How To Choose a Window Company in Foster City
It's crucial to find a window installer that meets your specific values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following areas during your search:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to window replacement, cost-effectiveness is key. Each window you replace should deliver maximum durability at a reasonable price point. Choosing budget windows could actually raise your overall cost, since they come with a shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, in addition to the materials, styles, and sizes of windows you select, can affect pricing. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. A professional can guide you through picking the options that fit your requirements.
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 | $271-$1666 |
| Awning | $393-$1094 |
| Bay | $905-$6717 |
| Custom | $403-$1119 |
| Casement | $313-$1816 |
| Double-hung | $146-$945 |
| Egress | $268-$670 |
| Glass Block | $53-$679 |
| Picture | $235-$1741 |
| Single-hung | $106-$1791 |
| Skylight | $134-$1617 |
| Sliding | $308-$1567 |
| Storm | $63-$442 |
| Transom | $328-$686 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides unique advantages depending on the local climate and energy-saving goals. Fiberglass and vinyl 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 | $63-$1791 |
| Composite | $646-$1453 |
| Fiberglass | $106-$905 |
| Vinyl | $217-$2015 |
| Wood | $323-$1816 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your contractor will factor the price for your windows and the value of their services into its total estimate. Make sure to take into account the cost of labor, guarantees, and any other additional costs that your project may need.
Experience and Training
Browse a company's website and chat with a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and warranties. Many window companies also keep online galleries that present past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more dedicated instruction its staff has, and the longer it has been active, the more likely it will deliver high-quality service.
Licensing and Credentials
A California window installer 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 exam and experience requirements. If a contractor is caught working without a license, they'll have to pay hefty penalties.
Types of Windows Offered
No two window companies offer the same window styles and materials. Look for one that specializes in the type you want for your home.
- 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. You can find customer reviews on websites like Trustpilot, Google, Yelp, and the BBB. 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 Foster City
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
I've heard there are tax credits for energy-efficient windows. How much could I save?
Should I replace my windows a couple at a time, or is it more economical to replace them all at once?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
