How To Choose a Window Company in Santa Clara
With Santa Clara's sheer size, you're sure to find a trustworthy replacement window company in line with your values and preferences. As you gather estimates, keep the following factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a substantial investment, so balancing cost with long life is important. Although top-of-the-line replacement windows may come with a higher initial price tag, they often yield better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The material, style, and size of your new windows play the largest role in determining your final cost. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. It's wise to consult a trusted window installer to decide on your most suitable options.
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-$1667 |
| Awning | $393-$1095 |
| Bay | $906-$6721 |
| Custom | $403-$1120 |
| Casement | $313-$1817 |
| Double-hung | $146-$945 |
| Egress | $268-$671 |
| Glass Block | $53-$680 |
| Picture | $235-$1742 |
| Single-hung | $106-$1792 |
| Skylight | $134-$1618 |
| Sliding | $308-$1568 |
| Storm | $63-$443 |
| Transom | $328-$687 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides different benefits depending on the local climate and energy efficiency needs. Fiberglass and vinyl 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-$1792 |
| Composite | $647-$1453 |
| Fiberglass | $106-$906 |
| Vinyl | $218-$2016 |
| Wood | $323-$1817 |
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 take into account the cost of installation, warranties, and any other extra expenses that your project may entail.
Experience and Training
The longer a window company has been operating, the better its workmanship will likely be. Contact a company representative to learn more about its public and private credentials, experience, and guarantees. Company websites often have photo galleries showing off previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
A California window provider must be licensed as a General Building Contractor, Window Coverings Contractor and Glazing Contractor if it takes on jobs valued at over $500. Each certification has its own test and work requirements. If a contractor is caught working without a license, they'll have to pay substantial fines.
Types of Windows Offered
There are a variety of replacement window types you can choose from, and it's important to find a company that focuses on installing the ones you want. Browse a company's website and reviews for any of these types:
- 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 an interesting way to screen different window companies. 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 Santa Clara
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
According to the federal Department of Energy, up to a third of a house's HVAC usage is to compensate for the heat or cold entering through windows. Efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and retain heat in the wintertime, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
How frequently should I upgrade or replace my windows?
How can I gauge the quality of a replacement window?
- "visible transmittance," which measures how much light can enter through the window
- "solar heat gain coefficient," which shows how much UV light the window absorbs and releases as heat
- "Condensation resistance," which determines how well a window can resist moisture (the higher the number, the better)
- "Air leakage," which evaluates how easy it is for air drafts to develop (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.
