How To Choose a Window Company in Oxford
Each window installer has unique offerings and approaches. To ease the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a substantial expense, so balancing cost with long life is important. Choosing economy windows could actually raise your overall cost, due to their reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The final cost of your replacement windows will rely on the particular materials, styles, and sizes you need. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. A window expert can help you with choosing the solutions that fit your preferences.
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 pick a window material. Homeowners frequently make their selection by considering aesthetic preferences, the local climate and energy efficiency objectives. 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 wear and warping. 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 assess the cost of installation, warranties, and any other extra expenses that your project may require.
Experience and Training
Examine a company's website and contact a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and guarantees. Many window companies also keep online photo galleries that highlight past projects.
Ensure that the company focuses on window replacement. The more dedicated instruction its staff has, and the longer it has been in business, the more likely it will provide excellent workmanship.
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, Columbus, and Cleveland have their own licensing rules. We recommend contacting your local building office for more information.
Types of Windows Offered
The kind of window you desire should influence your company choice. Not every installation crew will necessarily be familiar with the window styles you want. A company website will reveal 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 vet window companies for your job is to check what previous customers have said about them. You can find customer reviews on websites like Yelp, Google, Trustpilot, and the BBB. Speak with people you know who have used a company you're interested in, and ask a representative for a copy of its reference list.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Oxford
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
According to the national Department of Energy, up to a third 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 retain heat in the wintertime, improving your comfort and furthering your dollar.
What should I do if a window is molding or has rot?
How can I gauge the quality of a replacement window?
- Air leakage rating, which indicates how tight a window's seal is
- Condensation resistance, which shows how a window holds moisture
- U-factor, which determines a window's temperature-insulating capability
- Visible transmittance, which shows how much visible light passes through a window
- Solar heat gain coefficient, which measures how much heat from sunlight can pass through the window
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
