Get Quotes from Top Window Repair Contractors in Dallas, TX
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Window Company in Dallas
Even if you are good at DIY home improvement projects, installing or repairing your window by yourself may see you losing some good money in the long term. Professionally installed windows do not only improve your curb appeal and property resale value, they may also save you up to 30 percent on your utility bills. With households in Dallas paying 12.24 ยข/kWh, energy loss due to old and drafty windows may end up adding more than $500 to your annual utility bill.
To ensure that you get the best possible service, it is important that you hire a professional window contractor who has the necessary skills and knowledge about the Dallas Administrative Procedures for the Construction Codes and can answer the following questions:
- Are You Licensed to Practice as a Window Contractor in Dallas?
- How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Window Repair Contractors in the City?
- Will You Get the Window Installation Permits as Required by the City Code?
- What Kind of Window Replacement Services Do You Offer?
- What Brands of Windows Do You Work With?
- How Energy-Efficient Are Your Windows?
- Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Window Replacement Contractors in Dallas?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Window Replacement Contractor in Dallas
Are You Licensed to Practice as a Window Contractor in Dallas?
There are no occupational licensing requirements for window contractors in Dallas. However, they are still required to meet various business requirements to operate in the city legally.
Depending on the type of business structure they operate under, window contractors in Dallas must register with the appropriate authority in the city. For instance, if a window contractor's business is a general partnership or sole proprietorship, they must register with the Dallas County Clerk's Office. To register a local business in Dallas, individuals must complete an application online or submit a Certificate of Ownership for Unincorporated Business or Profession Form to the county clerk's office at:
500 Elm StreetSuite 2100
Dallas, TX 75202
Meanwhile, window contractors operating limited liability companies and limited liability partnerships must register with the Texas Secretary of State. Applicants can register online via the Texas Secretary of State's SOSDirect platform. To use this platform, applicants must create a user account or log in with an existing account. Alternatively, applicants can fill out and submit two copies of an Assumed Name Certificate Form to this office at:
Secretary of StateP.O. Box 13697
Austin, TX 78711-3697
Since window contractors in Dallas do not have to hold a license before offering their service, you should consider other eligibility criteria before hiring your intended contractor. Window contractors who are members of a trade association are considered professionals of a high standard and have access to better resources. This guarantees that your window contractor will handle your project professionally and efficiently. Some of the prominent trade organizations that window contractors in Dallas belong to include the Texas Glass Association, the American Subcontractors Association โ Dallas Chapter, the Dallas Builders Association, and the Texas Construction Association. This guarantees that your window contractor will handle your project professionally and efficiently.
Queries regarding the registration requirements for window contractors in Dallas can be directed to the Dallas County Clerk's Office at (214) 653-7110, (214) 653-6827, or (214) 653-7099 and to the Texas Secretary of State's Office at (512) 463-5555. Before hiring a window contractor in Dallas claiming to be a member of any trade organization, it is essential that you thoroughly authenticate their claims by contacting the relevant trade organization.
How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Window Repair Contractors in the City?
In addition to verifying the licensing status of window contractors in Dallas, it is important to confirm how much your intended window project will cost. The cost of repairing, replacing, and installing windows in Dallas can vary depending on various factors, such as:
- The type of window glass
- The nature and scope of the job
- Accessibility to the defective windows
- The labor intensity of the job
- Your locality within Dallas
- The window shape, style, and design
- The window frame material
Before hiring a window contractor in Dallas, it is essential to compare bids from multiple window contractors. Doing so will allow you to get the best possible price for your intended window project. Beware of window contractors who submit high or low estimates. This is a red flag, and the window contractor may be posing as a licensed window contractor to take your money deceptively.
Window replacement, repair, and installation contractors in Dallas earn approximately $43,670 every year. Listed below are the average hourly wages for Dallas window contractors compared with the average hourly wages of these professionals across other parts of Texas as well as several other major cities in the United States:
Will You Get the Window Installation Permits as Required by the City Code?
In Dallas, a building permit is required for various construction projects, such as building a structure, repairing and maintaining building features, and altering structures. Any individual carrying out a building project involving window-related activities must obtain a building permit before commencing work. Failure to obtain building permits before working on a window project is an offense that can result in the payment of a permit fee and the issuance of a stop-work order. However, certain window services do not require permits, this includes:
- Addition of storm windows.
- Window awnings attached to the exterior walls of a single-family house, where the awning project does not exceed 54 inches from any wall.
