How To Choose a Window Company in Lancaster
Each window company has different offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a major investment, so balancing cost with value is vital. Although high-quality replacement windows may cost more upfront, they often yield better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The style, material, and size of your new 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. It's wise to consult a reliable window installer to decide on your ideal 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 | $233-$1429 |
| Awning | $337-$938 |
| Bay | $776-$5761 |
| Custom | $345-$960 |
| Casement | $268-$1557 |
| Double-hung | $125-$810 |
| Egress | $230-$575 |
| Glass Block | $46-$583 |
| Picture | $202-$1493 |
| Single-hung | $91-$1536 |
| Skylight | $115-$1387 |
| Sliding | $264-$1344 |
| Storm | $54-$379 |
| Transom | $281-$588 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option offers different benefits depending on the local climate and energy-saving goals. Vinyl and fiberglass are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, composites and aluminum look sleek and stay strong against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $54-$1536 |
| Composite | $554-$1246 |
| Fiberglass | $91-$776 |
| Vinyl | $186-$1728 |
| Wood | $277-$1557 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each contractor you're considering about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you get a clear picture of the overall expenses involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Select a business that focuses on window repair and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- How long it's been in business
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Private certificates attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
While Pennsylvania window installers don't need a state license, they must still register with the attorney general's office and follow written contract requirements for residential jobs over $500 in value. Some cities, including Philadelphia, require licensure and have liability insurance minimums.
Types of Windows Offered
No two window installers offer the same window styles and materials. Find 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 prescreen window companies for your job is to find out what previous customers have said about them. You can find customer reviews on websites like Yelp, Google, the BBB, and Trustpilot. 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 Lancaster
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
When's the best time to replace my windows?
How can I fix a broken window screen?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
