How To Choose a Window Company in San Mateo
With San Mateo's large population, you're sure to find a dependable replacement window company that matches your values and preferences. As you reach out to companies, keep the following factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to upgrading your windows, cost-effectiveness is paramount. Each window you purchase should offer unparalleled durability at a fair price point. Although premium replacement windows may be more expensive to buy, they often provide better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The age of your home, together with the styles, materials, and sizes of windows you opt for, can affect pricing. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. A window expert can help you with choosing the solutions that fit your preferences.
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 | $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
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might pick a material based on your desired look, your energy efficiency goals, and the local climate. For example, wood windows can give your home an organic design without breaking the bank, but you'll have to invest more toward maintenance. Aluminum and composite windows cost more up-front, but they're incredibly durable against the elements, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
| 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 window installer you're evaluating about warranty fees, labor costs, 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 contact a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and guarantees. Many window companies also keep online portfolios 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 active, the more likely it will provide top-notch workmanship.
Licensing and Credentials
A California window provider must be licensed as a General Building Contractor, Glazing Contractor and Window Coverings Contractor if it handles 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 steep fines.
Types of Windows Offered
The type of window you prefer should influence your company choice. Not every installer will necessarily be familiar with the window styles you want. A company website will show more about the varieties of windows it specializes in, 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
Perhaps the best way to vet window companies for your job is to see what previous customers have said about them. Read customer reviews on sites such as Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google. 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 San Mateo
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
The U.S. Department of Energy states that 25%–30% of a home's heating and cooling capacity is used to compensate for heat gain and heat loss through windows. By installing new, more efficient windows, you can boost your home's energy efficiency and reduce your electricity bills.
Are there tax incentives for installing energy-efficient windows?
Do window companies have guarantees or warranties for their work?
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