How To Choose a Window Company in Napa
Each window installer has unique offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to window replacement, value is most important. Each window you replace should provide unparalleled durability at a reasonable price point. Although top-of-the-line windows may cost more upfront, they often provide better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The style, material, and size of your new windows play the largest role in determining your final cost. 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. It's recommended to speak with a vetted window installer to figure out your ideal options.
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 | $236-$1448 |
| Awning | $341-$951 |
| Bay | $787-$5838 |
| Custom | $350-$973 |
| Casement | $272-$1578 |
| Double-hung | $127-$821 |
| Egress | $233-$583 |
| Glass Block | $46-$590 |
| Picture | $205-$1513 |
| Single-hung | $92-$1557 |
| Skylight | $116-$1405 |
| Sliding | $268-$1362 |
| Storm | $55-$384 |
| Transom | $285-$596 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you different benefits depending on the local climate and energy efficiency needs. 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 | $55-$1557 |
| Composite | $562-$1262 |
| Fiberglass | $92-$787 |
| Vinyl | $189-$1751 |
| Wood | $281-$1578 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each company you're considering about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you gain a complete understanding of the total costs involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Peruse 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 galleries that showcase past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more specialized training its staff has, and the longer it has been in operation, the more likely it will provide excellent craftsmanship.
Licensing and Credentials
A California window installer must be licensed as a Glazing Contractor, General Building Contractor and Window Coverings Contractor if it takes on jobs valued at over $500. Each certification has its own test 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 many replacement window types you can choose from, and it's vital 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
Reading other customers' stories is a surefire way to screen different window replacement companies. Read customer reviews on sites such as Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. 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 Napa
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 reduce your electricity bills.
How can I fix a rotting or molding window frame?
Will my window company install blinds?
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