How To Choose a Window Company in San Francisco
With San Francisco's sheer size, you're sure to find a reliable replacement window company that suits your values and preferences. As you contact companies, keep the following factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to upgrading your windows, cost-effectiveness is paramount. Each window you replace should offer maximum durability at a fair price point. Choosing cheap windows could actually raise your overall cost, since they come with a shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The style, size, and material of your new windows have the greatest impact on your final cost. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. An installer can guide you through choosing the options 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 | $250-$1538 |
| Awning | $362-$1010 |
| Bay | $836-$6201 |
| Custom | $372-$1033 |
| Casement | $289-$1676 |
| Double-hung | $135-$872 |
| Egress | $248-$619 |
| Glass Block | $49-$627 |
| Picture | $217-$1607 |
| Single-hung | $98-$1653 |
| Skylight | $124-$1493 |
| Sliding | $284-$1447 |
| Storm | $58-$408 |
| Transom | $303-$633 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you 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 against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $58-$1653 |
| Composite | $597-$1341 |
| Fiberglass | $98-$836 |
| Vinyl | $201-$1860 |
| Wood | $298-$1676 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for window replacement will also include applicable warranty fees, permit-related costs (if required), and labor. Ensure that you discuss each of these aspects with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Choose a company that focuses on window installation and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- How long it's been serving the San Francisco area
- Photo galleries of completed projects
- Private certifications attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
A California window provider must be licensed as a Window Coverings Contractor, Glazing Contractor and General Building Contractor if it performs jobs valued at over $500. Each certification has its own exam and experience requirements. If a contractor is caught working without a license, they'll have to pay substantial fines.
Types of Windows Offered
There are numerous replacement window types you can choose from, and it's vital to find a company that specializes in the ones you want. Look on 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
Perhaps the best way to evaluate window companies for your job is to check what previous customers have said about them. Read customer reviews on sites such as Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. 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 San Francisco
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
When's the best time to replace my windows?
How important are guarantees and extended support packages?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
