How To Choose a Window Company in Long Beach
With Long Beach's sheer size, you're sure to find a trustworthy window replacement company that aligns with your values and preferences. As you reach out to companies, keep the following factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a substantial investment, so balancing cost with quality is important. Choosing cheap 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 materials, sizes, and styles of windows you select, can influence pricing. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. It's advisable to speak with a vetted window installer to decide on your most suitable options.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
Window Types | Average Cost |
---|---|
Arched | $243-$1495 |
Awning | $352-$981 |
Bay | $812-$6025 |
Custom | $361-$1004 |
Casement | $281-$1629 |
Double-hung | $131-$848 |
Egress | $241-$601 |
Glass Block | $48-$609 |
Picture | $211-$1562 |
Single-hung | $95-$1606 |
Skylight | $120-$1450 |
Sliding | $276-$1405 |
Storm | $57-$397 |
Transom | $294-$615 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option offers unique advantages depending on your 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 Long Beach's strong storms, so they tend to cost more.
Window Types | Average Cost |
---|---|
Aluminum | $57-$1606 |
Composite | $580-$1303 |
Fiberglass | $95-$812 |
Vinyl | $195-$1807 |
Wood | $290-$1629 |
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 installation, guarantees, and any other supplemental fees that your project may need.
Experience and Training
Choose a business that focuses on window installation and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- How many years it's been operating
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Privately-issued certificates attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
A California window provider must be licensed as a Glazing Contractor, General Building Contractor and Window Coverings Contractor if it takes on jobs valued at over $500. Each certification has its own exam and work requirements. If a contractor is caught working without a license, they'll have to pay steep fines.
Types of Windows Offered
The type of window you want should play a role in your company choice. Not every installation crew will necessarily be familiar with the window styles you want. A company website will provide more about the styles of windows it deals with, 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
Reading other customers' stories is an excellent way to screen potential window companies. Read customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot, Google, and Yelp. 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.
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Window Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Long Beach
What are the benefits of hiring a window installer?
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?
- Air leakage rating, which shows how tight a window's seal is
- Condensation resistance, which shows how a window deals with moisture
- U-factor, which determines a window's temperature-insulating capability
- Visible transmittance, which determines how much visible light passes through a window
- Solar heat gain coefficient, which determines 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.