How To Choose a Window Company in San Clemente
An exceptional reputation is important when it comes to choosing a window installer. However, your chosen company should also match your priorities and respect your vision. Consider the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement windows, it's essential to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Choosing economy windows could actually increase your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, in addition to the styles, sizes, and materials of replacement windows you select, can impact pricing. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. An installer can guide you through selecting the products 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 | $233-$1432 |
| Awning | $337-$940 |
| Bay | $778-$5771 |
| Custom | $346-$961 |
| Casement | $269-$1560 |
| Double-hung | $125-$812 |
| Egress | $230-$576 |
| Glass Block | $46-$584 |
| Picture | $202-$1496 |
| Single-hung | $91-$1539 |
| Skylight | $115-$1389 |
| Sliding | $265-$1346 |
| Storm | $54-$380 |
| Transom | $282-$589 |
Window Material Cost
You'll also need to choose a window material. Homeowners usually choose a material based on aesthetic preferences, the local climate and energy efficiency objectives. Aluminum windows are perfect for sleek, modern designs, but they cost more up-front. Wood windows cost less up-front, but you'll need to invest in regular maintenance to prevent the frame from wear and warping. Vinyl is readily available and tends to cost less, but don't underestimate its strong durability and low maintenance needs.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $54-$1539 |
| Composite | $555-$1248 |
| Fiberglass | $91-$778 |
| Vinyl | $187-$1731 |
| Wood | $277-$1560 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each window installer you're considering about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you get a clear picture of the total costs 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 warranties. Many window companies also keep online galleries that highlight past projects.
Ensure that the company focuses on window replacement. The more specific training its staff has, and the longer it has been active, the more likely it will provide top-notch workmanship.
Licensing and Credentials
A California window business must be licensed as a Glazing Contractor, Window Coverings Contractor and General Building Contractor if it handles jobs valued at over $500. Each license has its own test and experience requirements. If a contractor is caught working without a license, they'll have to pay hefty penalties.
Types of Windows Offered
No two window installers offer the same window types and materials. Find 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
Reading other customers' stories is one of the best ways to screen window companies in your area. Read customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. 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 Clemente
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. Energy-efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and in during the wintertime, improving your comfort and furthering your dollar.
How frequently should I upgrade or replace my windows?
What are some important metrics to know when I shop for replacement windows?
- "visible transmittance," which indicates how much light enters through the window
- "solar heat gain coefficient," which tells you how much UV light the window absorbs and releases as heat
- "Condensation resistance," which shows how well a window can resist moisture (the higher the number, the better)
- "Air leakage," which measures how easy it is for air drafts to occur (the lower the number, the better)
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