The Dallas Building Inspection Permit Center is responsible for issuing building permits for various construction projects and home improvement activities. As such, if you plan on carrying out window-related work, you can contact the Dallas Building Inspection Department at (214) 948-4480 to confirm your project needs a permit. If your project requires a permit, you can apply by filling out and submitting a permit application form at:
Building Inspection Permit Center320 East, Jefferson Boulevard
Room 118
Dallas, TX 75203
You can direct your queries regarding the building permit process by contacting the Building Inspection Office at (214) 948-4480.
In addition to your issued building permits, the Building Inspection Office in Dallas must inspect your project to ensure it complies with the city's Construction Code. The permit holder must ensure their project is always accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. You can schedule an inspection for your window project with the Inspection Services Section of the city's Building Inspection Office by calling (214) 670-5313 or online.
What Kind of Window Replacement Services Do You Offer?
Before you hire a window contractor in Dallas for a project, it is crucial that you consider the type of services that they offer. There are several types of services that window contractors can offer, and these can be categorized into three main categories:
- New window installations
- Cracked/ faulty window replacements and repairs
- Window maintenance services
Although many window contractors in Dallas offer various services, some may specialize in certain window styles and designs. The following are common window styles and designs available in Dallas:
- Awning windows
- Arched windows
- Bay windows
- Bow windows
- Casement windows
- Double-hung windows
- Fixed windows
- Garden windows
- Hopper windows
- Picture windows
- Roundtop windows
- Single-hung windows
- Skylight windows
- Slider windows
- Special shape windows
These types of windows have varying features and operating styles that can affect their suitability for different rooms in your home. For instance, picture and fixed windows are mainly used for aesthetic reasons. As such, Before you hire a window contractor in Dallas for a project, it is essential that you consider the type of services that they offer. They should have the necessary tools and experience to provide you with the best possible service.
Also, inquire if the window contractor offers additional home improvement services such as insulation and siding. If they offer additional services, ensure you confirm they have registered such business with the city and state by contacting the Dallas County Clerk's Office at (214) 653-7110, (214) 653-6827, or (214) 653-7099 and the Texas Secretary of State's Office at (512) 463-5555.
The following are some of the cost estimates that window contractors in Dallas can provide for common window-related services. Note that factors like the location of the project and the complexity of the job will affect their actual costs:
Estimates for window installation or repair based on task
Estimates for window repair/replacement based on 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?
Asides from confirming that your intended window contractor has the necessary skills and experience to handle the job, it is important to know which window brands they are most proficient with. Having the proper knowledge about the particular window brands you need for your project will ensure your project will be carried out successfully. The following are common window manufacturer brands in the Dallas area:
- Ellison Vinyl Windows
- Alside Supply
- NT Window
- Don Young Company
- Classic Door Systems
- Revere Vinyl Windows
- Simonton Vinyl Windows
- Jeldwen Wood Windows
- Pella Wood Windows
- Lansing Building Products
- Andersen Wood Windows
- Alcoa Building Products
- Euro-Wall
- ProVia Windows
- Anlin Windows and Doors
- Amsco Windows
One of the main advantages of choosing a well-known window brand for your home improvement project is that they are usually made with high-quality materials and come in a wide range of attractive and affordable designs. However, before you choose a window brand, it is essential to consider other important features, such as
- Security and safety
- Compatible with your home
- ventilation
- Insulation
The manufacturer's warranty is another important factor to look out for when choosing a window brand. The protection afforded by a warranty can help the homeowner lower the cost of repairs and replacements. Usually, window manufacturers offer two types of warranties:
- Limited lifetime warranty: This covers certain performance errors and defects that can affect the quality of your window. Usually, these defects must occur under certain conditions to be effective.
- Lifetime warranty: This usually covers the window's expected lifespan. Note that this does not mean the lifetime of the homeowners but that of the window.
Certain window brands also offer a variety of warranty options like:
- Transferable warranty: This allows coverage provided by the warranty to be transferred to new homeowners.
- Double lifetime warranty: This type of warranty provides coverage for installed and replaced windows throughout the homeowner's stay in the house.
- Prorated warranty: This type of warranty allows the homeowner to reduce the cost of repairs and replacements covered by the window brand manufacturer over the continuous use of the window.
Before you sign a contract with a window manufacturer, it is vital that you thoroughly review the terms and conditions of the warranty to make sure that it is still valid and to ensure you do not void them.
How Energy-Efficient Are Your Windows?
With the rising energy costs in the Dallas area, having new and energy-efficient windows is important to help lower your annual household energy. These types of windows can help lower your home's overall heating and cooling costs by as much as 30 percent. These windows can save you up to $500 annually on your household energy bills. Other advantages these types of energy-efficient windows have in your home include:
- Protect Your Home from UV Rays. They can also reduce the fading and appearance of home items like furniture by up to 75 percent.
