How To Choose a Window Company in Palo Alto
It's important to find a window installer that meets your individual values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following traits 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 be more expensive to buy, they often provide better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The overall cost of your window replacement will hinge on the specific sizes, styles, and materials you need. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. If you're undecided, a window company can help you decide which options are ideal 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 | $271-$1667 |
| Awning | $393-$1095 |
| Bay | $906-$6721 |
| Custom | $403-$1120 |
| Casement | $313-$1817 |
| Double-hung | $146-$945 |
| Egress | $268-$671 |
| Glass Block | $53-$680 |
| Picture | $235-$1742 |
| Single-hung | $106-$1792 |
| Skylight | $134-$1618 |
| Sliding | $308-$1568 |
| Storm | $63-$443 |
| Transom | $328-$687 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option offers unique advantages depending on your climate and energy efficiency needs. Fiberglass and vinyl 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 | $63-$1792 |
| Composite | $647-$1453 |
| Fiberglass | $106-$906 |
| Vinyl | $218-$2016 |
| Wood | $323-$1817 |
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 take into account the cost of installation, guarantees, and any other extra expenses that your project may need.
Experience and Training
The longer a window installer has been in business, the better its workmanship will likely be. Call 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 company must be licensed as a General Building Contractor, Glazing Contractor and Window Coverings Contractor if it performs 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 substantial fines.
Types of Windows Offered
There are many replacement window types you can choose from, and it's essential to find a company that is experienced 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
One of the easiest ways to vet a company is to check what other customers have said about their experiences. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Trustpilot, Yelp, and the BBB 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 Palo Alto
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
According to the national Department of Energy, as much as 33% of a house's HVAC usage is to compensate for the heat or cold entering through windows. Efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and in during the wintertime, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
What should I do if a window is molding or has rot?
What's the typical timeline for a professional window replacement?
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