How To Choose a Window Company in Manassas
Trustworthiness is crucial when it comes to choosing a window provider. However, your chosen company should also suit your needs and respect your vision. Consider the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new windows, it's crucial to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Although premium windows may be more expensive to buy, they often provide better long-term value due to their increased lifespan. The total cost of your window replacement will depend on the particular styles, materials, and sizes you need. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. If you're undecided, a window provider can help you figure out which options are ideal for your home.
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
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you unique advantages depending on your climate and energy efficiency needs. 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 | $53-$1500 |
| Composite | $541-$1216 |
| Fiberglass | $89-$758 |
| Vinyl | $182-$1687 |
| Wood | $270-$1521 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for new windows will also include applicable warranty fees, permit application fees, and labor. Ensure that you discuss each of these aspects with a sales representative before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Select a business that focuses on window replacement 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 credentials 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 Prince William, Fairfax, and Arlington Counties do not.
Types of Windows Offered
There are numerous replacement window types you can choose from, and it's important to find a company that specializes in the ones you want. Look on 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 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 Google, the BBB, Trustpilot, and Yelp. Ask people you know who have used the professional you're thinking of hiring, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Manassas
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
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 installing new, more efficient windows, you can improve your home's energy efficiency and minimize your electricity bills.
Does window replacement involve pulling permits?
What are some important metrics to know when I shop for replacement windows?
- Air leakage rating, which indicates how tight a window's seal is
- Condensation resistance, which rates how a window holds moisture
- U-factor, which shows a window's insulating capability
- Visible transmittance, which determines how much light passes through a window
- Solar heat gain coefficient, which measures how much heat from sunlight can pass through the window
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
