Get Quotes from Top Window Repair Contractors in San Antonio, TX

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Window Contractor in San Antonio?

There are currently no licensing or registration requirements for commercial window contractors in San Antonio. However, per the provisions of Section 10-115 of the San Antonio Municipal Code, window contractors who wish to work on residential property or provide any home improvement services in the city must register with the San Antonio Development Services Department (DSD). Window contractors who fail to register with this department before offering their services to residential consumers in the city can be found guilty of committing a Class C misdemeanor. These offenses carry penalties of up to $500 per violation.

The DSD offers two registration options for interested window contractors, namely:

• Home Improvement Contractor Registration: contractors that register under this option are limited to non-structural window repairs, replacements, alterations, conversions, remodeling, and modernizations on existing residential structures and detached accessory buildings that are 400 square feet or smaller
• Residential Building Contractor Registration: under this option, contractors can perform any type of window-related work on residential structures in the city. This includes new construction window installations, structural window replacements, repairs, and alterations on existing homes and detached accessory buildings that are more than 400 square feet.

Contractor registrations with the DSD can be done by submitting a properly completed Home Improvement Contractor Registration Application Form or Residential Building Contractor Registration Application Form to the department in person at:

Other requirements for undergoing the DSD's contractor registration process include:

• Paying all stipulated registration fees
• Completing a mandatory FBI national background check
• Submitting a valid government-issued photo ID
• Providing proof of compliance with the department's minimum liability insurance requirements
• Providing any necessary documentation that may be requested at the time of the registration

You should always confirm the registration status of any window contractor that you intend to hire for your residential window projects in San Antonio before they commence any work on your home. You can do this online via the DSD's Contractor Search platform or by contacting the department via phone number (210) 207-1111.

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

The total amount of money that you will be charged by window repair and replacement contractors in San Antonio for their services will be influenced by the following factors:

• The size and number of windows that require repairing or replacement
• The style and design of the windows
• The window frame material
• The glass type
• Accessibility to the windows
• The complexity of the job
• The contractor's level of experience and reputation
• Your location within the city

It is advisable to get and compare quotes and rates for your intended window projects from at least three different contractors in the city before deciding on one to hire. Note that you should not automatically select the contractor with the lowest rates, as costs should not be your sole deciding factor when searching for qualified, experienced window contractors in San Antonio. Also, ensure that you give each contractor similar parameters for the project and question any quotes and rates that vary significantly from the others.

Window replacement, repair, and installation contractors in San Antonio earn approximately $41,250 every year. Listed below are the hourly average wages for San Antonio 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?

Per local ordinances, building permits are required for building or structure construction, repair, alteration, and remodeling projects in San Antonio. However, permit exemptions are typically made for window repairs that involve the replacement of broken glass only. Note that restrictions may be placed on the design and materials used for these repairs for property located in the city's historic, neighborhood conservation, or corridor districts.

Building permits for construction and repair work in the city, including window installations and replacements, are issued by the San Antonio Development Services Department (DSD). These permits can be obtained by homeowners or city-registered contractors who complete and submit an appropriate application form to the department through its One-Stop Center at:

Alternatively, building permits can be obtained by applying to the department online through its BuildSA online portal. Note that this portal can only be accessed by individuals who create a user account. Details on creating this user account and subsequently navigating the online permitting portal can be obtained via the customer resources webpage that the DSD provides and makes accessible to members of the public for this purpose.

Depending on the nature and scope of the intended window installation or replacement project, applicants may be required to provide additional documentation like project plans and drawings for review. Once all submitted documentation is reviewed and approved and stipulated permit fees have been paid, the requested building permits will be issued, and the window project can then commence. It should be noted that this work is subject to inspections from DSD officials to ensure that it is done per the provisions of pertinent city regulations and ordinances.

You can contact the DSD via phone number (210) 207-1111 to get additional information on the city's permitting process for window installation and replacement projects. Queries can also be directed to the department online or in person at its One-Stop Center via the contact address provided above.

What Kind of Window Replacement Services Do You Offer?

It is essential to confirm the types of services that a window contractor can provide to assess their suitability for your particular window project. Professional window contractors in San Antonio typically offer several types of services, ranging from new building window installations and window replacements and upgrades in existing buildings to faulty window repairs, window caulking, sealing, tinting, and other similar window maintenance services.

By confirming that your intended contractor offers your required service before signing any hiring contracts with them, you can avoid misunderstandings down the line and ensure that your project is expertly handled the first time out. Note that some window contractors in the city may specialize in installing or replacing particular window styles and designs, so you should also find out if your intended contractor's area of specialty aligns with your window preferences. Some window styles and designs that are commonly found in San Antonio hones include:

• Fixed windows
• Awning windows
• Casement windows
• Single-hung windows
• Double-hung windows
• Horizontal sliding windows
• Skylight windows
• Bay windows
• Bow windows
• Picture windows
• Jalousie windows

You should always consider the unique features of these window styles and designs as well as their pros and cons when considering the best options for your window installation or replacement project. For example, single-hung and double-hung windows are relatively affordable, easy to clean and maintain, and look great in almost all homes and buildings. However, they are not particularly energy-efficient. On the other hand, casement windows are energy efficient but are also typically expensive.

