How To Choose a Window Company in Santa Fe
Each window installer has varying offerings and approaches. To ease the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new 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 premium replacement windows may be more expensive to buy, they often yield better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The age of your home, in addition to the materials, styles, and sizes of windows you opt for, can impact pricing. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. A professional can help you with choosing the solutions 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 | $212-$1303 |
| Awning | $307-$856 |
| Bay | $708-$5253 |
| Custom | $315-$875 |
| Casement | $245-$1420 |
| Double-hung | $114-$739 |
| Egress | $210-$524 |
| Glass Block | $42-$531 |
| Picture | $184-$1361 |
| Single-hung | $83-$1400 |
| Skylight | $105-$1264 |
| Sliding | $241-$1225 |
| Storm | $49-$346 |
| Transom | $256-$537 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides unique advantages depending on the local climate and energy-saving goals. 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 | $49-$1400 |
| Composite | $505-$1136 |
| Fiberglass | $83-$708 |
| Vinyl | $170-$1575 |
| Wood | $252-$1420 |
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 additional costs that your project may entail.
Experience and Training
Examine a company's website and contact a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and warranties. Many window companies also keep online galleries that highlight past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more specific training its staff has, and the longer it has been active, the more likely it will provide top-notch craftsmanship.
Licensing and Credentials
New Mexico has strict licensing regulations for window installers making more than $7,200 per year. Each installer gets a classification from the state Regulation and Licensing Department that determines what type of work it's allowed to do. It also needs a representative who will meet experience requirements and take exams on behalf of the entire team.
Types of Windows Offered
There are numerous replacement window types you can choose from, and it's important to find a company that is experienced with the ones you want. Check 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
One of the simplest ways to screen a company is to check what other customers have said about their experiences. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Google, the BBB, and Yelp 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 Santa Fe
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
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 investing in new, more efficient windows, you can enhance your home's energy efficiency and minimize your electricity bills.
Do I need a building permit to replace my home's windows?
What are some important metrics to know when I shop for replacement windows?
- "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 determines how well a window can resist moisture (the higher the number, the better)
- "Air leakage," which evaluates how easy it is for air drafts to develop (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.
