How To Choose a Window Company in Laramie
Trustworthiness is essential when it comes to choosing a window installer. However, your chosen company should also suit your needs and respect your vision. Think about 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 high-quality windows may come with a higher initial price tag, they often provide better long-term value due to their increased lifespan. The style, material, and size of your new windows play the largest role in determining your final cost. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. If you're unsure, a window company can help you determine which options are best 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 | $210-$1288 |
| Awning | $303-$846 |
| Bay | $700-$5193 |
| Custom | $311-$865 |
| Casement | $242-$1404 |
| Double-hung | $113-$730 |
| Egress | $207-$518 |
| Glass Block | $41-$525 |
| Picture | $182-$1346 |
| Single-hung | $82-$1384 |
| Skylight | $103-$1250 |
| Sliding | $238-$1211 |
| Storm | $49-$342 |
| Transom | $253-$530 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might select a material based on your energy efficiency goals, your desired look, and the local climate. For example, wooden 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 | $49-$1384 |
| Composite | $500-$1123 |
| Fiberglass | $82-$700 |
| Vinyl | $168-$1558 |
| Wood | $250-$1404 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for window replacement will also include applicable warranty fees, permit application fees, and labor. Be sure to discuss each of these aspects with a sales representative before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Choose 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
- Privately-issued credentials attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
Wyoming is a relatively lenient state when it comes to window installer licensing, delegating that power to cities. Check with your city hall for more information on what's required.
In Casper, licenses are issued based on an installer's most valuable job. The application process involves in-person interviews and exams on globally accepted building codes.
In Cheyenne, however, window installers need a Class D municipal contractor license. This is a minor credential, so companies holding it can't hire subcontractors.
Types of Windows Offered
There are many replacement window types you can choose from, and it's essential to find a company that focuses on installing the ones you want. Browse 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 an interesting way to screen potential window companies. You can find customer reviews on websites like Google, the BBB, Yelp, and Trustpilot. 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 Laramie
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
According to the national Department of Energy, up to a third of a house's HVAC usage is to compensate for the heat or cold entering through windows. Energy-efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and in during the wintertime, improving your comfort and furthering your dollar.
How frequently should I upgrade or replace my windows?
Can I replace just my windows' glass and not their frames?
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