How To Choose a Window Company in Cincinnati
Each window provider has different offerings and approaches. To ease the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a significant investment, so balancing cost with long life is important. Choosing cheap windows could actually increase your overall cost, since they come with a reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The overall cost of your replacement windows will hinge on the particular sizes, materials, and styles you need. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. A professional can guide you through choosing the options that fit your preferences.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $225-$1383 |
| Awning | $326-$908 |
| Bay | $751-$5575 |
| Custom | $334-$929 |
| Casement | $260-$1507 |
| Double-hung | $121-$784 |
| Egress | $223-$556 |
| Glass Block | $44-$564 |
| Picture | $195-$1445 |
| Single-hung | $88-$1486 |
| Skylight | $111-$1342 |
| Sliding | $256-$1300 |
| Storm | $52-$367 |
| Transom | $272-$569 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might pick a material based on the local climate, your desired look, and your energy efficiency goals. For example, windows made of wood 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 in Cincinnati's strong storms, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $52-$1486 |
| Composite | $536-$1205 |
| Fiberglass | $88-$751 |
| Vinyl | $180-$1672 |
| Wood | $268-$1507 |
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 factors 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 serving the Cincinnati area
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Official non-government accreditations attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
If window and door installations are all a company does, it will likely not need an Ohio contractor's license. However, it still needs a business license from the Secretary of State.
Cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus have their own licensing rules. We recommend contacting your local building department for more information.
Types of Windows Offered
The kind of window you prefer should factor into your company choice. Not every installation crew will necessarily be familiar with the window styles you want. A company website will show more about the styles of windows it focuses on, 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
Reading other customers' stories is an excellent way to screen different window replacement companies. Read customer reviews on sites such as Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google. 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 Cincinnati
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
When's the best time to replace my windows?
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 shows how a window manages moisture
- U-factor, which shows a window's insulating capability
- Visible transmittance, which determines how much visible 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.
