How To Choose a Window Company in Pittsburg
Reliability is essential when it comes to choosing a window replacement company. However, your chosen company should also match your priorities and appreciate your vision. Think about the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a major investment, so balancing cost with performance is crucial. Choosing cheap windows could actually increase your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, together with the sizes, materials, and styles of windows you select, can influence pricing. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. If you're undecided, a window company can help you decide which options are ideal for your home.
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 | $233-$1433 |
| Awning | $338-$941 |
| Bay | $778-$5777 |
| Custom | $346-$962 |
| Casement | $269-$1562 |
| Double-hung | $125-$813 |
| Egress | $231-$576 |
| Glass Block | $46-$584 |
| Picture | $202-$1497 |
| Single-hung | $91-$1540 |
| Skylight | $115-$1390 |
| Sliding | $265-$1348 |
| Storm | $54-$380 |
| Transom | $282-$590 |
Window Material Cost
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 | $54-$1540 |
| Composite | $556-$1249 |
| Fiberglass | $91-$778 |
| Vinyl | $187-$1733 |
| Wood | $278-$1562 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each contractor you're evaluating about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you gain a complete understanding of the total costs involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Examine a company's website and talk to a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and guarantees. Many window companies also keep online photo galleries that showcase past projects.
Ensure that the company focuses on window replacement. The more specific training its staff has, and the longer it has been in operation, the more likely it will provide top-notch workmanship.
Licensing and Credentials
A California window installer must be licensed as a General Building Contractor, Glazing Contractor and Window Coverings Contractor if it handles jobs valued at over $500. Each certification 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 numerous replacement window types you can choose from, and it's crucial to find a company that specializes in 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 evaluate window companies for your job is to check what previous customers have said about them. Read customer reviews on sites such as Google, Yelp, 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 Pittsburg
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
I've heard there are tax credits for energy-efficient windows. How much could I save?
I broke my window's glass. Could I replace just the glass?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
