How To Choose a Window Company in San Carlos
Trustworthiness is crucial when it comes to choosing a window provider. However, your chosen company should also align with your needs and understand your vision. Keep in mind the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a significant undertaking, so balancing cost with value is vital. Although premium windows may cost more upfront, they often provide better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The style, size, and material of your new windows play the largest role in determining your final cost. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. A window expert can guide you through choosing the options that fit your requirements.
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-$1666 |
| Awning | $393-$1094 |
| Bay | $905-$6717 |
| Custom | $403-$1119 |
| Casement | $313-$1816 |
| Double-hung | $146-$945 |
| Egress | $268-$670 |
| Glass Block | $53-$679 |
| Picture | $235-$1741 |
| Single-hung | $106-$1791 |
| Skylight | $134-$1617 |
| Sliding | $308-$1567 |
| Storm | $63-$442 |
| Transom | $328-$686 |
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 | $63-$1791 |
| Composite | $646-$1453 |
| Fiberglass | $106-$905 |
| Vinyl | $217-$2015 |
| Wood | $323-$1816 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each company you're evaluating about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you understand the overall expenses involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Examine a company's website and chat with 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 dedicated instruction its staff has, and the longer it has been in operation, the more likely it will deliver top-notch workmanship.
Licensing and Credentials
A California window business must be licensed as a Window Coverings Contractor, General Building Contractor and Glazing Contractor if it takes on 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
No two businesses offer the same window types and materials. Look for one that specializes in the type you want for your home.
- 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 see what previous customers have said about them. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Trustpilot, Google, and Yelp Speak with people you know who have used the company you're interested in, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in San Carlos
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
What time of year should I replace my windows?
What's the typical timeline for a professional window replacement?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
