How To Choose a Window Company in Charleston
Each window company has specialized offerings and approaches. To simplify the company search, keep these factors in mind:
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. Choosing budget windows could actually raise your overall cost, since they come with a reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, together with the styles, materials, and sizes of windows you select, can affect pricing. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. If you're unsure, a window company can help you decide which options are most suitable for your home.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $221-$1361 |
| Awning | $321-$894 |
| Bay | $739-$5488 |
| Custom | $329-$914 |
| Casement | $256-$1483 |
| Double-hung | $119-$772 |
| Egress | $219-$548 |
| Glass Block | $43-$555 |
| Picture | $192-$1422 |
| Single-hung | $86-$1463 |
| Skylight | $109-$1321 |
| Sliding | $252-$1280 |
| Storm | $52-$361 |
| Transom | $268-$561 |
Window Material Cost
You'll also need to choose a window material. Homeowners usually make their selection by considering the local climate, aesthetic preferences and energy efficiency objectives. Aluminum windows are perfect for sleek, modern designs, but they cost more up-front. Wood windows cost less up-front, but you'll need to invest in regular maintenance to prevent the frame from wear and warping. Vinyl is readily available and tends to cost less, but don't underestimate its strong durability and low maintenance needs.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $52-$1463 |
| Composite | $528-$1187 |
| Fiberglass | $86-$739 |
| Vinyl | $178-$1646 |
| Wood | $264-$1483 |
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 labor, warranties, and any other additional costs that your project may require.
Experience and Training
Choose a provider that focuses on window repair and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- The number of years it's been in business
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Official non-government accreditations attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
West Virginia's Contractor Licensing Board issues residential contracting licenses to window installation companies. Unless a contractor makes $5,000 or less from their work, they must have a license to install and fix windows in the Mountain State.
To keep their license, a company representative must pass professional and trade tests. There are also surety bond and insurance minimums to protect both customers and workers.
Types of Windows Offered
The style of window you desire should play a role in your company choice. Not every installation crew will necessarily be familiar with the window brand you want. A company website will reveal more about the varieties of windows it specializes in, such as:
- 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 find out what previous customers have said about them. Read customer reviews on sites such as Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. 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 Charleston
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 upgrading to new, more efficient windows, you can enhance your home's energy efficiency and lower your electricity bills.
I've heard there are tax credits for energy-efficient windows. How much could I save?
How can I gauge the quality of a replacement window?
- Air leakage rating, which indicates how tight a window's seal is
- Condensation resistance, which measures how a window manages moisture
- U-factor, which shows a window's temperature-insulating capability
- Visible transmittance, which shows how much light passes through a window
- Solar heat gain coefficient, which evaluates 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.
