How To Choose a Window Company in Carlsbad
It's essential to find a window installer that matches your specific values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following traits during your hunt:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new windows, it's important to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Although high-quality windows may cost more upfront, they often yield better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The material, style, and size of your new windows play the largest role in determining your final cost. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. It's wise to speak with a reliable window installer to decide on your most suitable options.
To help you form a rough estimate, this table shows the typical cost of the most common residential window types.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $237-$1454 |
| Awning | $343-$955 |
| Bay | $790-$5862 |
| Custom | $351-$977 |
| Casement | $273-$1585 |
| Double-hung | $127-$825 |
| Egress | $234-$585 |
| Glass Block | $46-$593 |
| Picture | $205-$1519 |
| Single-hung | $92-$1563 |
| Skylight | $117-$1411 |
| Sliding | $269-$1367 |
| Storm | $55-$386 |
| Transom | $286-$599 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option offers unique advantages 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 against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $55-$1563 |
| Composite | $564-$1268 |
| Fiberglass | $92-$790 |
| Vinyl | $190-$1758 |
| Wood | $282-$1585 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for new windows will also include applicable warranty fees, permit application fees, and labor. Ensure that you discuss each of these aspects with a sales representative before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Select a company that focuses on window installation and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- The number of years it's been in business
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Privately-issued certifications attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
A California window business must be licensed as a General Building Contractor, Glazing Contractor and Window Coverings Contractor if it performs jobs valued at over $500. Each certification has its own exam and work requirements. If a contractor is caught working without a license, they'll have to pay hefty penalties.
Types of Windows Offered
The kind 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 reveal more about the varieties of windows it works with, 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 different window replacement companies. Read customer reviews on sites such as Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot. 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 Carlsbad
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
According to the federal Department of Energy, as much as 33% 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, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
How can I fix a rotting or molding window frame?
How do replacement windows differ from new construction windows?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
