How To Choose a Window Company in Austin
Each window installer has specialized offerings and approaches. To simplify the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to replacing your windows, cost-effectiveness is king. Each window you replace should offer optimal durability at a reasonable price point. Choosing cheap windows could actually increase your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The material, size, and style of your replacement windows have the greatest impact on your final cost. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. If you're unsure, a window provider can help you determine which options are ideal for your home.
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 | $240-$1475 |
| Awning | $348-$969 |
| Bay | $801-$5946 |
| Custom | $356-$991 |
| Casement | $277-$1607 |
| Double-hung | $129-$836 |
| Egress | $237-$593 |
| Glass Block | $47-$601 |
| Picture | $208-$1541 |
| Single-hung | $94-$1585 |
| Skylight | $118-$1431 |
| Sliding | $273-$1387 |
| Storm | $56-$392 |
| Transom | $290-$607 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides 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 against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $56-$1585 |
| Composite | $572-$1286 |
| Fiberglass | $94-$801 |
| Vinyl | $192-$1784 |
| Wood | $286-$1607 |
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 labor, warranties, and any other supplemental fees that your project may require.
Experience and Training
Select a business that focuses on window replacement and installation, and look for this information on its website:
- How long it's been in business
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Privately-issued certificates attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
In the North Star State, installing windows and doors is considered carpentry, and companies need either a remodeler or residential building contractor license from the Department of Labor and Industry. A business representative must clear a pre-application exam, provide copies of business disclosures, and enroll in continuing education classes every two years once licensed. If a window contractor makes $15,000 or less per year, it can request a Certificate of Exemption in place of a license.
Types of Windows Offered
No two window contractors offer the same window styles and materials. Find one that specializes in 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
One of the simplest ways to screen a company is to read what other customers have said about their experiences. You can find customer reviews on websites like Trustpilot, Google, the BBB, and Yelp. Ask people you know who have used the company you'd like to hire, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Austin
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
According to the federal Department of Energy, as much as 33% 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 should I do if a window is molding or has rot?
Do window installers also work with blinds and coverings?
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