How To Choose a Window Company in Merced
It's essential to find a window replacement company that meets your unique values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following areas during your search:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement 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 come with a higher initial price tag, they often provide better long-term value due to their increased lifespan. The style, material, and size of your new windows have the greatest impact on your final cost. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. An installer can guide you through selecting the solutions that fit your preferences.
To help you form a rough estimate, this table shows the typical cost of the most common residential window types.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $206-$1266 |
| Awning | $298-$831 |
| Bay | $688-$5104 |
| Custom | $306-$850 |
| Casement | $238-$1380 |
| Double-hung | $111-$718 |
| Egress | $204-$509 |
| Glass Block | $40-$516 |
| Picture | $179-$1323 |
| Single-hung | $80-$1361 |
| Skylight | $102-$1228 |
| Sliding | $234-$1190 |
| Storm | $48-$336 |
| Transom | $249-$521 |
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. Vinyl and fiberglass 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 | $48-$1361 |
| Composite | $491-$1104 |
| Fiberglass | $80-$688 |
| Vinyl | $165-$1531 |
| Wood | $245-$1380 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each window installer you're considering about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you understand the financial commitment involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Peruse a company's website and contact a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and warranties. Many window companies also keep online photo galleries that present past projects.
Ensure that the company focuses on window replacement. The more specialized training its staff has, and the longer it has been in operation, the more likely it will provide top-notch service.
Licensing and Credentials
A California window provider must be licensed as a Glazing Contractor, Window Coverings Contractor and General Building Contractor if it performs jobs valued at over $500. Each certification 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 several replacement window types you can choose from, and it's essential to find a company that is experienced with 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
Reading other customers' stories is an excellent way to screen window companies in your area. You can find customer reviews on websites like the BBB, Trustpilot, Yelp, 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 Merced
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
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 enhance your home's energy efficiency and minimize your electricity bills.
Are there tax incentives for installing energy-efficient windows?
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.
