How To Choose a Window Company in Blacksburg
Each window installer has different offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new windows, it's essential to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Although high-quality replacement windows may be more expensive to buy, they often yield better long-term value due to their increased lifespan. The age of your home, as well as the styles, materials, and sizes of windows you select, can impact pricing. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. It's advisable to consult a vetted window installer to determine 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 | $227-$1396 |
| Awning | $329-$916 |
| Bay | $758-$5626 |
| Custom | $337-$937 |
| Casement | $262-$1521 |
| Double-hung | $122-$791 |
| Egress | $225-$561 |
| Glass Block | $45-$569 |
| Picture | $197-$1458 |
| Single-hung | $89-$1500 |
| Skylight | $112-$1354 |
| Sliding | $258-$1312 |
| Storm | $53-$370 |
| Transom | $275-$575 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might choose a material based on the local climate, your energy efficiency goals, and your desired look. For example, wood windows can give your home an organic design without breaking the bank, but you'll have to invest more toward maintenance. Aluminum and composite windows cost more up-front, but they're incredibly durable against the elements, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $53-$1500 |
| Composite | $541-$1216 |
| Fiberglass | $89-$758 |
| Vinyl | $182-$1687 |
| Wood | $270-$1521 |
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, guarantees, and any other supplemental fees that your project may need.
Experience and Training
Select a business that focuses on window installation and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- The number of years it's been in business
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Privately-issued credentials attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
In Virginia, a window installer needs a state contracting license if they need to pull permits for their work. Certain jurisdictions require building permits for window installation, while others like Fairfax, Arlington, and Prince William Counties do not.
Types of Windows Offered
There are many replacement window types you can choose from, and it's essential to find a company that is experienced with 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
Perhaps the best way to screen window companies for your job is to check what previous customers have said about them. You can find customer reviews on websites like the BBB, Google, Trustpilot, and Yelp. 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 Blacksburg
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
According to the federal 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, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
Does window replacement involve pulling permits?
Will my window company install blinds?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