- Reduce condensation
- Provide a Return on Investment (ROI) through resale
- Improve Your Energy Savings
- Help keep your home warm and comfortable during the winter season
- Noise protection.
Although spending on energy-efficient windows might seem like a big deal, these installations help save on costs. In addition to federal and state tax incentives, you can get local tax incentives and rebates on your energy costs. To find available energy-efficient window installation rebates and tax incentives in Dallas, you can use online platforms like the US Department of Energy's Energy Star Rebate Finder and the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.
Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Window Replacement Contractors in Dallas?
According to data released by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 77,000 non-fatal injuries and 393 fatalities were reported among the maintenance, repair, and installation workers in the United States in 2020. Likewise, in Texas, injuries sustained by contractors were responsible for over 11 percent of the state's work-related fatalities. Besides being exposed to various hazards, such as broken glass, lacerations, and falls from heights, window contractors also face other risks, such as sealants, adhesives, cleaners, and other similar chemicals.
Although there is no requirement for licensed window contractors in Dallas to carry insurance, hiring an insured contractor for your projects in the city is still important. An insured contractor provides financial protection against the damages and injuries that can happen during your project. To this end, before hiring a window contractor, request proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Ensure you contact the insurance provider to confirm the window contractor's coverage.
How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Window Replacement Contractor in Dallas
The Texas Attorney General's Office handles consumer complaints in Dallas.
In Dallas, homeowners are often victims of construction and home improvement scams. Despite the efforts made by authorities to combat these types of fraud, they are still common in the Dallas area. To avoid falling victim to these types of scams, it is important that you thoroughly research and hire a reputable contractor, as equally advised by the Attorney General's Office. In August 2021, the Dallas Morning News reported that some contractors in Texas admitted to scamming their clients out of over $850,000. Consumers must be aware of the signs of these potential fraudulent contractors when looking for window services in the city. These signs include:
- The contractor will often tell you that they are working on other window projects in your area and are willing to give you a discount if you retain them on the spot.
- The contractor also avoids executing a written contract.
- The contractor will often use high-pressure sales tactics to get you to hire them.
- The contractor will typically demand full payment or a large down payment. They will also ask for cash or other types of payment.
- The contractor does not have a physical address.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, you can take the following precautionary steps before hiring a window contractor:
- Never accept deals that are too good to be true. Always remember that offers that are too good to be true often are fraudulent.
- Ensure you are not paying the project's full cost and be wary of contractors requesting such. Also, limit down payments to around 30 percent of the total project value.
- Make sure that the window contractor is insured to protect yourself from potential issues arising from your window project.
- Insist on executing a written contract that includes details about the project, like the contractor's work. Also, make sure you understand the contract's terms and conditions before signing it.
- Look up reviews of other customers about your intended window contractor. You can utilize third-party websites like Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google Review.
- Get at least three references from previous clients from the window contractor. Be wary of any window contractor that cannot provide verifiable references.
- Avoid a window contractor that does not have a verifiable physical address.
- Get and compare cost estimates of the project from multiple companies.
- Avoid hiring window contractors who try to get you to sign a contract on the spot. These contractors will often use high-pressure sales tactics to get you to hire them.
- Get referrals from friends and family members who have experience with window contractors. You can additionally check out the Better Business Bureau website for more information.
- Be wary of individuals who show up at your home with an offer of window services unsolicited.
If you have been the victim of a home improvement scam in Dallas, you can file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's Office by calling (800) 621-0508. You can also file a complaint with the office online or by filling and submitting a consumer complaint form via mail to:
Office of the Attorney GeneralConsumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711-2548
If you are not satisfied with the resolution at the Attorney General's Office, you can file a civil lawsuit against the window contractor at the relevant Dallas court. It is advisable to seek proper legal advice from a licensed lawyer to know your available legal options. To consult with a licensed lawyer, you can use the Lawyer Referral and Information Service of the State Bar of Texas, which can also help you find a good attorney near you.
Table of Contents
- Are You Licensed to Practice as a Window Contractor in Dallas?
- How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Window Repair Contractors in the City?
- Will You Get the Window Installation Permits as Required by the City Code?
- What Kind of Window Replacement Services Do You Offer?
- What Brands of Windows Do You Work With?
- How Energy-Efficient Are Your Windows?
- Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Window Replacement Contractors in Dallas?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Window Replacement Contractor in Dallas