If you’re considering new windows and doors near me for your home, make sure to choose a company with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. A quality installer should be certified by the American Window and Door Institute or Installation Masters, and offer a warranty. Look for a business that offers an in-home consultation, free measurements and installation. It’s also important to shop around and find the best price. Ask for referrals from family and friends, and read online reviews.
If your goal is to reduce your energy costs, look for a company that sells windows certified by the Energy Star program. The EPA estimates that replacing older windows with Energy Star certified models can save homeowners 12 to 13 percent on their utility bills. The NFRC certification label will include information about the window’s U-factor, which indicates how well it insulates, and solar heat gain coefficient, which tells how much sunlight it lets into your house. The lower the number, the better the rating.
When choosing windows, pay attention to frame material and style. Frames come in wood, vinyl and composite, so it’s important to decide what’s right for your climate and budget. Then consider features, such as soundproofing, light filtering and privacy. Some companies offer wood frames with vinyl- or aluminum-clad exteriors to satisfy consumers looking for a more affordable option.
You’ll also want to ask a potential installer about its product lines, warranties and financing options. For example, some companies specialize in only one type of window, while others also manufacture and install doors. Then there are those that offer a variety of services, such as building sunrooms and installing vinyl siding. Some also have showrooms where customers can view products and talk with sales representatives.
A company’s customer service is another important factor to consider, especially if you need assistance with warranty claims or other issues after the project is completed. You’ll want a company that answers the phone promptly and treats its customers with respect. A great way to evaluate this is to look at online customer reviews on review sites, such as ConsumerAffairs.
While it’s important to compare the cost of windows, don’t overlook other factors, such as installation and labor. A quality installer should be able to provide you with a detailed estimate including material and installation prices, as well as a breakdown of any add-on features you may have chosen.
Finally, a company that is a good fit for your project should have an extensive selection of styles and sizes to accommodate almost any home. This includes bay and bow windows, which project from the home at an angle to add architectural interest and wide-angle views of the outdoors; casement windows, which crank open; and picture windows, which don’t open but let in lots of natural light. You’ll also want to find a company that can handle custom sizes and shapes, and provides a range of color options for trim and sills.