How To Choose a Window Company in Santa Monica
It's important to find a window replacement company that matches your specific 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 raise your overall cost, due to their reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The style, material, and size of your replacement windows are the most significant factors in your final cost. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. If you're undecided, a window company can help you figure out which options are best for your home.
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 | $243-$1495 |
| Awning | $352-$981 |
| Bay | $812-$6025 |
| Custom | $361-$1004 |
| Casement | $281-$1629 |
| Double-hung | $131-$848 |
| Egress | $241-$601 |
| Glass Block | $48-$609 |
| Picture | $211-$1562 |
| Single-hung | $95-$1606 |
| Skylight | $120-$1450 |
| Sliding | $276-$1405 |
| Storm | $57-$397 |
| Transom | $294-$615 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option offers unique advantages depending on the local climate and energy efficiency needs. Vinyl and fiberglass are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, composites and aluminum look sleek and stay strong in Santa Monica's strong storms, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $57-$1606 |
| Composite | $580-$1303 |
| Fiberglass | $95-$812 |
| Vinyl | $195-$1807 |
| Wood | $290-$1629 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each window installer you're evaluating about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you understand the overall expenses 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 warranties. Many window companies also keep online galleries that showcase past projects.
Ensure that the company focuses on window replacement. The more dedicated instruction its staff has, and the longer it has been in business, the more likely it will deliver high-quality service.
Licensing and Credentials
A California window business must be licensed as a Glazing Contractor, General Building Contractor and Window Coverings Contractor if it performs jobs valued at over $500. Each license has its own exam and experience 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 want should factor into your company choice. Not every installer will necessarily be familiar with the window brand you want. A company website will tell more about the window types it deals 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
Reading other customers' stories is one of the smartest ways to screen window companies in your area. You can find customer reviews on websites like Google, Yelp, the BBB, and Trustpilot. 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 Monica
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 in during the wintertime, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
What is the maintenance schedule for an average window, and how long will it last?
How long does a window replacement job take?
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