Get Quotes from Top Window Repair Contractors in San Jose, CA

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

Individuals or businesses in San Jose that provide window-related services such as repairs and replacements where the total cost of the work is $500 must obtain a license from the California State License Board (CSLB). This total cost of $500 includes the materials and labor. There are a couple of licensing options available to window-related firms, including the C-61/D-52 - Window Coverings Contractor License and the C-17 - Glazing Contractor License.

To obtain a window contractor license from the CSLB, the applicant must complete and submit an Application for Original Contractor License Form to:

In addition to the form, the applicants must check the following requirements:

• Pay the applicable fee
• Pass a CSLB-administered licensing examination
• Provide proof of at least four years of experience as a journeyman in acceptable documentation. The experience must have been achieved not later than ten years before the licensee's application.
• Provide proof of purchasing an insurance policy and the CSLB-mandated bond.

Any window contractor offering window-related services in San Jose worth more than $500 without a license violates the CSLB's licensing requirements. These individuals can face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $15,000 if they are found guilty. To learn more about the licensing requirements of San Jose window contractors, contact the CSLB at (800) 321-2752.

Regardless of the cost of your project, always hire a licensed window contractor in San Jose to complete your work. These individuals are more competent, having met all the licensing requirements of CSLB. To verify the licensing status of a window contractor, you can use the CSLB's Check a Contractor License platform or by calling the board at (800) 321-2752.

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

How much it will cost you to hire a window contractor in San Jose depends on several factors, such as:

• The local reputation of your window contractor
• Your location within the city
• Accessibility to the defective window
• The size and design of the windows
• The material of the window frame
• The type of glass

If the window contractor offers additional services like repairing the area where a window is removed or repaired, it will also influence how much you are charged. Before you hire a window contractor in San Jose, it is important that you get and compare the multiple rates of the different window contractors near you. Doing so will allow you to get a fair estimate and avoid getting overcharged by fraudulent contractors. Also, ensure that the contractor properly assesses the window at the project's location. The estimates submitted by these window contractors must align with the accessed problem. If there is any notable difference between the estimate submitted by a window contractor and the ones submitted by other contractors, ensure you request a reasonable explanation for the discrepancy.

Window replacement, repair, and installation contractors in San Jose earn approximately $54,210 every year. Listed below are the average hourly wages for San Jose window contractors compared with the average hourly wages of these professionals across other parts of California 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 San Jose, building permits are required for various home improvements, including installation, replacement, and repair of windows. Some of the window projects that require permits include:

• Altering of window framing
• Altering an existing flashing
• Removal of exterior wall finish

The San Jose Department of Building & Code Enforcement is responsible for issuing building permits and conducting inspections. To obtain a building permit, a property owner or licensed window contractor must select the appropriate building permit service for the intended window project, fill out the building permit application, pay the applicable building fee, and submit it to the Permit Center of the Department of Planning, Building & Code Enforcement at:

Alternatively, applicants can submit their building permit application via the Department's online submission platform.

The Development Services Department will assign a service to you depending on the type of window project that you are carrying out. After reviewing your application, the department will either reject or approve it. If it is approved, the applicants will receive the necessary permits. Then, inspections must be conducted to ensure that the work complies with the city's building code. Applicants can book an inspection by contacting the Development Services Department at (408) 535-7641, online or by email.

To inquire about the permitting process and inspections, you can contact the Department of Planning, Building & Code Enforcement at (408) 535-3555 or via email.

What Kind of Window Replacement Services Do You Offer?

When planning to hire a window contractor in San Jose, it is important that you know what services they can provide and confirm that they meet your specific needs. Having the right window contractors guarantees your window project will be carried out efficiently. Typically, window contractors offer the following types of services in San Jose:

• Cracked or broken glass replacements
• Faulty window frame repairs and replacements
• New window installations
• Window caulking and sealing
• Window tinting

In addition to window services, contractors in the city also specialize in certain window types, styles, and designs.

