How To Choose a Window Company in Lemon Grove
Each window company 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 purchase, so balancing cost with value is important. Choosing cheap windows could actually raise your overall cost, due to their reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The style, size, and material of your new windows are the most significant factors in your final cost. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. If you're undecided, a window provider can help you figure out 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 | $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
You'll also need to choose a window material. Homeowners frequently choose a material based on aesthetic preferences, energy efficiency objectives and the local climate. Aluminum windows are perfect for sleek, modern designs, but they cost more up-front. You'll pay less for wood windows up-front, but you'll need to invest in regular maintenance to prevent the frame from warping and wear. Vinyl is readily available and tends to cost less, but don't underestimate its strong durability and low maintenance needs.
| 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 window replacement will also include applicable warranty fees, permit application fees, and labor. Make sure to discuss each of these elements with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
The longer a window company has been in business, the better its workmanship will likely be. Contact a company representative to learn more about its public and private credentials, experience, and guarantees. Company websites often keep photo galleries where you can see previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
A California window business must be licensed as a Glazing Contractor, General Building Contractor and Window Coverings Contractor if it handles jobs valued at over $500. Each license has its own test and experience requirements. If a contractor is caught working without a license, they'll have to pay steep fines.
Types of Windows Offered
The style of window you prefer should play a role in your company choice. Not every installer will necessarily be familiar with the types you want. A company website will reveal more about the kinds of windows it specializes in, 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
Perhaps the best way to prescreen window companies for your job is to check what previous customers have said about them. You can find customer reviews on websites like Yelp, the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google. Talk to people you know who have used the company you're evaluating, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Lemon Grove
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 investing in new, more efficient windows, you can improve your home's energy efficiency and minimize your electricity bills.
When's the best time to replace my windows?
Is it better to replace all my windows at once, or just a few at a time?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
