How To Choose a Window Company in San Bernardino
Each window provider has specialized offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to upgrading your windows, cost-effectiveness is paramount. Each window you replace should offer optimal durability at a fair price point. Although top-of-the-line windows may come with a higher initial price tag, they often provide better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The final cost of your replacement windows will depend on the specific sizes, styles, and materials you need. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. If you're unsure, a window company can help you decide which options are most suitable 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 | $224-$1376 |
| Awning | $324-$903 |
| Bay | $747-$5545 |
| Custom | $332-$924 |
| Casement | $258-$1499 |
| Double-hung | $120-$780 |
| Egress | $221-$553 |
| Glass Block | $44-$561 |
| Picture | $194-$1437 |
| Single-hung | $87-$1478 |
| Skylight | $110-$1335 |
| Sliding | $254-$1293 |
| Storm | $52-$365 |
| Transom | $271-$566 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides unique advantages depending on the local 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 | $52-$1478 |
| Composite | $534-$1199 |
| Fiberglass | $87-$747 |
| Vinyl | $179-$1663 |
| Wood | $267-$1499 |
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, warranties, and any other additional costs that your project may need.
Experience and Training
Select a company that focuses on window repair and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- The number of years it's been in business
- Photo galleries of completed projects
- Privately-issued accreditations attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
A California window installer must be licensed as a General Building Contractor, Window Coverings Contractor and Glazing Contractor if it handles 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 hefty penalties.
Types of Windows Offered
The style of window you want should influence your company choice. Not every installation crew will necessarily be familiar with the types you want. A company website will reveal more about the varieties of windows it works with, such as:
- 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 great way to screen different window companies. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Yelp, Trustpilot, and the BBB Speak with people you know who have used a company you're interested in, and ask a representative for a copy of its reference list.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in San Bernardino
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?
What are some important metrics to know when I shop for replacement windows?
- Air leakage rating, which indicates how tight a window's seal is
- Condensation resistance, which rates how a window manages moisture
- U-factor, which shows a window's temperature-insulating capability
- Visible transmittance, which measures how much visible light passes through a window
- Solar heat gain coefficient, which determines how much heat from sunlight can pass through the window
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
