How To Choose a Window Company in Los Angeles
With Los Angeles' sheer size, you're sure to find a reliable window company in line 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 significant undertaking, so balancing cost with quality is crucial. Choosing budget windows could actually raise your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, in addition to the styles, sizes, and materials of windows you opt for, can influence pricing. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. A professional can help you with choosing the solutions that fit your requirements.
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 | $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
You'll also need to select a window material. Homeowners often choose a material based on the local climate, energy efficiency objectives and aesthetic preferences. 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 wear and warping. 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 | $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 labor, guarantees, and any other extra expenses that your project may entail.
Experience and Training
The longer a window installer has been in business, the better its workmanship will likely be. Speak with a company representative to learn more about its public and private credentials, experience, and guarantees. Company websites often keep photo galleries demonstrating previous work technicians have done.
Licensing and Credentials
A California window business must be licensed as a Window Coverings Contractor, Glazing Contractor and General Building Contractor if it handles jobs valued at over $500. Each certification has its own test and work requirements. If a contractor is caught working without a license, they'll have to pay steep fines.
Types of Windows Offered
There are several replacement window types you can choose from, and it's important to find a company that has expertise with 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
Reading other customers' stories is one of the best ways to screen potential window companies. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include the BBB, Google, and Trustpilot Speak with people you know who have used the company you'd like to hire, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Los Angeles
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?
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 measures how a window deals with moisture
- U-factor, which measures a window's insulating capability
- Visible transmittance, which shows how much 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.
