Get Quotes from Top Window Repair Contractors in Austin, TX

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Window Contractor in Austin?

Austin window replacement contractors do not need an occupational license to sell their services to members of the public. However, the city's building code requires persons offering home improvement or remodeling services to register as general contractors with the Austin Development Service Department. Anyone who fails to meet this requirement commits a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $2000.

Anyone interested in performing home improvement or remodeling jobs such as window repair, replacement, and installation must first register with the Austin Development Service Department before contracting in the city to avoid paying unnecessary fines. These persons can become registered general contractors by completing an application on the Service Center Request Form.

To begin the registration process, applicants must first select the 'register or update registration icon' and click the 'next' button at the bottom of the form to continue. Following that, applicants will be more specific about the service they need by selecting either register or update registration. Note that new applicants can only select 'register' as the update registration option is only available for contractors who have previously completed the registration procedure.

Once an applicant selects the register icon, another select box that allows the applicant to choose the exact contractor registration type they want to register for will immediately pop up. When this happens, applicants can proceed by selecting the general contractor option. After that, applicants will be required to provide their Austin Build + Connect ID Number. Applicants who do not have this number should visit the Austin Build + Connect ID page to create a profile and obtain the number. Following this, applicants will complete a letter of authorization and upload it on the service center portal to complete the registration. For inquiries concerning the requirements for obtaining a general contractor registration, call the Austin Development Service Department at (512) 974-9760.

When considering a window replacement contractor in the city, ensuring that the individual is registered as a general contractor is always in your best interest. This will protect you from unscrupulous individuals, shoddy repairs, and penalties that may result from violating any section of the city building code that applies to window replacement, repair, and installation. Homeowners can make sure that the contractor they are considering is registered with the city by calling the Austin Development Service Department at (512) 974-9760.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Window Repair Contractors in the City?

The cost of window repair in Austin is typically influenced by factors like the size of the house, the position of the window, the size and number of windows that will be repaired, the type and material of the window, and the labor intensity of the operation. Given that these factors will vary based on each customer, homeowners must understand that a fixed rate for window repair or installation is almost unattainable.

However, homeowners can ensure that they get a fair price for window repairs and installation by obtaining and comparing estimates for their projects from at least three different window replacement contractors in the city. By comparing multiple estimates for their project, homeowners can identify the average market price range for the service and the window replacement contractors whose pricing fits their budget. Nonetheless, homeowners must be wary of contractors who offer ridiculously low bids.

Austin's window replacement, repair, and installation contractors earn approximately $50,960 annually. Listed below are the hourly average wages for Austin window contractors compared with the average hourly wages of these professionals across other parts of Texas State as well as several other major cities in the United States:

Will You Get the Window Installation Permits as Required by the City Code?

According to Austin's building code, a permit is required to add to, alter, or repair a building or structure or building service equipment, and because window repair and installation are included in the scope of the aforementioned home improvement work, Austin residents must understand that it is their responsibility to ensure that their contractor obtains the necessary permits before commencing window repairs or installation in their home.

Except for replacing a window awning that does not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and whose only required support is the exterior wall, you need a building permit to execute any other type of replacement or repair task on a window in Austin. Window replacement contractors can obtain a building permit for all other types of window-related work from the Austin Development Service Department. The Austin Development Service Department accepts applications for building permits via the Service Center Request Form.

To begin the application process, applicants must first select the 'apply for a standalone building or trade permit icon' and click the 'next' button at the bottom of the form to continue. Following that, applicants will be more specific about the type of permit they need by selecting either an annual permit, nonstructural demolition permit, retaining wall permit, or building permit for a mobile home. Once the contractor selects any of the above-mentioned options and proceeds, an application form will pop up. Contractors must download, complete, and upload the appropriate form to continue the application.

Note that building permits for new construction, remodeling, demolition, or relocation require review and approval by Building Plan Review. The Austin Development Service Department will only issue permits for these types of projects after the Building Plan Review approves the proposed site plans submitted by the contractor.

Once the necessary plans and application forms are approved and the permit fees have been paid, a permit will be issued to the successful applicant. Upon receiving the permit, the contractor will visit the 'activate an approved permit portal' to validate their permit. For other information concerning building permits in Austin, contact the Austin Development Service Department at 3-1-1 or use the live chat option on the Service Center Request Form.

Besides obtaining a permit for window replacement and installations, home and property owners must also ensure that their contractor complies with the requirements for new installations when installing or replacing glass windows in their homes. Homeowners can make sure of this by hiring a window replacement contractor who is conversant with the city's building code.

What Kind of Window Replacement Services Do You Offer?

Austin window replacement contractors offer a variety of services to interested persons. These services include window repairs and replacement, window installation, inspection, and general maintenance, such as checking the window glazing putty for cracks. While most of these services can be performed on simple window designs by any experienced window replacement contractor, some window types require a lot of technical know-how, making them more difficult to handle. As a result, it is critical to determine whether the window replacement contractor you are considering specializes in both the services you require as well as the type of window you want to repair or replace.

