Get Quotes from Top Window Repair Contractors in Columbus, OH

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

Chapter 4114 of the Columbus Building Code stipulates that any individuals who wish to provide building and construction-related services in Columbus must be appropriately licensed or registered by the city's Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS) before doing so. Per the provisions of Chapter 4111 of this same code, window contractors that violate this licensing and registration law can be found guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. This carries a statutory punishment of up to $1,000 in fines, up to 180 days in jail, or a combination of both, as well as other civil and administrative penalties that may be imposed by the BZS.

The BZS offers the following licensing and registration options for interested window contractors in the city:

• General Contractors: individuals who register as general contractors are authorized to provide construction services for all new structures and buildings in the city, excluding accessory structures and garages for existing one-, two-, and three-family dwellings. They can also perform structural additions, alterations, or repairs to existing commercial or multi-family dwellings and accessory structures or buildings and oversee and manage the alteration, modification, and repair of existing one-, two-, and three-family dwellings.
• Home Improvement General Contractors: individuals who are licensed as home improvement general contractors are authorized to perform structural additions, alterations, or repairs to existing one-, two-, and three-family dwellings and also construct accessory structures and garages for these types of dwellings. Applicants for this license type must have at least three full years of hands-on experience in the one-, two-, and three-family home improvement field or acceptable architectural or engineering educational experience. These applicants must also sit for and pass a licensing examination with a grade of at least 70 percent.
• Home Improvement Limited Contractors: individuals who are licensed as home improvement limited contractors are only authorized to perform specified types of home improvement and repair services. These include, but are not limited to, residential siding, window and door work, and residential roofing. Applicants for this license type are required to have a minimum of one full year's hands-on experience in the particular area of residential work that is being applied for or acceptable architectural or engineering educational experience.

Parties that wish to be licensed or registered by the BZS will be required to complete and submit a General Contractor Application Form or a Home Improvement Contractor Application Form to:

Note that applicants will have to pay stipulated application fees, comply with mandatory insurance and bonding requirements, and provide any documentation that the department may deem necessary at the time of the application. Inquiries concerning the BZS' licensing and registration requirements for window contractors can be directed to the department in person at the office location mentioned above or by calling (614) 645-7433. Queries related specifically to the licensing examination for home improvement general contractor license applicants can also be directed to (877) 783-3926.

The BZS provides interested parties with access to a list of licensed contractors that you can peruse to verify your intended window contractor's licensing and registration status. You can also confirm that your intended window contractor has been appropriately licensed or registered online via the Columbus Citizen Access Portal by clicking the "Search for a Contractor" link under the General Information Section.

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

It is important to find out how much your preferred contractor charges for their services before any work commences to avoid misunderstandings down the line. Window repair, installation, and replacement costs in Columbus are generally dependent on several factors, some of which include:

• The number of windows that require replacement or repair
• The size of the windows
• Accessibility to the windows
• The window style and design
• The window frame material and glass type
• The labor intensity of the job
• The contractor's experience and reputation
• Your location within the city
• Additional services like disposal of removed windows and repairs to surrounding walls

A good way to get a fair assessment of your projects' total cost and avoid getting overcharged by fraudulent contractors is by requesting bids and quotes from at least three different window contractors in the city. Compare these bids and quotes before making your final selection, look out for estimates that are significantly lower or higher than the others, and request an explanation for this. Be wary of contractors who cannot provide reasonable justifications for their noticeably high or low rates and who are quick to submit prices without adequately assessing the job site.

Window replacement, repair, and installation contractors in Columbus earn approximately $43,510 every year. Listed below are the hourly average wages for Columbus window contractors compared with the average hourly wages of these professionals across other parts of Ohio as well as several other major cities in the United States:

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

Section 4113.37 of the Columbus Building Code stipulates that a building permit must be obtained from the city's Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS) for any work that involves the construction, alteration, repair, conversion, or improvement of buildings and structures. This includes window installations in new buildings as well as window replacements in existing structures. However, permit exemptions may be made for window maintenance work involving same-kind materials as long as this work does not alter or modify the building's structure.

Permits for window-related projects can be obtained from the BZS by completing and submitting a Building Permit Application Form to the department at:

A separate Roofing, Siding, Window, and Door Permit Application Form can also be used to obtain permits for works that are strictly limited to existing window replacements or any combination of window, door, siding, and roofing replacements.

Note that the payment of non-refundable fees is typically required when permit applications are being made. Applicants may also be required to submit additional documents like site plans, building construction drawings, and energy-conservation analysis, depending on the scope of the intended project. Once all required documents submitted to the BZS for review have been approved and all stipulated fees have been paid, the requested permits are issued, and work on the project can commence. Note that these projects will undergo inspections at various stages to validate that the work being done complies with the scope of work detailed on the permit and other applicable city regulations.

You can get further information on the permitting and inspection process and requirements for window installations and replacements in Columbus by contacting the city's Department of Building and Zoning Services at (614) 645-7433. Inquiries can also be made in person at the office location mentioned above between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.

What Kind of Window Replacement Services Do You Offer?

