How To Choose a Window Company in Charleston
Dependability is essential when it comes to choosing a window replacement company. However, your chosen company should also suit your needs and respect your vision. Think about the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to upgrading your windows, cost-effectiveness is king. Each window you purchase should provide unparalleled durability at a fair price point. Although premium replacement windows may be more expensive to buy, they often yield better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The size, material, and style of your new windows play the largest role in determining your final cost. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. If you're unsure, a window company can help you decide which options are ideal for your home.
In this table, you can find cost data for the most common residential window types to determine how much you might pay.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $219-$1348 |
| Awning | $318-$885 |
| Bay | $732-$5436 |
| Custom | $326-$906 |
| Casement | $253-$1469 |
| Double-hung | $118-$765 |
| Egress | $217-$542 |
| Glass Block | $43-$550 |
| Picture | $190-$1409 |
| Single-hung | $86-$1449 |
| Skylight | $108-$1308 |
| Sliding | $249-$1268 |
| Storm | $51-$358 |
| Transom | $265-$555 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides different benefits depending on your climate and energy-saving goals. 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-$1449 |
| Composite | $523-$1175 |
| Fiberglass | $86-$732 |
| Vinyl | $176-$1630 |
| Wood | $261-$1469 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each window installer you're evaluating 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
The longer a window company has served your area, the better its workmanship will likely be. Call a company representative to learn more about its public and private credentials, guarantees, and experience. Company websites often have photo galleries where you can see previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
South Carolina window installers must carry a Residential Builder license to take jobs costing $5,000 or more. The application process involves trade exams to test an installer's proficiency of state codes and best practices.
Types of Windows Offered
There are a variety of replacement window types you can choose from, and it's vital to find a company that focuses on installing the ones you want. Browse 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 greatest ways to evaluate a company is to read what other customers have written about their experiences. Read customer reviews on sites such as Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. 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.
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Window Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Charleston
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. Efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and retain heat in the wintertime, improving your comfort and furthering your dollar.
Does window replacement involve pulling permits?
How long does a window replacement job take?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
