Replacing windows in Franklin and Williamson County
Franklin is the county seat of Williamson County. Window projects vary a lot with the house: a home with a tall two-story entry, bonus rooms, bay windows and arched transoms is a different job from a row of standard double-hungs, because specialty shapes, large picture windows and second-story access all come into play. Middle Tennessee's climate adds a few considerations of its own.
Humid summers
NOAA's engineering weather data for Nashville pairs a 1% summer design temperature of 92°F with a mean coincident wet-bulb temperature of about 75°F, so the hottest days are humid ones. In a humid climate, keeping outdoor air from leaking in matters for comfort, because that air carries moisture as well as heat. Windows that seal tightly when closed, such as casements and awnings, help, and so does careful sealing around the frame during installation. Ask how the contractor will insulate and air-seal the gap around each window.
Condensation
Condensation forms on surfaces cooler than the dew point of the air around them. In summer, with the air conditioning running and humid air outside, condensation can form on the outside of cold glass. In winter, it can form on the inside of glass when indoor air is humid. Some condensation on the glass surface is a sign of conditions, not a defect. Condensation between the panes of a double-pane window is different: it means the seal has failed. If you're seeing interior condensation regularly, ask the contractor about glass packages and warm-edge spacers that reduce it.
Afternoon sun
West- and south-facing windows take the strongest afternoon sun in summer. Glass with a lower solar heat gain coefficient can help keep those rooms cooler. On a large house, it can make sense to choose different glass for different sides. Ask the contractor what they'd recommend for each elevation.
Two-story entries and specialty windows
Tall foyers and great rooms often have large fixed windows, arched transoms or stacked units. These are usually custom-made, need careful measuring, and may need scaffolding or lifts to install. Ask about lead times and how the contractor will reach high windows safely.
Older homes
If your house is older and still has its original wood windows, there are choices beyond replacement. In a house built before 1978, lead-safe work practices apply to window replacement. Some owners of older homes repair and weatherstrip original windows rather than replacing them. Ask the contractor what the options are.
Checking a contractor in Tennessee
Tennessee requires a contractor's license for projects of $25,000 or more. Its home improvement license, for residential remodeling projects from $3,000 to $24,999, applies only in certain counties, and Williamson County is not on that list, so on a smaller job the absence of a state license doesn't tell you much either way. A whole-house window project can exceed $25,000, so ask. For any job, use the state's lookup and ask about insurance and warranty.