How To Choose a Window Company in Salem
Each window company has varying offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to upgrading your windows, value is most important. Each window you buy should deliver optimal durability at a fair price point. Although high-quality windows may cost more upfront, they often yield better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The style, material, and size of your replacement windows have the greatest impact on 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. It's wise to speak with a vetted window installer to figure out 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 | $246-$1510 |
| Awning | $356-$992 |
| Bay | $820-$6088 |
| Custom | $365-$1014 |
| Casement | $284-$1646 |
| Double-hung | $132-$856 |
| Egress | $243-$607 |
| Glass Block | $48-$616 |
| Picture | $213-$1578 |
| Single-hung | $96-$1623 |
| Skylight | $121-$1465 |
| Sliding | $279-$1420 |
| Storm | $57-$401 |
| Transom | $297-$622 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you different benefits depending on your climate and energy efficiency needs. Fiberglass and vinyl are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, aluminum and composites look sleek and stay strong against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $57-$1623 |
| Composite | $586-$1316 |
| Fiberglass | $96-$820 |
| Vinyl | $197-$1826 |
| Wood | $293-$1646 |
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 factors with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Select a company that focuses on window replacement and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- How long it's been serving the Salem area
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Private certificates attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
In Oregon, window installation is considered "carpentry" and window repair is "handyman services." A firm that performs either task will need a license from the state's Construction Contractors Board. It must also carry a $10,000 surety bond and at least $100,000 in liability coverage.
Types of Windows Offered
There are many replacement window types you can choose from, and it's essential to find a company that focuses on installing the ones you want. Check 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
One of the most surefire ways to vet a company is to read what other customers have said about their experiences. You can find customer reviews on websites like Google, the BBB, Trustpilot, and Yelp. 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 Salem
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. Energy-efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and in during the wintertime, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
When's the best time to replace my windows?
What are some important metrics to know when I shop for replacement windows?
- "visible transmittance," which indicates how much light enters through the window
- "solar heat gain coefficient," which shows how much UV light the window absorbs and releases as heat
- "Condensation resistance," which shows how well a window can resist moisture (the higher the number, the better)
- "Air leakage," which evaluates how easy it is for air drafts to occur (the lower the number, the better)
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
