How To Choose a Window Company in Castro Valley
Dependability is important when it comes to choosing a window replacement company. However, your chosen company should also align with your needs and respect your vision. Keep in mind the following factors during your company search:
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 premium windows may be more expensive to buy, they often provide better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The overall cost of your window replacement will hinge on the specific materials, styles, and sizes you need. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. If you're undecided, a window company can help you determine which options are best for your home.
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 | $255-$1569 |
| Awning | $370-$1030 |
| Bay | $852-$6323 |
| Custom | $379-$1053 |
| Casement | $295-$1709 |
| Double-hung | $137-$889 |
| Egress | $252-$631 |
| Glass Block | $50-$639 |
| Picture | $222-$1639 |
| Single-hung | $100-$1686 |
| Skylight | $126-$1522 |
| Sliding | $290-$1475 |
| Storm | $59-$416 |
| Transom | $309-$646 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides different benefits depending on the local climate and energy efficiency needs. Fiberglass and vinyl are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, composites and aluminum look sleek and stay strong against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $59-$1686 |
| Composite | $608-$1367 |
| Fiberglass | $100-$852 |
| Vinyl | $205-$1897 |
| Wood | $304-$1709 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each contractor you're considering about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you gain a complete understanding of the financial commitment involved in the project.
Experience and Training
The longer a window installer has been in business, the better its workmanship will likely be. Talk with a company representative to learn more about its public and private credentials, experience, and guarantees. Company websites often have photo galleries demonstrating previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
A California window business must be licensed as a General Building Contractor, Window Coverings Contractor and Glazing Contractor if it takes on jobs valued at over $500. Each license has its own test and work requirements. If a contractor is caught working without a license, they'll have to pay steep fines.
Types of Windows Offered
There are several replacement window types you can choose from, and it's crucial to find a company that specializes in the ones you want. Look on a company's website and reviews for any of these types:
- Awning
- Bay
- Bow
- Casement
- Crank-out
- Custom
- Double- or single-hung
- Egress
- Garden
- Jalousie
- Picture
- Sliding
- Skylight
- Specialty
- Storm
- Transom
- Vent
Customer Feedback
Perhaps the best way to prescreen window companies for your job is to read what previous customers have said about them. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Yelp, the BBB, and Google Referrals can also help you in your company search. Ask each company you're interested in for a list of references, and talk to family and friends about who they use for window installations.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Castro Valley
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 in during the wintertime, improving your comfort and furthering your dollar.
How can I fix a rotting or molding window frame?
What repair services do window companies offer?
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