Get Quotes from Top Window Repair Contractors in Oklahoma City, OK
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Window Company in Oklahoma City
The benefits of working with a qualified window contractor in Oklahoma City are not limited to improved curb appeal and resale value for your home. A good window repair and installation contractor will also help you pick energy-efficient windows suitable for your budget and lifestyle. Note, that well-installed energy-efficient windows help cut down a household's energy consumption by up to 30 percent. Hence, to ensure you hire a top-class window contractor in Oklahoma City that can meet your specific window needs and carry out the services per the city's Building Code, ask the following questions:
- Are You Licensed to Practice as a Window Contractor in Oklahoma City?
- 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 Oklahoma City?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Window Replacement Contractor in Oklahoma City
Are You Licensed to Practice as a Window Contractor in Oklahoma City?
Window contractors are not required to obtain a license before carrying out their services in Oklahoma City. Although no state-issued licenses are required for window contractors in Oklahoma City, they are still required to be registered with the relevant city departments before they can perform any window-related services. If they fail to comply with this requirement, they will be guilty of a Class 'b' offense and could face fines of up to $1,200 or up to six months in prison.
The Oklahoma City Development Services Department (DSD) is responsible for registering residential building contractors. To become a registered contractor, interested individuals must submit an application online and pay the required fees. Besides these, they must also provide a copy of their worker compensation and general liability insurance.
Before hiring a window contractor, ensure they are registered with the DSD by checking for them through the Search Licenses platform on the DSD website. If you have further questions about the registration process for window contractors in Oklahoma City, you can contact the Oklahoma City Development Services Department (DSD) at (405) 297-2606 or via email.
How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Window Repair Contractors in the City?
Finding out how much it will cost to hire a window contractor in Oklahoma City to install or repair your home is important before completing the hiring process. Getting an estimate from your window contractor is necessary to avoid misunderstandings between you and the contractor in the end. Some estimates for window repairs in Oklahoma City vary depending on several factors, such as:
- The window style and design
- Accessibility to the windows
- The nature and scale of the window damage
- The urgency of the job
- Your specific location within the city
- The contractor's local reputation and level of experience
- The number of windows to be repaired or replaced
- The size of the windows
- The window material
- Availability of required hardware and components
- The labor intensity of the job
To ensure you get the best price for your specific needs, compare cost estimates from multiple window contractors. Doing so will allow you to determine if the window contractor is charging a fair price for their services. Also, it helps you spot dishonest window contractors trying to overcharge you for their services. Never hire a contractor with the lowest rate, as some will use this strategy to scam you. Always ask for an explanation if their cost estimates are higher or lower than the others. Avoid hiring window contractors who do not offer a reasonable explanation for their differences.
Window replacement, repair, and installation contractors in Oklahoma City earn approximately $42,470 every year. Listed below are the average hourly wages for Oklahoma City window contractors compared with the average hourly wages of these professionals across other parts of Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma City, permits are generally required for projects involving construction, maintenance, repairs, and maintenance of buildings, including windows. However, certain project work may not require permits if it is carried out without altering or canceling the existing installations. The Division of Development Center of the Oklahoma Department of Development Services is responsible for reviewing and issuing permits.
The Development Center of Oklahoma City will only issue permits to window contractors hired by the project owner. Applicants can apply for permits by completing an application online via the city's Citizen Portal. To use the portal, applicants must create a user account or sign in with their existing details. Aside from filling out an application, applicants must pay the applicable permit fees and upload copies of their plans and other relevant documents on the online portal.
Alternatively, the applicant can fill out and submit an application form for residential and commercial building projects via fax at (405) 552-6024. The applicants must submit plans for review and the applicable permit fees to the Development Center at:
420 West Main Street,8th Floor,
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Phone: (405) 297-2525
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on Mondays to Fridays
The Development Center will issue the permits once the application has been reviewed and approved. An inspector must inspect the project to ensure it complies with the city's Building Code. There is usually an inspection list containing an assigned inspector's contact information attached to the permit. To avoid delays, permit holders should contact the designated inspectors to schedule an inspection at the appropriate time. Alternatively, the permit holder can request an inspection online or call (405) 316-5656. If you want to learn more about the city's permit process, contact the Development Center at (405) 297-2525.
What Kind of Window Replacement Services Do You Offer?
A professional window contractor in Oklahoma City can provide various services such as repairs and replacements, window cleaning, new window installations, window sealing, and window repairs. However, before hiring a window contractor in Oklahoma City, ensure they are capable of providing you the services specifically designed to meet your needs.
