How To Choose a Window Company in Minneapolis
Each window installer has unique offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new windows, it's essential to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Choosing cheap windows could actually raise your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, in addition to the styles, sizes, and materials of windows you select, can influence pricing. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. It's advisable to speak with a reliable window installer to determine your ideal 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 | $238-$1464 |
| Awning | $345-$961 |
| Bay | $795-$5900 |
| Custom | $354-$983 |
| Casement | $275-$1595 |
| Double-hung | $128-$830 |
| Egress | $236-$589 |
| Glass Block | $47-$597 |
| Picture | $207-$1529 |
| Single-hung | $93-$1573 |
| Skylight | $118-$1420 |
| Sliding | $271-$1376 |
| Storm | $55-$389 |
| Transom | $288-$603 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option offers different benefits depending on the local climate and energy-saving goals. Vinyl and fiberglass are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, aluminum and composites look sleek and stay strong in Minneapolis' strong storms, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $55-$1573 |
| Composite | $568-$1276 |
| Fiberglass | $93-$795 |
| Vinyl | $191-$1770 |
| Wood | $284-$1595 |
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 take into account the cost of labor, warranties, and any other extra expenses that your project may entail.
Experience and Training
The longer a window provider has been in business, the better its workmanship will likely be. Call a company representative to learn more about its experience, public and private credentials, and guarantees. Company websites often have photo galleries showcasing previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
In the North Star State, installing windows and doors is considered carpentry, and companies need either a remodeler or residential building contractor license from the Department of Labor and Industry. A business representative must successfully complete a pre-application exam, provide copies of business filings, and participate in continuing education classes every two years once licensed. If a window installation company makes $15,000 or less per year, it can seek a Certificate of Exemption in place of a license.
Types of Windows Offered
The kind of window you prefer should play a role in your company choice. Not every contractor will necessarily be familiar with the window styles you want. A company website will provide more about the varieties 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 interesting way to screen window companies in your area. Read customer reviews on sites such as Google, Trustpilot, and Yelp. 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 Minneapolis
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
According to the federal 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 retain heat in the wintertime, improving your comfort and furthering your dollar.
Do I need a building permit to replace my home's windows?
What kinds of repairs can my window company perform?
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