How To Choose a Window Company in Walnut Creek
It's essential to find a window replacement company that aligns with your specific values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following points during your hunt:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to upgrading your windows, value is key. Each window you buy should provide unparalleled durability at a reasonable price point. Choosing budget windows could actually increase your overall cost, due to their reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The final cost of your replacement windows will depend on the specific materials, styles, and sizes you need. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. It's advisable to speak with a vetted window installer to figure out 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 | $233-$1433 |
| Awning | $338-$941 |
| Bay | $778-$5777 |
| Custom | $346-$962 |
| Casement | $269-$1562 |
| Double-hung | $125-$813 |
| Egress | $231-$576 |
| Glass Block | $46-$584 |
| Picture | $202-$1497 |
| Single-hung | $91-$1540 |
| Skylight | $115-$1390 |
| Sliding | $265-$1348 |
| Storm | $54-$380 |
| Transom | $282-$590 |
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 | $54-$1540 |
| Composite | $556-$1249 |
| Fiberglass | $91-$778 |
| Vinyl | $187-$1733 |
| Wood | $278-$1562 |
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 assess the cost of installation, warranties, and any other extra expenses that your project may entail.
Experience and Training
Choose a company 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 completed projects
- Private certificates attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
A California window company must be licensed as a General Building Contractor, Window Coverings Contractor and Glazing Contractor if it handles 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 hefty penalties.
Types of Windows Offered
The kind of window you prefer should factor into your company choice. Not every installer will necessarily be familiar with the window brand you want. A company website will show more about the styles of windows it specializes in, 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 prescreen window companies for your job is to check what previous customers have said about them. You can find customer reviews on websites like Google, Trustpilot, Yelp, and the BBB. Talk to people you know who have used the company you're evaluating, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Walnut Creek
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
What is the maintenance schedule for an average window, and how long will it last?
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 shows how well a window can resist moisture (the higher the number, the better)
- "Air leakage," which measures how easy it is for air drafts to occur (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.
