How To Choose a Window Company in Lorain
Reliability is important when it comes to choosing a window installer. However, your chosen company should also align with your needs and respect your vision. Think about the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new 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 windows may come with a higher initial price tag, they often yield better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The age of your home, together with the styles, materials, and sizes of replacement windows you opt for, can impact pricing. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. If you're unsure, a window company can help you determine which options are most suitable for your home.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
| 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
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might choose a material based on your desired look, the local climate, 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 | $52-$1474 |
| Composite | $532-$1196 |
| Fiberglass | $87-$745 |
| Vinyl | $179-$1659 |
| Wood | $266-$1495 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for new windows will also include applicable warranty fees, permit-related costs (if required), 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 company has been operating, 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 have photo galleries demonstrating previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
If installing windows and doors is 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 Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus have their own permit regulations. We recommend contacting your local building office for more information.
Types of Windows Offered
No two window companies offer the same window styles and materials. Look for one that specializes in 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
Perhaps the best way to evaluate window companies for your job is to check what previous customers have said about them. Read customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot, Yelp, 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 Lorain
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 upgrading to new, more efficient windows, you can improve your home's energy efficiency and minimize your electricity bills.
I've heard there are tax credits for energy-efficient windows. How much could I save?
I broke my window's glass. Could I replace just the glass?
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