How To Choose a Window Company in Berkeley
Each window provider has specialized offerings and approaches. To simplify 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. Choosing economy windows could actually raise your overall cost, since they come with a reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The size, style, and material of your new windows have the greatest impact on 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. A professional can help you with selecting the options that fit your needs.
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 | $212-$1305 |
| Awning | $307-$857 |
| Bay | $709-$5262 |
| Custom | $315-$877 |
| Casement | $245-$1422 |
| Double-hung | $114-$740 |
| Egress | $210-$525 |
| Glass Block | $42-$532 |
| Picture | $184-$1364 |
| Single-hung | $83-$1403 |
| Skylight | $105-$1266 |
| Sliding | $241-$1227 |
| Storm | $49-$346 |
| Transom | $257-$537 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option offers different benefits depending on the local climate and energy-saving goals. Vinyl and fiberglass are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, aluminum and composites look sleek and stay strong in Berkeley's strong storms, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $49-$1403 |
| Composite | $506-$1138 |
| Fiberglass | $83-$709 |
| Vinyl | $170-$1578 |
| Wood | $253-$1422 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each window installer you're considering about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you understand the total costs involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Examine a company's website and chat with a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and guarantees. Many window companies also keep online portfolios that highlight past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more dedicated instruction its staff has, and the longer it has been in business, the more likely it will deliver top-notch service.
Licensing and Credentials
New Jersey window installers must be registered home improvement or home repair contractors. The state's Department of Consumer Affairs issues licenses and enforces insurance requirements.
A compliant contract is just as crucial as a contractor's license in New Jersey. The DCA lists several clauses that a contractor must include for jobs over $500 in value. It's a major red flag for a company to overlook one of these clauses, so ensure you read everything before you sign.
Types of Windows Offered
There are a variety of replacement window types you can choose from, and it's essential to find a company that focuses on installing 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
Reading other customers' stories is one of the smartest ways to screen different window companies. You can find customer reviews on websites like Yelp, Trustpilot, the BBB, and Google. Speak with people you know who have used a company you're interested in, and ask a representative for a copy of its reference list.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Berkeley
What are the benefits of hiring a window installer?
What time of year should I replace my windows?
What's the typical timeline for a professional window replacement?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
