How To Choose a Window Company in Wilmington
With Wilmington's large population, you're sure to find a reliable window replacement company that matches your values and preferences. As you contact companies, keep the following factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new windows, it's essential to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Choosing budget windows could actually raise your overall cost, since they come with a shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The style, material, and size of your replacement windows play the largest role in determining your final cost. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. A professional can help you with selecting the products that fit your requirements.
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 | $212-$1306 |
| Awning | $308-$858 |
| Bay | $709-$5265 |
| Custom | $315-$877 |
| Casement | $245-$1423 |
| Double-hung | $114-$741 |
| Egress | $210-$525 |
| Glass Block | $42-$532 |
| Picture | $184-$1365 |
| Single-hung | $83-$1404 |
| Skylight | $105-$1267 |
| Sliding | $241-$1228 |
| Storm | $49-$347 |
| Transom | $257-$538 |
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 | $49-$1404 |
| Composite | $507-$1138 |
| Fiberglass | $83-$709 |
| Vinyl | $170-$1579 |
| Wood | $253-$1423 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for new windows will also include warranty fees (if applicable), permit application fees, and labor. Make sure to discuss each of these elements with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
The longer a window company has been operating, the better its workmanship will likely be. Contact a company representative to learn more about its experience, public and private credentials, and guarantees. Company websites often keep photo galleries showcasing previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
In the Tar Heel State, window providers need a specialty contractor license and interior construction classification from the state's contractors' board. The application process involves exams on state codes and industry best practices. 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 type of window you prefer should influence your company choice. Not every installation crew will necessarily be familiar with the window brand you want. A company website will tell more about the varieties of windows it works with, 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 read what previous customers have said about them. Read customer reviews on sites such as Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google. 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 Wilmington
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
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What repair services do window companies offer?
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