Renewal by Andersen is our choice for best window installation company. It’s a reputable full-service window installer known for its custom window options and industry certifications. Castle Windows comes in second in our ratings; it offers the best labor warranty in the windows industry and has made many “Best of” lists in recent years.
Not all window companies operate the same way. Some are full-service, meaning they make, sell and install their products. Others are only window manufacturers, meaning they don’t install windows and you’ll need to work with a third-party installer.
Full-service companies, such as the ones we’ve highlighted below, are the most convenient to work with. You can handle every aspect of your window project through one company, and you won’t have to hire an outside contractor or get a separate workmanship warranty.
Compare top choices for best window installation companies
Purchasing new windows is a big investment, whether buying just a few or updating your entire house.
According to Home Depot, expect to pay between $800 and $1,900 to install most window types. Window size and customizations are the primary reasons for that range. Larger, more complex window types, such as bay windows, can cost as much as $6,000 to install. These prices include the window, permit, installation labor and estimated tax.
All window companies should provide a manufacturer’s warranty covering window parts and materials for a certain time. A quality installer will also provide a labor warranty, sometimes called a workmanship warranty, that covers issues related to installation.
If your windows don’t work properly or underperform due to improper installation, the company must fix them if you’re within the warranty period. Most window labor warranties last between two and five years, though some are as long as 10 years. The longer the warranty, the better.
We recommend considering the following factors when choosing a window installation company:
- Credentials: Look for a company that’s been in business long enough to prove itself and has the industry licensure your state requires.
- Product and service selection: Check that the company has your desired window types and customizations. Confirm that it provides installation if this is a priority for you. If you want to go through one company for several projects, look into whether it offers other home improvement services, such as installing doors, siding or roofing.
- Warranty coverage: Simply put, you want to get as much covered for as long as possible. Be sure to read the fine print for any catches.
- Customer reviews: Don’t ignore red flags in customer reviews. Sure, every company will have some negative feedback, but overall, you want most to be favorable. Look for reviews highlighting service, punctuality and professionalism. It’s always better to pay more for a more reputable company.
Our top picks for best window installation companies
We used our methodology to review and compare the best window brands. We examined each company’s product selection, energy-saving features, warranty details and more to help you decide which has the best windows and service. We also read hundreds of customer reviews to see each company delivers on its promises.
The following window installers scored the highest, making them the companies we most recommend for your window installation project.
Compare window prices
We surveyed 1,500 window buyers in October 2023 about the brands they bought and how much they paid for different project sizes. According to the average costs respondents reported, Renewal by Andersen is the most affordable installer. However, many customer reviews mention the brand’s pricey nature, so the best way to compare pricing for your window replacement project is to get quotes from a few companies.
Below are each provider’s average costs for the indicated project sizes, calculated from our survey responses. Costs include parts and labor. We didn’t include Power Home’s pricing here because it installs Pella windows, and its labor pricing greatly varies depending on the project scope.
Provider | 1–5 Windows | 6–10 Windows | 11+ Windows |
---|---|---|---|
Renewal by Andersen | $5,112 | $13,367 | $20,922 |
Castle | $10,475 | $16,690 | $19,872 |
Champion | $7,738 | $15,492 | $28,825 |
Pella | $8,664 | $13,010 | $20,644 |
Many window companies offer financing options. You can also talk with your bank about a personal loan, home equity loan or Federal Housing Administration Rehab loan.
Window tax credits can help, too. Energy Star-certified windows qualify for a tax credit that allows you to claim 30% of the product cost up to $600. Energy Star products often qualify for rebates and special offers as well.
How do you choose the best window installation company?
When buying windows, look at product performance and style options. Vetting an installation team requires other considerations. We recommend doing the following when choosing a window installer:
1. Check credentials
Never hire an installer that isn’t properly licensed in your state. Check your state’s contractor license board to verify that the company is a licensed window installer. Certification with the Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance is a great plus.
Also, check the company’s experience. You want an installer with at least a few years of professional installation experience.
2. Read customer reviews
The best way to vet an installer is to see what customers say. Don’t take a chance on a company with many unhappy customers. Look for reviews about the installation process, such as comments about the crew’s punctuality, professionalism, knowledge, cleanliness and friendliness.
Also, look for reviews highlighting how customers feel about the installation several months down the road to see if they uncovered any issues in workmanship.
3. Weigh the cost
We can’t say it enough: Prioritize quality over cost. That said, you still have a budget to be wise with. Installation costs will vary based on the size and type of windows, number of windows, extra features and potential issues with your existing window casings that could require repair. A company’s certifications and years of experience can also raise the price. Most window replacements cost between $100 and $400 per window for standard window types. Larger, more complicated window styles, such as bay windows, can be more expensive to install.
4. Ask questions
In addition to inquiring about the factors above, don’t be afraid to ask your installer these questions:
- Can I see your labor warranty details, including the fine print?
- Can you provide a written estimate before starting?
- Can you provide customer references?
- Do you specialize in installing this window type?
- How long will installation take?
- How will you protect my home during installation?
- Who exactly will install the windows?
- What training do your technicians have?
- Will you dispose of my old windows when you’re done?
Final take: Prioritize reviews, performance and coverage
When deciding on the right window installer, we suggest looking for one with mostly positive customer reviews, energy-efficient windows and comprehensive warranty coverage. Go with the brand that fares best in these areas while still within your budget.
Our recommendations for the best window installation companies are Renewal by Andersen, Castle and Champion. Renewal by Andersen is highly recognized for its high-quality, energy-efficient options and professional installation crews. Customers praise Castle’s warranty coverage and Champion’s quality windows and affordability.
Start by checking that your top choices operate in your area. Then, we recommend getting a free quote from a few companies to compare pricing before making your decision.
Our rating methodology for window providers
We research, review and rate window brands to help ensure you pick a window brand that meets your needs and fits your budget the next time you need to install new windows. Our research includes interviewing experts in the window industry, collecting data through proprietary surveys, reading hundreds of customer reviews on third-party websites and reviewing each brand’s website to gather as much information as possible about its services, products and warranties.
We assess each window brand in four key areas:
- Window options and installation services
- Brand reputation and reviews
- Energy-efficiency features
- Warranties
Read our full window methodology for more details and information on how we arrived at our conclusion of the best window brands.
BBB and Trustpilot scores are accurate as of May 2024.
Top local window installation companies
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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