How To Choose a Window Company in Vista
Reliability is essential when it comes to choosing a window company. However, your chosen company should also match your needs and respect your vision. Consider the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a significant undertaking, so balancing cost with long life is crucial. Although top-of-the-line windows may come with a higher initial price tag, they often provide better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The age of your home, in addition to the materials, sizes, and styles of replacement windows you opt for, can influence pricing. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. An installer can help you with picking the products 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-$1454 |
| Awning | $343-$955 |
| Bay | $790-$5862 |
| Custom | $351-$977 |
| Casement | $273-$1585 |
| Double-hung | $127-$825 |
| Egress | $234-$585 |
| Glass Block | $46-$593 |
| Picture | $205-$1519 |
| Single-hung | $92-$1563 |
| Skylight | $117-$1411 |
| Sliding | $269-$1367 |
| Storm | $55-$386 |
| Transom | $286-$599 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you different benefits depending on your 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 against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $55-$1563 |
| Composite | $564-$1268 |
| Fiberglass | $92-$790 |
| Vinyl | $190-$1758 |
| Wood | $282-$1585 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each contractor you're evaluating about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you get a better picture of the overall expenses involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Choose a provider that focuses on window repair and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- The number of years it's been in business
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Official non-government certifications attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
A California window installer must be licensed as a Window Coverings Contractor, General Building Contractor and Glazing Contractor if it performs jobs valued at over $500. Each certification has its own test and experience requirements. If a contractor is caught working without a license, they'll have to pay substantial fines.
Types of Windows Offered
No two businesses offer the same window styles and materials. Look for one that focuses on 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 one of the best ways to screen window companies in your area. 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 Vista
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
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 purchasing new, more efficient windows, you can boost your home's energy efficiency and reduce your electricity bills.
How can I fix a rotting or molding window frame?
How can I fix a broken window screen?
You might need to change the screen for large tears or those along the edges of the window. A window company you trust can get the job done without breaking the bank.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
