-$1161 |
| Fiberglass | $85-$723 |
| Vinyl | $174-$1610 |
| Wood | $258-$1451 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each window installer you're considering about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you understand the total costs involved in the project.
Experience and Training
The longer a window provider has served your area, the better its workmanship will likely be. Contact a company representative to learn more about its public and private credentials, experience, and guarantees. Company websites often keep photo galleries where you can see previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
New York's state government doesn't issue contracting licenses for window installers, but this hasn't stopped local governments from intervening and setting up their own licenses. For example, to put in windows in New York City, a company must secure a Home Improvement Contractor License by passing exams and sustainability audits.
Types of Windows Offered
There are many 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:
- 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 vet window companies for your job is to read what previous customers have said about them. 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. Referrals can also help you in your company search. Ask each company you're interested in for a list of references, and talk to family and friends about who they use for window installations.
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Window Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Colonie
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 installing new, more efficient windows, you can improve your home's energy efficiency and minimize your electricity bills.
Do I need a building permit to replace my home's windows?
How long does a window replacement job take?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
