How To Choose a Window Company in Watsonville
Each window installer has unique offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
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. Although top-of-the-line windows may be more expensive to buy, they often provide better long-term value due to their increased lifespan. The age of your home, in addition to the sizes, styles, and materials of windows you choose, can impact pricing. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. A window expert can help you with picking the options that fit your preferences.
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 | $223-$1369 |
| Awning | $323-$899 |
| Bay | $744-$5520 |
| Custom | $331-$920 |
| Casement | $257-$1492 |
| Double-hung | $120-$776 |
| Egress | $220-$551 |
| Glass Block | $44-$558 |
| Picture | $193-$1431 |
| Single-hung | $87-$1472 |
| Skylight | $110-$1329 |
| Sliding | $253-$1288 |
| Storm | $52-$363 |
| Transom | $269-$564 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might choose a material based on the local climate, your desired look, and your energy efficiency goals. 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 | $52-$1472 |
| Composite | $531-$1194 |
| Fiberglass | $87-$744 |
| Vinyl | $179-$1656 |
| Wood | $265-$1492 |
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 labor, guarantees, and any other extra expenses that your project may require.
Experience and Training
Select a company that focuses on window replacement and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- How many years it's been operating
- Photo galleries of completed projects
- Private credentials attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
A California window business must be licensed as a Window Coverings Contractor, Glazing Contractor and General Building 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 hefty penalties.
Types of Windows Offered
There are numerous replacement window types you can choose from, and it's important to find a company that has expertise with the ones you want. Look on 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
Perhaps the best way to prescreen window companies for your job is to find out what previous customers have said about them. You can find customer reviews on websites like Trustpilot, Yelp, 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 Watsonville
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
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. Energy-efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and retain heat in the wintertime, improving your comfort and furthering your dollar.
Do I need a building permit to replace my home's windows?
What repair services do window companies offer?
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