How To Choose a Window Company in Portsmouth
Each window company has different offerings and approaches. To simplify the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to replacing your windows, value is paramount. Each window you replace should deliver optimal durability at an affordable price point. Choosing budget windows could actually raise your overall cost, due to their reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, together with the materials, styles, and sizes of replacement windows you select, can affect pricing. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. It's wise to consult a reliable window installer to figure out your most suitable 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 pick a material based on your energy efficiency goals, the local climate, 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 total cost for window replacement will also include warranty fees (if applicable), permit application fees, and labor. Make sure to discuss each of these elements with a sales representative before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Select a business that focuses on window installation and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- How many years it's been operating
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Privately-issued accreditations attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
In Virginia, a window contractor 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 Arlington, Prince William, and Fairfax Counties do not.
Types of Windows Offered
There are numerous replacement window types you can choose from, and it's essential to find a company that focuses on installing 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 a great way to screen window companies in your area. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Trustpilot, Google, and Yelp 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Portsmouth
What are the benefits of hiring a window installer?
What time of year should I replace my windows?
Do window companies have guarantees or warranties for their work?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
