How To Choose a Window Company in Harrisonburg
Reliability is crucial when it comes to choosing a window company. However, your chosen company should also match your priorities and respect your vision. Keep in mind the following factors during your company search:
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. Choosing budget windows could actually raise your overall cost, due to their reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The overall cost of your window replacement will rely on the specific sizes, styles, and materials you need. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. It's recommended to speak with a trusted window installer to decide on your best options.
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 | $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 desired look, and your energy efficiency goals. 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 total cost for window replacement will also include warranty fees (if applicable), permit application fees, and labor. Be sure to discuss each of these elements with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Select a provider 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 accreditations attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
In Virginia, a window installer needs a state license if they must pull permits for their work. Some jurisdictions require building permits for window replacement, while others like Fairfax, Arlington, and Prince William Counties do not.
Types of Windows Offered
No two businesses offer the same window types and materials. Find one that's an expert 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
Reading other customers' stories is one of the smartest ways to screen potential window companies. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Google, Trustpilot, and Yelp Referrals can also help you in your company search. Ask each company you're interested in for a list of references, and talk to family and friends about who they use for window installations.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Harrisonburg
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
The U.S. Department of Energy states that 25%–30% of a home's heating and cooling capacity is used to compensate for heat gain and heat loss through windows. By investing in new, more efficient windows, you can improve your home's energy efficiency and lower your electricity bills.
Are there tax incentives for installing energy-efficient windows?
Is it better to replace all my windows at once, or just a few at a time?
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