How To Choose a Window Company in Imperial Beach
It's crucial 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 it comes to window replacement, cost-effectiveness is king. Each window you purchase should provide top-notch durability at a reasonable price point. Although high-quality replacement windows may cost more upfront, they often yield better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The age of your home, in addition to the sizes, styles, and materials of replacement windows you opt for, 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 specialist can help you decide 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 | $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
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might select a material based on your desired look, your energy efficiency goals, and the local climate. For example, wood windows 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 against the elements, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $55-$1563 |
| Composite | $564-$1268 |
| Fiberglass | $92-$790 |
| Vinyl | $190-$1758 |
| Wood | $282-$1585 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each contractor you're considering about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you understand the overall expenses involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Select a company that focuses on window repair and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- The number of years it's been in business
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Official non-government accreditations attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
A California window company must be licensed as a Window Coverings Contractor, General Building Contractor and Glazing Contractor if it performs 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 substantial fines.
Types of Windows Offered
There are a variety of replacement window types you can choose from, and it's important to find a company that specializes in the ones you want. Browse 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 simplest ways to screen a company is to read what other customers have said about their experiences. Read customer reviews on sites such as Google, Trustpilot, 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 Imperial Beach
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 boost your home's energy efficiency and lower your electricity bills.
When's the best time to replace my windows?
What's different between a new construction window and a replacement window?
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