How To Choose a Window Company in McLean
Each window company has specialized offerings and approaches. To ease the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a major purchase, so balancing cost with performance is crucial. Choosing cheap windows could actually increase your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The overall cost of your replacement windows will depend on the particular materials, styles, and sizes you need. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. It's advisable to speak with a vetted window installer to figure out your ideal 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 | $241-$1479 |
| Awning | $348-$971 |
| Bay | $803-$5961 |
| Custom | $357-$993 |
| Casement | $278-$1611 |
| Double-hung | $129-$839 |
| Egress | $238-$595 |
| Glass Block | $47-$603 |
| Picture | $209-$1545 |
| Single-hung | $94-$1589 |
| Skylight | $119-$1435 |
| Sliding | $273-$1391 |
| Storm | $56-$393 |
| Transom | $291-$609 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you different benefits depending on the local climate and energy efficiency needs. Fiberglass and vinyl are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, aluminum and composites look sleek and stay strong against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $56-$1589 |
| Composite | $574-$1289 |
| Fiberglass | $94-$803 |
| Vinyl | $193-$1788 |
| Wood | $287-$1611 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each company you're considering about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you get a clear picture of the financial commitment involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Select a business that focuses on window replacement and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- How long it's been serving the McLean area
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Official non-government accreditations 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. Some jurisdictions require building permits for window replacement, while others like Arlington, Prince William, and Fairfax Counties do not.
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 is experienced with the ones you want. Check 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
Reading other customers' stories is one of the best ways to screen window companies in your area. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google Ask people you know who have used the company you'd like to hire, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in McLean
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
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, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
What should I do if a window is molding or has rot?
Should I replace my windows a couple at a time, or is it more economical to replace them all at once?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