Finally, if your home improvement project also calls for the installation, repair, or replacement of your siding, roof, gutter, or house insulation, then it is a good idea to ask your window contractor if they provide these services or if they can recommend a professional who does.

The following is a list of prices for various services qualified window contractors provide in San Antonio. Note that the real cost of your required services may vary depending on the type and size of the job, your location within the city, and the reputation of your contractor:

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?

After confirming the types of services your window contractors are equipped to provide, the next thing to do is find out the window brands they typically work with. Some window brand manufacturers that San Antonio homeowners and property managers frequently patronize when undertaking window projects include:

• Andersen Windows
• Marvin Windows and Doors
• Pella Windows and Doors
• Champion Windows and Home Exteriors
• Advanced Window and Glass Manufacturing Inc
• Windsor Windows and Doors
• Sierra Pacific Windows
• New South Window Solutions
• Ply Gem Windows
• Amsco Windows
• Anlin Windows and Doors
• Jeld Wen Windows
• Milgard Windows and Doors
• Cascade Windows
• Harvey Building Products
• PGT Windows
• Simonton Windows
• Weather Shield Windows and Doors
• Velux USA

In addition to being tried and trusted, these brands are generally produced using high-quality materials and offer a wide range of reasonably priced and aesthetically pleasing styles and designs. However, it should be mentioned that even though utilizing well-known brands for your window project assures you that your windows will operate as intended, their effectiveness depends primarily on proper installation and handling. You should also consider the following features when considering the brand to utilize for your window installation or replacement project:

• Safety and security
• Compatibility with the interior and exterior finishes of your home
• Affordability
• Ventilation
• Ease of use and maintenance
• Climate control/Energy efficiency
• Warranty options

Discuss these features with your window contractor and pay close attention, in particular to the warranty options offered by the window brand manufacturer. These typically include:

• Limited lifetime warranties
• Lifetime warranties
• Double lifetime warranties
• Prorated warranties
• Transferrable warranties

Note that the specifics of these warranties vary by window manufacturer. Nevertheless, they generally guarantee your windows against defects in the windows themselves for a specified timeframe. Finally, make sure that the window contractor also issues you a warranty that guarantees their workmanship on the installation or replacement job.

How Energy-Efficient Are Your Windows?

The energy efficiency of your windows should be an important criterion to consider when carrying out window installation or replacement projects in San Antonio. According to the EPA, energy-efficient commercial and multi-family buildings in San Antonio saved residents of the city more than $10.5 million in energy costs in 2020. Similarly, installing energy-efficient windows in your home is estimated to save you up to 15 percent on your annual household energy bills while also protecting your valuables from UV sun damage and increasing your overall indoor comfort.

Replacing your old windows with new energy-efficient ones can also make you eligible for financial incentives made available under the city-approved Save for Tomorrow Energy Plan (STEP). You can also find other local, state, and federal financing options, incentives, and programs that reduce the relatively expensive cost of installing new energy-efficient windows in your San Antonio home and property via the following sources:

• The Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) website
• The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website
• The ENERGY STAR rebate finder website

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

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a total of 4,764 fatal work injuries were recorded in the United States in 2020, with construction, installation, maintenance, and repair occupations collectively making up more than 28 percent of this figure. Maintenance and repair workers also recorded a nonfatal work injury rate of over 200 per 10,000 workers during this period. Window replacement, installation, and repair contractors specifically face physical and chemical hazards like falls from heights, lacerations and tears from broken glass, and exposure to UV radiation and fumes from chemicals. Thus, you should always hire insured contractors for your projects to protect yourself from financial and legal liabilities if they happen to get injured on the job. Hiring insured contractors also ensures that you do not have to make out-of-pocket payments for contractor-caused errors and property damage that may occur during your window installation or replacement.

Per local ordinance, window contractors that register as Home Improvement Contractors in San Antonio must carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $300,000 per occurrence or $600,000 aggregate for bodily injury and property damage and $300,000 aggregate for products and completed operations. Similarly, window contractors that register as Residential Building Contractors must carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $500,000 per occurrence or $1,000,000 aggregate for bodily injury and property damage and $500,000 aggregate for products and completed operations.

Always confirm that your preferred window contractor has adhered to the city's mandatory insurance requirements before finalizing any hiring agreements with them. To this end, please request a copy of their insurance certificate and contact the relevant insurance company to authenticate this certificate.

For further information on the mandatory insurance requirements for window contractors who wish to conduct business in San Antonio, contact the city's Development Services Department at (210) 207-1111.