How To Choose a Window Company in Houston
With Houston's sheer size, you're sure to find a trustworthy window replacement company that matches your values and preferences. As you contact companies, keep the following factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new windows, it's crucial 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 come with a higher initial price tag, they often yield better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The size, style, and material of your new windows play the largest role in determining your final cost. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. An installer can help you with selecting the products 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 | $221-$1358 |
| Awning | $320-$892 |
| Bay | $738-$5475 |
| Custom | $328-$912 |
| Casement | $255-$1480 |
| Double-hung | $119-$770 |
| Egress | $219-$546 |
| Glass Block | $43-$554 |
| Picture | $192-$1419 |
| Single-hung | $86-$1460 |
| Skylight | $109-$1318 |
| Sliding | $251-$1277 |
| Storm | $51-$360 |
| Transom | $267-$559 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might select a material based on the local climate, your energy efficiency goals, and your desired look. 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 in Houston's strong storms, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $51-$1460 |
| Composite | $527-$1184 |
| Fiberglass | $86-$738 |
| Vinyl | $177-$1642 |
| Wood | $263-$1480 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each company you're considering about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you get a clear picture of the total costs involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Select a business 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 projects its crews completed
- Privately-issued credentials attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
To install windows in the Lone Star State, all a contractor must do is sign up with the Secretary of State. Some cities, most notably San Antonio, require service providers to have liability insurance and pass a background check. Dallas and Fort Worth require window companies to register with the city, and Houston does not require licenses or registrations at all.
Types of Windows Offered
The style of window you want should play a role in your company choice. Not every contractor will necessarily be familiar with the window styles you want. A company website will tell more about the window types it specializes in, such as:
- 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 most surefire ways to vet a company is to see what other customers have said about their experiences. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot 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 Houston
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
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 installing new, more efficient windows, you can improve your home's energy efficiency and minimize your electricity bills.
What should I do if a window is molding or has rot?
Should I replace my windows a couple at a time, or is it more economical to replace them all at once?
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