How To Choose a Window Company in Chapel Hill
Reliability is key when it comes to choosing a window replacement company. However, your chosen company should also align with your needs and understand your vision. Keep in mind the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a substantial investment, so balancing cost with durability is important. Choosing cheap windows could actually increase your overall cost, since they come with a shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, as well as the styles, sizes, and materials of replacement windows you select, can affect pricing. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. It's recommended to consult a vetted 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 | $234-$1436 |
| Awning | $338-$943 |
| Bay | $780-$5787 |
| Custom | $347-$964 |
| Casement | $270-$1564 |
| Double-hung | $126-$814 |
| Egress | $231-$577 |
| Glass Block | $46-$585 |
| Picture | $203-$1500 |
| Single-hung | $91-$1543 |
| Skylight | $115-$1393 |
| Sliding | $265-$1350 |
| Storm | $54-$381 |
| Transom | $282-$591 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides different benefits depending on your climate and energy-saving goals. Vinyl and fiberglass 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 | $54-$1543 |
| Composite | $557-$1251 |
| Fiberglass | $91-$780 |
| Vinyl | $187-$1736 |
| Wood | $278-$1564 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your contractor will factor the price for your windows and the value of their services into its total estimate. Make sure to take into account the cost of installation, guarantees, and any other additional costs that your project may need.
Experience and Training
The longer a window company has been in business, the better its workmanship will likely be. Talk with a company representative to learn more about its guarantees, public and private credentials, and experience. Company websites often have photo galleries demonstrating previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
In North Carolina, window businesses need a specialty contractor license and interior construction classification from the state Licensing Board for General Contractors. The application process includes exams on local regulations 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
No two businesses offer the same window styles and materials. Find one that focuses on the type you want for your home.
- 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 a surefire way to screen different window replacement companies. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Google, Trustpilot, and the BBB Ask people you know who have used the company you're interested in, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Chapel Hill
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
According to the national Department of Energy, as much as 33% 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.
I've heard there are tax credits for energy-efficient windows. How much could I save?
Do window companies have guarantees or warranties for their work?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