Professional window contractors generally offer a wide range of services, such as new window installations, faulty window repairs, old window upgrades and replacements, window sealing, tinting, caulking, and other similar window maintenance services. Nevertheless, you should always verify that your intended contractor not only offers the specific type of services that you require but that they are also equipped to do so on your preferred window style and design. Failing to do this can lead to a less-than-optimal outcome at the end of your window project.

Some of the most common window styles and designs found in Columbus homes and commercial buildings include:

• Double-hung windows
• Slider windows
• Awning windows
• Casement windows
• Picture windows
• Bay windows
• Bow windows
• Box windows
• Garden windows
• Special shape windows
• Half-circle/Arch windows
• Single-hung windows
• Oriel windows
• Skylight windows

Bear in mind that these windows each have distinguishing features and characteristics that affect their suitability for your home. For example, bay windows are openable windows that can magnify the interior space and exterior value of a room when installed correctly, while picture windows are static windows that enhance a room's aesthetic appeal by providing a clear view of the outside.

Finally, in addition to confirming your window contractor's area of specialization, you should find out if they offer extra services like siding, roof, gutter, or insulation installation, repair, or replacement, especially if your project calls for this type of work. In many cases, professional window contractors who do not offer these services will be able to refer you to other qualified professionals who do so.

Below are cost estimates for several services offered by professional window contractors in the Columbus area. Note that the nature and scope of the job, as well as your location in the city and your contractor's reputation, may influence the actual cost of your required 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?

Another key aspect to consider when determining the suitability of window contractors for your window installation and replacement projects is the brands of windows that they will be using for the job. Some tried and trusted window brand manufacturers that homeowners and property managers in the Columbus area commonly patronize when undertaking window projects in the city include:

• Pella Windows and Doors of Columbus
• Rosati Windows
• McCloud Windows
• Sunshine Window and Door Manufacturing Inc
• Gilkey Window Company
• Columbus Window Company
• Simonton Windows and Doors
• Sierra Pacific Windows
• Earthwise Group LLC
• Andersen Windows and Doors
• Alside Excalibur
• Cascade Windows
• Polaris Windows and Doors
• Jeld Wen Windows
• Milgard Windows and Doors
• Ply Gem Windows
• Marvin Windows and Doors
• Windsor Windows and Doors
• Champion Windows

In addition to being made with high-quality materials and components, these brands also come in a wide selection of readily available styles and designs at different price ranges. Regardless of this, certain factors should always be considered when selecting the right window brand for your project. These factors include:

• Aesthetic appeal
• Affordability
• Compatibility with the exterior and interior finishes in your home
• Ease of operation and maintenance
• Energy efficiency/Climate control
• Safety
• Security
• Ventilation
• Warranty options

Special attention should be paid to the type of available warranty options provided by the window manufacturer. Many manufacturers offer Limited Lifetime Warranties for their window products. However, some may offer options like Lifetime Warranties, Double Lifetime Warranties, Prorated Warranties, and Transferable Warranties. Note that these warranties' specific terms and conditions mainly depend on the window manufacturer. Nonetheless, they typically last for a stipulated timeframe and cover areas like installation errors, aesthetic defects, and performance issues.

To get optimal use and satisfaction out of your window, you should always employ the services of a professional window contractor who carries out the installation and replacement job per the manufacturer's specifications. This is also necessary so that you do not void the window's warranty. Finally, ensure that your contractor also issues you a workmanship warranty that guarantees the installation or replacement job.

How Energy-Efficient Are Your Windows?

According to the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, homeowners in Columbus spend an average of $2,000 annually on energy bills. Investing in energy-efficient windows is an excellent way to cut down these expenses, and you should always strongly consider this when undertaking window projects. Replacing your old windows with energy-efficient models or installing these types of windows in your new home can save as much as $500 every year on your energy bills. Other benefits of investing in energy-efficient windows include UV sun damage protection for your valuables, increased indoor comfort, and an assurance that the products will perform as labeled.

In addition to the aforementioned benefits, investing in energy-efficient windows can qualify you for available federal, state, and local financing options, tax incentives, and energy rebates and programs. You can visit the City of Columbus' Sustainable Columbus webpage to search for available local energy-efficiency programs that you can apply for. Other platforms that you can utilize to search for these types of programs and financial incentives include the Ohio Department of Development's Energy Efficiency Program webpage, the US Department of Energy's Energy Star Rebate Finder webpage, and the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website.

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

According to data published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 25 percent of the fatal work-related injuries that occurred in Ohio in 2020 were recorded among construction, installation, maintenance, and repair workers in the state. Considering that window contractors are included in this category of workers, it is always in your best interest to ensure that the ones you hire for your window projects are properly insured. If you fail to do this, you expose yourself to liabilities that may arise if these contractors sustain injuries in your home or if your property gets damaged while they are providing your requested window services.

Per the provisions of Chapter 4114 of the Columbus Building Code, window contractors who wish to offer their services to residents of the city legally must post and maintain a surety bond of no less than $25,000. These contractors must also carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $300,000 for damages to a single person and $500,000 for one occurrence.

Always verify that your intended window contractor has complied with these financial obligations by requesting copies of their insurance and bond certificates and contacting the appropriate issuing organizations to validate these certificates.

Additional information on the mandatory financial obligations for window contractors that operate in Columbus can be obtained by contacting the city's Department of Building and Zoning Services at (614) 645-7433.