How To Choose a Window Company in Burlington
It's essential to find a window replacement company that aligns with your specific values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following traits during your hunt:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to upgrading your windows, cost-effectiveness is key. Each window you replace should offer unparalleled durability at a fair price point. Choosing budget windows could actually raise your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The style, material, and size of your new windows play the largest role in determining your final cost. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. If you're unsure, a window company can help you determine which options are most suitable for your home.
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 | $225-$1384 |
| Awning | $326-$908 |
| Bay | $751-$5577 |
| Custom | $334-$929 |
| Casement | $260-$1508 |
| Double-hung | $121-$785 |
| Egress | $223-$556 |
| Glass Block | $44-$564 |
| Picture | $195-$1446 |
| Single-hung | $88-$1487 |
| Skylight | $111-$1342 |
| Sliding | $256-$1301 |
| Storm | $52-$367 |
| Transom | $272-$570 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you different benefits depending on your climate and energy efficiency needs. Fiberglass and vinyl are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, composites and aluminum look sleek and stay strong against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $52-$1487 |
| Composite | $537-$1206 |
| Fiberglass | $88-$751 |
| Vinyl | $180-$1673 |
| Wood | $268-$1508 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for window replacement will also include warranty fees (if applicable), permit application fees, and labor. Be sure to discuss each of these elements with a sales representative before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
The longer a window provider has served your area, the better its workmanship will likely be. Call a company representative to learn more about its experience, guarantees, and public and private credentials. Company websites often keep photo galleries where you can see previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
In the Tar Heel State, window companies need a specialty contractor license and interior construction classification from the state Licensing Board for General Contractors. The application process includes exams on state codes and professional knowledge. If a company only works on jobs under $30,000 in value, it is considered a handyman's business and a license is not required.
Types of Windows Offered
The style of window you prefer should factor into your company choice. Not every contractor will necessarily be familiar with the types you want. A company website will show 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
Perhaps the best way to screen window companies for your job is to find out what previous customers have said about them. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot Talk to people you know who have used the company you're evaluating, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Burlington
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
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 improve your home's energy efficiency and reduce your electricity bills.
What should I do if a window is molding or has rot?
What are some important metrics to know when I shop for replacement windows?
- "visible transmittance," which indicates how much light can pass through the window
- "solar heat gain coefficient," which shows how much UV light the window absorbs and releases as heat
- "Condensation resistance," which measures how well a window can resist moisture (the higher the number, the better)
- "Air leakage," which evaluates how easy it is for air drafts to occur (the lower the number, the better)
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
