How To Choose a Window Company in Hawthorne
Each window provider has varying offerings and approaches. To simplify the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a major investment, so balancing cost with performance is vital. Choosing economy windows could actually increase your overall cost, since they come with a shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, as well as the materials, styles, and sizes of replacement windows you choose, can affect pricing. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. If you're undecided, a window provider can help you determine which options are most suitable 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 | $243-$1495 |
Awning | $352-$981 |
Bay | $812-$6025 |
Custom | $361-$1004 |
Casement | $281-$1629 |
Double-hung | $131-$848 |
Egress | $241-$601 |
Glass Block | $48-$609 |
Picture | $211-$1562 |
Single-hung | $95-$1606 |
Skylight | $120-$1450 |
Sliding | $276-$1405 |
Storm | $57-$397 |
Transom | $294-$615 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might choose a material based on your energy efficiency goals, your desired look, and the local climate. For example, windows made of wood can give your home an organic design without breaking the bank, but you'll have to invest more toward maintenance. Aluminum and composite windows cost more up-front, but they're incredibly durable in Hawthorne's strong storms, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
Window Types | Average Cost |
---|---|
Aluminum | $57-$1606 |
Composite | $580-$1303 |
Fiberglass | $95-$812 |
Vinyl | $195-$1807 |
Wood | $290-$1629 |
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 assess the cost of labor, guarantees, and any other extra expenses that your project may need.
Experience and Training
Browse a company's website and talk to a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and warranties. Many window companies also keep online portfolios that highlight past projects.
Ensure that the company focuses on window replacement. The more specialized training its staff has, and the longer it has been active, the more likely it will deliver high-quality craftsmanship.
Licensing and Credentials
A California window business must be licensed as a General Building Contractor, Glazing Contractor and Window Coverings Contractor if it takes on jobs valued at over $500. Each license 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
There are several replacement window types you can choose from, and it's crucial to find a company that focuses on installing 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
One of the most surefire ways to vet a company is to check what other customers have said about their experiences. Read customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot, Google, and Yelp. 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 Hawthorne
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
The U.S. Department of Energy states that 25%–30% of a home's heating and cooling capacity is used to compensate for heat gain and heat loss through windows. By purchasing new, more efficient windows, you can improve your home's energy efficiency and reduce your electricity bills.
Does window replacement involve pulling permits?
How can I fix a broken window screen?
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