How To Choose a Window Company in Providence
With Providence's sheer size, you're sure to find a dependable replacement window company that matches your values and preferences. As you contact companies, keep the following factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to window replacement, value is king. Each window you purchase should deliver top-notch durability at an affordable price point. Choosing cheap windows could actually raise your overall cost, due to their reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, together with the styles, materials, and sizes of replacement windows you choose, can influence pricing. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. If you're undecided, a window company can help you figure out which options are best 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 | $220-$1352 |
| Awning | $318-$888 |
| Bay | $734-$5449 |
| Custom | $326-$908 |
| Casement | $254-$1473 |
| Double-hung | $118-$766 |
| Egress | $217-$544 |
| Glass Block | $43-$551 |
| Picture | $191-$1412 |
| Single-hung | $86-$1453 |
| Skylight | $108-$1311 |
| Sliding | $250-$1271 |
| Storm | $51-$359 |
| Transom | $266-$557 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement 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, composites and aluminum look sleek and stay strong against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $51-$1453 |
| Composite | $524-$1178 |
| Fiberglass | $86-$734 |
| Vinyl | $176-$1634 |
| Wood | $262-$1473 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each company you're evaluating about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you get a better picture of the financial commitment involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Select a company 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
- Privately-issued certificates attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
Rhode Island requires window installation companies to register with the state contracting board. While trade exams may not be necessary, a contractor must still have at least $500,000 of liability coverage and pass a five-hour training program.
Types of Windows Offered
No two window installers offer the same window designs and materials. Look for one that focuses on 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
Reading other customers' stories is one of the smartest ways to screen potential window companies. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Yelp, Trustpilot, and the BBB Speak with people you know who have used the company you're interested in, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Providence
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
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 in during the wintertime, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
How frequently should I upgrade or replace my windows?
Can I replace just my windows' glass and not their frames?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
