How To Choose a Window Company in Oakland
With Oakland's sheer size, you're sure to find a trustworthy window replacement company that matches your values and preferences. As you make calls, keep the following factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a substantial expense, so balancing cost with performance is crucial. Although top-of-the-line windows may cost more upfront, they often yield better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The age of your home, in addition to the styles, sizes, and materials of replacement windows you select, can influence pricing. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. It's recommended to consult a vetted window installer to figure out your ideal options.
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 | $255-$1569 |
Awning | $370-$1030 |
Bay | $852-$6323 |
Custom | $379-$1053 |
Casement | $295-$1709 |
Double-hung | $137-$889 |
Egress | $252-$631 |
Glass Block | $50-$639 |
Picture | $222-$1639 |
Single-hung | $100-$1686 |
Skylight | $126-$1522 |
Sliding | $290-$1475 |
Storm | $59-$416 |
Transom | $309-$646 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you different benefits depending on your climate and energy efficiency needs. Vinyl and fiberglass are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, composites and aluminum look sleek and stay strong against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
Window Types | Average Cost |
---|---|
Aluminum | $59-$1686 |
Composite | $608-$1367 |
Fiberglass | $100-$852 |
Vinyl | $205-$1897 |
Wood | $304-$1709 |
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 factor in the cost of labor, guarantees, and any other extra expenses that your project may need.
Experience and Training
The longer a window installer has served your area, the better its workmanship will likely be. Talk with a company representative to learn more about its guarantees, experience, and public and private credentials. Company websites often keep photo galleries where you can see previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
A California window provider must be licensed as a Window Coverings Contractor, General Building Contractor and Glazing Contractor if it handles 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 numerous replacement window types you can choose from, and it's essential to find a company that has expertise with the ones you want. Check 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
Perhaps the best way to vet window companies for your job is to find out what previous customers have said about them. Read customer reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot. 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 Oakland
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 upgrading to new, more efficient windows, you can improve your home's energy efficiency and lower your electricity bills.
When's the best time to replace my windows?
How important are guarantees and extended support packages?
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