How To Choose a Window Company in Arlington
It's important to find a window provider that meets your unique values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following traits during your search:
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Window Cost
When it comes to upgrading your windows, cost-effectiveness is paramount. Each window you buy should provide unparalleled durability at a reasonable price point. After all, you want replacement windows that will endure and provide the best value. The styles, materials, and sizes of your new windows play the largest role in determining your final cost. A professional can guide you through picking the solutions that fit your preferences.
To help you form a rough estimate, this table shows the typical cost of the most common residential window types:
Window Types
Average Cost
Awning $120-$500 Bay $3,000-$10,000 Casement $400-$900 Double-hung $300-$600 Garden $1,000-$4,000 Picture $350-$795 Single-hung $280-$600 Skylight $1,000-$2,500 Sliding $400-$900 Storm $80-$200 -
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option offers different benefits depending on your climate and energy efficiency needs. Here are the average costs for common window materials: Finally, ask each installer you're evaluating about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you get a better picture of of the overall expenses involved in the project.
Window Types
Average Cost
Aluminum $300-$700 Composite $400-$1,400 Fiberglass $350-$700 Vinyl $250-$500 Wood $200-300 -
Experience and Training
Browse a company's website and contact a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and guarantees. Many companies also keep online galleries that highlight past projects.
Ensure that the company focuses on window replacement. The more specialized training its staff has, and the longer it has been in business, the more likely it will deliver excellent craftsmanship.
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Licensing and Credentials
To install windows in the Lone Star State, all a contractor must do is sign up with the Secretary of State. Some cities, most notably San Antonio, require service providers to have liability insurance and pass a background check. Dallas and Fort Worth require window companies to register with the city, and Houston does not require licenses or registrations at all.
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Types of Windows Offered
The type of window you prefer should factor into your company choice. Not every contractor will necessarily be familiar with the window brand you want. A company website will tell more about the varieties of windows it works with, such as:
Finally, pay close attention to the materials that a company uses. Each frame material has a different price point, energy efficiency level and life span. A company will usually specify whether the windows they install use wood, metal, vinyl, composite, or fiberglass. -
Customer Feedback
Reading other customers' stories is one of the best ways to screen potential window companies. You can find customer reviews on websites like Google, the BBB, Yelp, and Trustpilot. 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.
Arlington Window Services FAQ
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
By working with a professional, you don't need to worry about measurement missteps or lacking the right tools. A window installation team is well-equipped with the right tools and training to do the job safely and accurately. You can also get fast, informed answers to your questions and personalized assistance to maximize your new windows' potential.
I've heard there are tax credits for energy-efficient windows. How much could I save?
Ultimately, the tax incentives you can claim depend on the scope of your window replacement and your city. You can claim 30% of the value of new efficient windows as a federal tax credit, up to $3,200 per year, until 2032. We also encourage you to contact your city or county government for more information on tax breaks specific to your area.
How can I gauge the quality of a replacement window?
One of the first metrics you'll notice when looking at a replacement window is its U-factor. The lower this number, the better the window is at preventing extreme heat and cold from entering your home. Other numbers to evaluate include:
- "visible transmittance," which indicates how much light can pass through the window
- "solar heat gain coefficient," which tells you how much UV light the window absorbs and releases as heat
- "Condensation resistance," which shows how well a window can resist moisture (the higher the number, the better)
- "Air leakage," which evaluates how easy it is for air drafts to develop (the lower the number, the better)
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