In addition, window contractors in Oklahoma City may also offer services for a wide range of styles and designs. The most common types of windows found in Oklahoma city are:
- Architectural shape windows
- Single-hung windows
- Hopper windows
- Egress windows
- Awning windows
- Bay windows
- Bow windows
- Garden windows
- Picture windows
- Double-hung windows
- Sliding windows
- Casement windows
- Glass block windows
- Skylight windows
- Storm windows
- Custom windows
Since certain types of windows have unique features and mechanisms, it is crucial that the contractor you hire has the necessary skills and experience to handle these types of windows. As such, before you start working with a window contractor, make sure that you get confirmation that they can handle these types of windows. Another vital aspect you should consider is if they also provide other services such as repairs and replacements, gutter replacements, and roofing. This will allow you to limit the chances of getting carried away by having multiple people working on your home. If the window contractor does not provide these services, you should contact a reputable professional to handle these additional services.
The following are some of the most common cost estimates a window contractor in Oklahoma City can provide for different types of windows. Factors such as the window contractor's experience and location will affect the actual cost of these services:
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?
Before choosing a window contractor for your home improvement project, it is essential that you confirm the brand of windows that they are conversant with. Some of the most common brands that property managers and homeowners commonly use in the Oklahoma City area are:
- Glass Doctor of Oklahoma City
- Jem Glass & Service Co
- Thermal Windows, Inc.
- One Source Windows & Doors
- Window World of Oklahoma City
- 405 Windows Replacement Windows OKC
- Consolidated Builders Supply
- Forest Doors & Windows
- Womble Co
- Window Innovations LLC
- Agnew Door & Window Co.
- Renewal by Andersen Window Replacement
- Pella Windows & Doors of Oklahoma City
- KNOX Glass Company
- Don Young Co
- CDK of OKC
- Champion Replacement Windows of Oklahoma City
- Grand View Windows & Doors LLC
- City Glass Company
- Oklahoma Window Restoration Company
- Restor Wood Windows
- American Quality Exteriors
Besides being made with high-quality components and materials, these brands also offer a wide variety of styles and designs. When it comes to choosing the right window brand for your home improvement project, some factors should be considered, such as:
- Safety
- Security
- Ventilation
- Warranty options
- Ease of operation and maintenance
- Energy-efficiency/Climate control
- Aesthetic appeal
- Affordability
- Compatibility with the exterior and interior finishes in your home
When choosing a window brand, one of the most important things to look out for is the manufacturer's warranty on the window. Window brand manufacturers provide warranties such as:
- Limited lifetime warranty: This type of warranty covers window installations and replacements. Note that the term "lifetime" refers to a specific time frame determined by the window manufacturer, not the lifespan of the window itself.
- Lifetime warranty: This type of warranty typically has more extensive coverage than a limited lifetime warranty, such as the cost of replacement for certain parts of the window.
Other types of warranties provided by window brand manufacturers include double, prorated, and transferable warranties. These are typically limited to a specific period and cover various issues and defects, such as installation errors and performance issues. These warranties mainly depend on the window brand manufacturer you choose.
To get the best window services in Oklahoma City, hire a professional and skilled contractor to handle your windows' installation and replacement. This individual will be able to follow the manufacturer's specifications, which guarantee the job. Finally, ensure that the contractor provides a workmanship warranty, which guarantees the job they are carrying out for you.
How Energy-Efficient Are Your Windows?
According to the United States Department of Energy, about 25 to 30 percent of the heating and cooling energy used in homes across the country comes from heat loss and gain through windows. However, by replacing your old windows with energy-efficient models, you can save up to $500 annually on your energy bill.
When choosing a new window for your home in Oklahoma City, it is important to consider the energy efficiency of the window brand you are planning on using. Having energy-efficient windows can also help protect your home's interior valuables from harmful UV rays. Also, you may qualify for tax incentives and rebates at the local, state, and federal levels, which helps lower the initial cost of purchasing and installing these energy-efficient windows in your home.
You can check out the various financing options that are available when planning to buy energy-efficient windows in Oklahoma City:
- The Oklahoma Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website
- The US Department of Energy's Energy Star Rebate Finder website
Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Window Replacement Contractors in Oklahoma City?
Construction, maintenance, and repair workers face various hazards when carrying out their jobs. These include exposure to toxic chemicals, cuts, abrasions, lacerations, falls from heights, and sharp work tools. In 2020, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 75 fatal work injuries in Oklahoma, with over 30 of these fatalities occurring amongst construction-related professionals.
