How To Choose a Window Company in Harlingen
Each window provider has specialized offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a significant investment, so balancing cost with quality is crucial. Choosing cheap windows could actually increase your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, together with the styles, sizes, and materials of replacement windows you select, can affect pricing. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. It's recommended to consult a reliable window installer to decide on your ideal 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 | $193-$1188 |
| Awning | $280-$780 |
| Bay | $645-$4790 |
| Custom | $287-$798 |
| Casement | $223-$1295 |
| Double-hung | $104-$674 |
| Egress | $191-$478 |
| Glass Block | $38-$484 |
| Picture | $168-$1242 |
| Single-hung | $75-$1277 |
| Skylight | $95-$1153 |
| Sliding | $220-$1117 |
| Storm | $45-$315 |
| Transom | $234-$489 |
Window Material Cost
You'll also need to pick a window material. Homeowners often base their decision on aesthetic preferences, energy efficiency objectives and the local climate. Aluminum windows are perfect for sleek, modern designs, but they cost more up-front. You'll pay less for wood windows up-front, but you'll need to invest in regular maintenance to prevent the frame from warping and wear. Vinyl is readily available and tends to cost less, but don't underestimate its strong durability and low maintenance needs.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $45-$1277 |
| Composite | $461-$1036 |
| Fiberglass | $75-$645 |
| Vinyl | $155-$1437 |
| Wood | $230-$1295 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for window replacement will also include warranty fees (if applicable), permit-related costs (if required), and labor. Be sure to discuss each of these elements with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Browse a company's website and talk to a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and warranties. Many window companies also keep online photo galleries that exhibit 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 provide high-quality service.
Licensing and Credentials
To install windows in the Lone Star State, all a contractor must do is register with the Secretary of State. Some cities, most notably San Antonio, require service providers to hold liability insurance and pass a background check. Dallas and Fort Worth require window installers to register with the city, and Houston does not require licenses or registrations at all.
Types of Windows Offered
No two businesses offer the same window types 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
Reading other customers' stories is one of the smartest ways to screen potential window companies. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot Speak with people you know who have used the professional you're thinking of hiring, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Harlingen
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. Energy-efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and in during the wintertime, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
How can I fix a rotting or molding window frame?
How can I gauge the quality of a replacement window?
- Air leakage rating, which shows how tight a window's seal is
- Condensation resistance, which shows how a window manages moisture
- U-factor, which shows a window's temperature-insulating capability
- Visible transmittance, which determines how much visible light passes through a window
- Solar heat gain coefficient, which measures how much heat from sunlight can pass through the window
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
