How To Choose a Window Company in San Rafael
It's crucial to find a window installer that matches your unique values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following traits during your search:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement windows, it's important to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Choosing budget windows could actually increase your overall cost, since they come with a reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The overall cost of your window replacement will rely on the specific sizes, styles, and materials you need. 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 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 | $276-$1693 |
| Awning | $399-$1112 |
| Bay | $920-$6825 |
| Custom | $409-$1137 |
| Casement | $318-$1845 |
| Double-hung | $148-$960 |
| Egress | $273-$681 |
| Glass Block | $54-$690 |
| Picture | $239-$1769 |
| Single-hung | $108-$1820 |
| Skylight | $136-$1643 |
| Sliding | $313-$1592 |
| Storm | $64-$449 |
| Transom | $333-$697 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides unique advantages depending on your climate and energy-saving goals. Vinyl and fiberglass are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, aluminum and composites look sleek and stay strong against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $64-$1820 |
| Composite | $657-$1476 |
| Fiberglass | $108-$920 |
| Vinyl | $221-$2047 |
| Wood | $328-$1845 |
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 installation, guarantees, and any other supplemental fees that your project may require.
Experience and Training
Select a provider that focuses on window installation and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- The number of years it's been in business
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Privately-issued accreditations attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
A California window business must be licensed as a General Building Contractor, Window Coverings Contractor and Glazing Contractor if it performs jobs valued at over $500. Each license has its own test and work requirements. If a contractor is caught working without a license, they'll have to pay hefty penalties.
Types of Windows Offered
The type of window you prefer should influence your company choice. Not every installer 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
Perhaps the best way to evaluate window companies for your job is to read 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 Rafael
What are the benefits of hiring a window installer?
Do I need a building permit to replace my home's windows?
Is it better to replace all my windows at once, or just a few at a time?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
