How To Choose a Window Company in Lancaster
Trustworthiness is key when it comes to choosing a window replacement company. However, your chosen company should also align with your needs and appreciate your vision. Keep in mind the following factors during your company search:
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. Choosing budget windows could actually raise your overall cost, since they come with a reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, in addition to the materials, sizes, and styles of replacement windows you opt for, can impact pricing. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. It's advisable to speak with a vetted window installer to decide on your best options.
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 | $223-$1372 |
| Awning | $323-$901 |
| Bay | $745-$5530 |
| Custom | $331-$921 |
| Casement | $258-$1495 |
| Double-hung | $120-$778 |
| Egress | $221-$552 |
| Glass Block | $44-$559 |
| Picture | $194-$1433 |
| Single-hung | $87-$1474 |
| Skylight | $110-$1331 |
| Sliding | $253-$1290 |
| Storm | $52-$364 |
| Transom | $270-$565 |
Window Material Cost
You'll also need to select a window material. Homeowners often choose a material based on the local climate, energy efficiency objectives and aesthetic preferences. Aluminum windows are perfect for sleek, modern designs, but they cost more up-front. Wood windows cost less up-front, but you'll need to invest in regular maintenance to prevent the frame from warping and wear. Vinyl is readily available and tends to cost less, but don't underestimate its strong durability and low maintenance needs.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $52-$1474 |
| Composite | $532-$1196 |
| Fiberglass | $87-$745 |
| Vinyl | $179-$1659 |
| Wood | $266-$1495 |
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 factor in the cost of installation, guarantees, and any other supplemental fees that your project may require.
Experience and Training
The longer a window company has been operating, the better its workmanship will likely be. Speak with a company representative to learn more about its experience, public and private credentials, and guarantees. Company websites often have photo galleries where you can see previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
If window and door installations are all a company does, it will likely not need an Ohio contractor's license. However, it still needs a business license from the Secretary of State.
Cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati have their own permit regulations. We recommend contacting your local government for more information.
Types of Windows Offered
There are a variety of replacement window types you can choose from, and it's important to find a company that has expertise with the ones you want. Browse 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
Reading other customers' stories is a surefire way to screen window companies in your area. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Trustpilot, the BBB, and Google Talk to people you know who have used the professional you're thinking of hiring, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Lancaster
What are the benefits of hiring a window installer?
Do I need a building permit to replace my home's windows?
I broke my window's glass. Could I replace just the glass?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
