How To Choose a Window Company in Santa Barbara
Each window company has varying offerings and approaches. To simplify the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a substantial investment, so balancing cost with durability is crucial. Choosing cheap windows could actually increase your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The style, size, and material of your replacement 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 a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. A window expert can help you with selecting 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 | $237-$1456 |
| Awning | $343-$956 |
| Bay | $791-$5869 |
| Custom | $352-$978 |
| Casement | $273-$1587 |
| Double-hung | $127-$826 |
| Egress | $234-$586 |
| Glass Block | $46-$593 |
| Picture | $206-$1521 |
| Single-hung | $93-$1565 |
| Skylight | $117-$1413 |
| Sliding | $269-$1369 |
| Storm | $55-$386 |
| Transom | $286-$600 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might select 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 | $55-$1565 |
| Composite | $565-$1269 |
| Fiberglass | $93-$791 |
| Vinyl | $190-$1760 |
| Wood | $282-$1587 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each contractor you're evaluating about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you understand the financial commitment 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 highlight past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more dedicated instruction 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 installer 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 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 contractors offer the same window designs and materials. Find one that's an expert 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 a great way to screen different window companies. You can find customer reviews on websites like Yelp, Trustpilot, the BBB, and Google. 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 Santa Barbara
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 improve your home's energy efficiency and lower your electricity bills.
When's the best time to replace my windows?
Will my window company install blinds?
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