How To Choose a Window Company in Lancaster
Each window provider has different offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement windows, it's crucial to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Although high-quality replacement windows may cost more upfront, they often provide better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The age of your home, together with the styles, sizes, and materials of windows you choose, can affect pricing. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. A professional can guide you through selecting the products that fit your needs.
In this 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 | $243-$1492 |
| Awning | $351-$980 |
| Bay | $810-$6014 |
| Custom | $360-$1002 |
| Casement | $280-$1626 |
| Double-hung | $130-$846 |
| Egress | $240-$600 |
| Glass Block | $48-$608 |
| Picture | $211-$1559 |
| Single-hung | $95-$1603 |
| Skylight | $120-$1447 |
| Sliding | $276-$1403 |
| Storm | $57-$396 |
| Transom | $294-$614 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might select a material based on the local climate, your desired look, and your energy efficiency goals. 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 | $57-$1603 |
| Composite | $579-$1300 |
| Fiberglass | $95-$810 |
| Vinyl | $195-$1804 |
| Wood | $289-$1626 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each contractor you're evaluating about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you get a better picture of the financial commitment 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 showing off 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 establishing their own licenses. For example, to install windows in New York City, a company must earn a Home Improvement Contractor License by passing exams and sustainability audits.
Types of Windows Offered
The type of window you prefer should factor into your company choice. Not every contractor will necessarily be familiar with the window styles you want. A company website will tell more about the window types it focuses on, 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 vet a company is to check what other customers have said about their experiences. Read customer reviews on sites such as Google, Trustpilot, 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Lancaster
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 enhance your home's energy efficiency and minimize your electricity bills.
Does window replacement involve pulling permits?
What's different between a new construction window and a replacement window?
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