Therefore, it is important that you hire an insured window contractor for your home improvement projects in Oklahoma City. This ensures that you will be protected from incurring financial or legal liabilities if there is a record of bodily injuries or property damage while working on your property. In Oklahoma City, contractors are required to maintain at least $50,000 in general liability insurance for every occurrence. They are also required to carry workers' compensation insurance if they have employees.
As such, before hiring a professional window contractor, ensure they are insured by asking for a copy of their insurance certificate. Also, ensure you authenticate the insurance certificate by contacting the issuing insurance provider. For information on workers' compensation insurance requirements for window contractors in Oklahoma City, you can contact the Oklahoma Workers Compensation Commission at (405) 522-3222. You can also contact the Oklahoma City Development Services Department at (405) 297-2606 or via email to learn more about the insurance requirements for window contractors in the city.
How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Window Replacement Contractor in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City residents can file complaints about bad window contractors with the Consumer Protection Unit of the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office.
The Consumer Protection Unit of the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office handles thousands of consumer complaints annually, including those related to home repair fraud. Most of these complaints involve price gouging and poor work quality. Some of these consumers also complained that the contractors received upfront payments but failed to deliver on their promises. For instance, a local TV outlet, FOX25, reported in January 2020 that a couple from Oklahoma was indicted on multiple charges of home repair fraud and theft. The couple was accused of taking over $300,000 from their victims after they collected money for different projects but never started the work or left it incomplete. They also allegedly sometimes worked with materials they did not pay for, resulting in liens being placed on their clients' homes for non-payment.
When it comes to home improvement and window replacement projects in Oklahoma City, it is essential to watch out for potential scam artists. Some of the red flags to look for include:
- Unsolicited offers
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Reluctant to provide proof of licensing
- Requests for full upfront payments or large advance payments
- Downplays the importance of written documentation
- Reluctant to provide verifiable references
As such, when planning a window project, you can take the following precautions to avoid being scammed by a potential window contractor:
- Be wary of door-to-door salesmen and unsolicited offers of window contractors offering maintenance and replacement services.
- Get referrals to reputable window contractors from friends and family members who have already completed similar work. You can also use online directories to find local window contractors in Oklahoma City, such as the Better Business Bureau.
- Make sure that you get estimates from multiple window contractors. Doing so will allow you to compare the costs of the project with the estimates of other contractors. This will help you make an informed decision when hiring.
- Make sure that the contractor you hire has a valid state-issued license. You can confirm through the Search Licenses platform provided and maintained by the Oklahoma City Development Services Department (DSD).
- Confirm your window contractor is insured. This will allow you to protect yourself from potential liabilities arising from the project.
- Request for at least three verifiable references of past clients from the window contractor. Be wary of any contractor who is reluctant to provide references. This could also indicate poor service delivery and bad workmanship.
- Make sure the window contractor has a verifiable physical address.
- Request for your warranty documents, including those of the manufacturer and window contractors. These will allow you to protect yourself from potential issues arising from work.
- Make sure the window contractor has all the necessary permits.
- Ensure that you have a well-written and detailed contract with the potential window contractor. Ensure both parties sign the contract, which guarantees the work will be done properly. Avoid signing any documents you do not understand.
- Avoid paying the full cost of the project before it begins. If you have to pay an advance payment, limit it to a maximum of one-third of the project's total cost.
A 2020 Consumer Federation survey shows that home improvement scams are second on the list of top ten complaints in the United States. As such, if you have been a victim of a window contractor's fraud, you can report it to the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office's Consumer Protection Unit. To do so, you must download and complete a Consumer Complaint Form, which you must then send via email or mail to:
Oklahoma Attorney General's OfficeConsumer Protection Unit
313 North East 21st Street
Oklahoma City, Ok 73105
Phone: (405) 521-3921
The CPU is authorized to investigate and resolve these issues. However, monetary compensation or financial relief cannot be guaranteed. If you are seeking monetary compensation, you can file legal action at the Oklahoma County District Court. Before taking legal action, make sure you get proper legal advice from a licensed lawyer. You can use the Oklahoma Bar Association's Find a Lawyer platform to look for active lawyers near you.
Table of Contents
- Are You Licensed to Practice as a Window Contractor in Oklahoma City?
- 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 Oklahoma City?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Window Replacement Contractor in Oklahoma City