• Arched Windows
• Architectural Shape Windows
• Acrylic Block Windows
• Bay and Bow Windows
• Casement and Awning Windows
• Double Hung Windows
• Egress Windows
• Fixed Windows
• Hopper Windows
• Garden Windows
• Picture Windows
• Single Hung Windows
• Sliding Windows
• Skylight Windows
• Specialty/Custom Windows
• Tilt-Turn Windows

These window types have unique features and operating styles, making hiring a window contractor with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle your intended window projects is important. Also, consider if your intended window contractor offers additional services such as insulation repair, gutter, roofing, and siding. These contractors might be required to hold separate CSLB licenses from their window contractor licenses. If they offer other home improvement services, ensure you confirm the window contractor carries the right CSLB-issued license to offer such services.

The cost estimates of window repairs, replacements, and installations in San Jose are provided below. Note that the scope of the project and the location of the work are also taken into account when calculating the costs of the window services:

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?

Once you have confirmed that your intended window contractor specializes in the type of services you require, you should also find out the type of window brands they can use. This is because certain window brands are known to provide exceptional quality and are typically preferred by San Jose residents. Some of the trusted window brands that are commonly used in San Jose in residential and commercial projects include:

• Alum Rock Hardware
• Anderson Windows & Doors
• Alside Excalibur
• J&M Windows and Glass, Inc.
• American Vision Windows
• My Window & Door Solutions
• California Deluxe Windows
• Milgard Windows & Doors
• Veracity Windows & Doors
• Pella Corporation
• Ply Gem Windows & Doors
• J & A Windows

To ensure the durability and efficiency of these high-quality window brands, hire a window contractor who has the skills and experience to install your new window. This will guarantee a successful project for you. Aside from the type of window, other factors, such as the design and appearance of the window, should also be considered.

• Ease of operation and cleaning
• Compatibility with your home's interior and exterior
• Insulation
• Climate control
• Affordability
• Aesthetic appeal
• Security and safety
• Ventilation

Before you buy a new window, it is important that you thoroughly discuss the various features of the product with your local window contractor. Also, your window contractor can confirm if a manufacturer's warranty covers the window brand. Some window brands offer a lifetime warranty that covers the window's lifespan, typically the window's expected lifespan. The specific coverage offered depends on the brand manufacturer. Nonetheless, the areas where a window can be covered typically include:

• Glass breakage
• Obstruction of vision
• Custom options
• Installation
• Energy-efficient glass options
• Defects
• Hardware

You must thoroughly review the terms and conditions of the warranty agreement with your local window contractor. Doing so will allow you to make an informed decision regarding the product and prevent you from voiding any term.

How Energy-Efficient Are Your Windows?

When choosing new windows, replacing your old ones or installing energy-efficient ones should be the top considerations. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy, residents of San Jose can save up to 30 percent annually on their cooling and heating bills by having energy-efficient windows. This is because increased insulation of these windows reduces home energy usage. Aside from reducing your home's energy consumption, having energy-efficient windows can also be beneficial in the following ways:

• Prevent the escape of conditioned air from buildings,
• Reduce heat transfer
• Protection from UV sun damage
• Certified performance
• Comfort and soundproofing.

You can find available financing options, tax incentives, and rebates to relieve you of the expensive cost of installing energy-efficient windows in San Jose by utilizing platforms like the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE). Also, rebates and financing offers for ENERGY STAR-certified products can be found via the US Department of Energy's Energy Star Rebate Finder.

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

In 2020, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that over seven percent of work-related deaths reported in California were attributed to injuries in the repair, installation, and maintenance industry. For window contractors, work-related risks are significant because of their exposure to incidents like falls from heights, lacerations, and cuts from broken glass.

Even though San Jose window contractors are not required to carry general liability insurance, hiring an insured window contractor is still important. This provides you with financial and legal cover should property damage or bodily injury that may occur due to your project. However, window contractors in San Jose must maintain a surety bond of $15,000 and carry state-mandated workers' compensation requirements for their employees.

Before you hire a window contractor in San Jose, ensure they have the necessary proof of insurance and bonding. Ensure you contact the issuing insurance provider to confirm the insurance policy is valid and has enough coverage. You can also contact the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) at (800) 321-2752 to get more information about the bonding requirements and workers' compensation insurance for window contractors in San Jose.