It is also important to note that hiring a window replacement contractor who does not specialize in the services you require or who does not work with the window type you prefer can result in a poorly executed installation or repair, which can, in turn, result in high energy bills, bug infestations, mold, and even wood rot. Some window types used in Austin buildings include:

• Bow Windows
• Awning windows
• Bay windows
• Casement Windows
• Egress Windows
• Garden Window
• Single Hung Windows
• Double Hung Windows
• Arched Windows
• Glass Block Windows
• Hopper Windows
• Jalousie Windows
• Picture Windows
• Round Circle Windows
• Skylight Windows
• Sliding Windows
• Storm Windows
• Transom Windows
• Tilt-turn Windows
• Glider Windows
• Fixed Windows
• Skylight Windows

Once you confirm that the window contractor you intend to hire is experienced in handling the window type you want for the project, you can now discuss how much the service will cost you. Listed below are some cost estimates for window installation, replacement, and related services in Austin:

Estimates for window installation or repair based on task

Estimates for window repair/replacement based on the faulty component

Estimates for window repair based on the type of window

Estimates for window repair based on window frame material

What Brands of Windows Do You Work With?

Most Austin window installation companies have access to different brands and window manufacturers in the country. However, it is important to find out whether the window installation company you intend to hire specializes in the exact brand of window you want to install in your home. Making sure that the window installation company you choose specializes in replacing or installing your preferred brand will ensure that the project is handled expertly. Window brand manufacturers favored by home and property owners in Austin include:

• Alside Windows
• Vytex Windows
• Norandex Windows
• Simonton Windows
• PGT Windows
• Andersen Windows and Doors
• Adler Windows
• Loewen Windows
• Velux USA Windows
• Ply Gem Windows
• Ringer Windows
• Maverick Windows
• Pella Corporation
• Marvin Windows and Doors

When choosing a new window for your home with your contractor, it is always best to consider the following factors:

• Security and Safety,
• Ease of cleaning
• Ventilation
• Climate Control
• Compatibility with your home's interior and exterior finishes with your contractor

For window replacement and installation, most homeowners go for popular brands because they are usually durable and high-quality. Popular window brands manufacturers also offer extensive window options to meet your home's specific needs, new innovative solutions such as energy-efficient windows, and solid warranties. Nonetheless, discussing the type and terms of warranties your window manufacturer is offering is essential. Most window manufacturers offer different types of warranties: lifetime, limited, prorated or non-prorated, and transferable or non-transferable.

• Limited Lifetime Warranty: This type of warranty covers performance and aesthetic issues on specific parts of the window that take place during the expected life of the window. The expected life of a window refers to the period during which the window can still retain its maximum quality. Note that a limited lifetime warranty does not cover labor or servicing costs.
• Lifetime Warranty: A lifetime warranty, on the other hand, covers the cost of all replacement parts. However, property owners should keep in mind that a lifetime warranty is only valid for as long as the manufacturer believes the window can maintain its maximum quality.
• Double Lifetime Warranty: A double lifetime warranty extends more than the lifetime and limited lifetime warranties. This type of warranty covers repair and replacement costs for as long as the home is owned, and in most cases, a double lifetime warranty can be transferred to the next homeowner.
• Prorated Warranty: A prorated warranty allows the manufacturer to contribute a steadily decreasing share of the cost of repairs over the years of usage. This means that homeowners will contribute more to repairs as the number of years of use increases.
• Transferable Warranty: Transferable warranties are intact even if the homeowner decides to sell the house. This type of warranty is easily transferred to the new homeowner, while non-transferable warranties can not be passed to another person. Homeowners should consult with the window manufacturer and obtain a transferable warranty to protect the improved house value achieved by their window improvement.

How Energy-Efficient Are Your Windows?

According to the US Department of Energy, up to 30% of household heating and cooling energy consumption is directly influenced by the type of window installed in the house. The type of windows your contractor is planning to purchase for your project is crucial in determining your home's heating and cooling energy consumption. Hence, making sure that your window replacement contractor purchases and installs energy-efficient windows in your home will save you more money in the long run.

Note that energy efficiency is a serious issue for homeowners in Austin. For example, the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance requires home sellers to disclose comprehensive home energy efficiency details to buyers before selling residential properties with four or fewer dwellings. In addition, installing energy-efficient windows in your home may also qualify you for federal or state financing, state or municipal refunds, and tax breaks. For instance, Austin Energy makes it easier for residents to make energy-efficiency upgrades to their homes by offering rebates and incentives that fit their budget.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Window Replacement Contractors in Austin?

Windows replacement contractors are not required to hold any insurance coverage before commencing work in the city. However, it is always in your best interest to hire window replacement contractors with at least general liability and workers' compensation insurance coverages in case any bodily injury or property damage occurs. This is particularly important as window replacement and installation jobs often expose contractors to on-the-job hazards, such as cuts, lacerations, and falls from heights. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls, slips, and trips accounted for 96 of the 608 fatal work injuries recorded in Texas in 2019 and 46 of the 96 were recorded in the construction industry.

Given that these injuries can occur anytime during your project, it is always good to anticipate and plan for their occurrence regardless of whether they eventually happen or not. The first step in planning for on-the-job injuries is to find out if the contractor is insured. You can verify a contractor's insurance status by asking for their insurance certificate and contacting the insurance certificate to confirm.

Confirming that a contractor is insured before reaching an agreement with them protects you from financial liabilities that may result from on-the-job injuries and property damage that occurs during the project. The second step in preparing for potential on-the-job injuries is to ensure that the contractor observes all safety standards while executing the job. Lastly, you should also ensure that the contractor uses safety equipment such as window hoists.