How To Choose a Window Company in La Porte
Each window company has varying offerings and approaches. To simplify the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to window replacement, value is key. Each window you replace should deliver maximum durability at a fair price point. Choosing budget windows could actually raise your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, as well as the sizes, styles, and materials of windows you opt for, can influence pricing. 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 choosing the solutions that fit your needs.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
| 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
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option offers different benefits 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 in La Porte's strong storms, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $51-$1460 |
| Composite | $527-$1184 |
| Fiberglass | $86-$738 |
| Vinyl | $177-$1642 |
| Wood | $263-$1480 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for window replacement will also include warranty fees (if applicable), permit-related costs (if required), and labor. Make sure to discuss each of these aspects with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
The longer a window company has been in business, the better its workmanship will likely be. Call a company representative to learn more about its experience, public and private credentials, and guarantees. Company websites often keep photo galleries demonstrating previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
To install windows in the Lone Star State, all a contractor must do is enroll with the Secretary of State. Some cities, most notably San Antonio, require window installers to carry 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
There are several replacement window types you can choose from, and it's important to find a company that specializes in the ones you want. Search 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 best ways to evaluate a company is to see what other customers have written about their experiences. Read customer reviews on sites such as Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. 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 La Porte
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
What is the maintenance schedule for an average window, and how long will it last?
What are some important metrics to know when I shop for replacement windows?
- "visible transmittance," which measures how much light enters through the window
- "solar heat gain coefficient," which measures 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 measures how easy it is for air drafts to occur (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.
