Get Quotes from Top Window Repair Contractors in Detroit, MI

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

In Detroit, all window contractors are statutorily required to register with and obtain maintenance and alteration contractor licenses from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Failure to do so could result in fines of up to $25,000.

Interested individuals who wish to obtain this license must meet various requirements, which include:

• They must be at least 18 years of age
• They must hold a Michigan driver's license.
• They must open a user account on LARA's licensing portal
• They must pay a stipulated licensing application fee
• They must register for and pass maintenance and alteration licensing exams
• They must show proof of completing a 60-hour training course at a training center approved by LARA.

Upon approval from LARA, the applying window contractor will be issued a maintenance and alteration contractor license, valid for three years. To confirm the status of your Detroit window contractor's license, you can use the online platform provided and maintained by LARA. You can also contact LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes for more information about the licensing procedure of window contractors in Detroit at:

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

You must thoroughly research how much your intended window contractor will charge you to avoid future misunderstandings. Some of the factors that affect the cost of window repair and replacement in Detroit include the following:

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

Before you hire a window contractor in Detroit, it is important that you thoroughly compare their bids and quotes to ensure that you are getting the best possible deal. Doing so will allow you to avoid getting overcharged by fraudulent window contractors who often submit their prices without inspecting the location and offer seemingly low estimates. Make sure you request a reasonable justification if the window contractor submits a low or high estimate.

Window replacement, repair, and installation contractors in Detroit earn approximately $48,250 every year. Listed below are the average hourly wages for Detroit window contractors compared with the average hourly wages of these professionals across other parts of Michigan 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 the Detroit Building Code, permits are required for various construction, modification, alteration, and repair projects, including window-related services in Detroit. The Detroit Buildings Safety Engineering Environmental Department (BSEED) is responsible for reviewing and issuing permits in the city.

Permit applications can be made by either the project owner or the window contractor hired for the project. To apply for these permits, interested individuals must create an account or log in with an existing detail to the Detroit Electronic Licensing and Permitting System (eLAPS). The system will allow the applicants to complete and submit a permit application and pay the application fee. For additional assistance when using the online portal, applicants can utilize the city's permit application guide for more information on the permit submission process. Supporting documents, such as building and proposed construction plans, can be submitted electronically via the city's electronic plan review portal.

The process for getting a permit usually takes around three business days. Once the permit is approved, the applicant will be issued a permit to commence the intended project. Inspections must then be scheduled with the Construction Inspection Division of the Detroit Buildings Safety Engineering Environmental Department (BSEED) online or via phone call at (313) 224-3202. For more information about the permit and inspection process, you can contact the BSEED office at:

What Kind of Window Replacement Services Do You Offer?

Before you start working with a window contractor in Detroit, it is essential that you confirm that they can provide you with the services that are specifically designed to meet your needs. There are various types of services that window contractors in Detroit can help you within your home, such as:

• Window repairs
• New window installation
• Window restoration and maintenance
• Window replacements and upgrades

However, before hiring a window contractor, make sure that they can provide the services you need, depending on your desired window style and design. Some of the most common window styles and designs found in Detroit residential and commercial buildings include:

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

Note that the characteristics and features of different types of windows can vary, which can affect the suitability of your home. For instance, bay windows can help increase the interior space of a room, while static picture windows can provide a clear view of the outside.

Before you hire a window contractor, it is vital that you confirm their specializations to ensure you will be provided with the best possible service that caters to your specific needs. In addition, you should also ask if they offer other services such as roof, gutter insulation, and siding. In most cases, these services will be referred to other professionals. However, confirm they are carrying the appropriate license.

The following are cost estimates for various services that a professional window contractor can provide in the Detroit area. It is important to note that the scope of the job and the contractor's reputation can affect the cost of the services that you need:

Estimates for window installation or repair based on task

Estimates for window repair/replacement based on faulty component

Estimates for window repair based on type of window

Estimates for window repair based on window frame material

What Brands of Windows Do You Work With?

Finding out the window brands your intended window contractor works with is an important factor to consider before completing the hiring process in Detroit. Getting the services of a window contractor with the necessary knowledge and experience with different window brands is essential in ensuring that the project is completed satisfactorily. Some of the window brands that property managers and homeowners in Detroit commonly use include:

• Supreme Window Factory
• Detroit Window Factory
• Pullum Window Corporation
• Daniels Glass Inc
• Genex Window
• Redford Replacement Windows by TSW
• D & S Glass & Doors
• Alexandria Home Solutions
• Protector Window And Door, Inc
• Pleasantview Window Manufacturing
• Allstate Glass
• Circle Glass Company
• First Choice Windows
• Duraweld Industries
• Glass Block Express
• RAMCO - Reliable Architectural Metals Co.
• Western Glass Company
• Detroit Glass Block
• Reid Glass Company

Using a well-known window brand for your new window installations or replacements in Detroit is always a good idea. These are typically made with high-quality materials and can be found in a wide range of attractive designs and styles. Nonetheless, before choosing a window brand, it is important to consider the various features of the window, such as:

• Security
• Ventilation
• Energy efficiency
• Compatibility with your home's interior and exterior finishes
• Ease of operation and maintenance
• Warranty options

Before choosing a window brand, it is also important to consider window brand manufacturer warranty options with your window contractor. Typically, the following are the common types of warranties in Detroit:

• Transferable Warranty: This type of window warranty is maintained on the home even when the home is sold to a new owner. This is beneficial for homeowners who are concerned with keeping their home's value up.
• Double lifetime warranty: This type of warranty covers the window as long as the home it was installed for belongs to the homeowners who purchased it. This type of warranty can sometimes be transferred to the new owner.
• Limited lifetime warranty: This type of warranty covers window installations and replacements. The term "lifetime" refers to a specific timeframe determined by the window manufacturer. It should not be confused with the lifespan of the window itself.
• Lifetime warranty: This type typically covers more areas than a limited lifetime warranty, such as the cost of replacement parts for the window.
• Prorated warranty: This type of warranty allows homeowners to reduce the coverage of their windows over time. The homeowner may pay more out of pocket as the window ages.

In addition to the manufacturer warranty, it is also essential to consider the terms and conditions of a workmanship warranty that the window contractor provides. This type of warranty covers the contractor's work and guarantees that it was done according to the manufacturer's specifications. Make sure you ask for copies of the manufacturer and the workmanship contractor warranties.

How Energy-Efficient Are Your Windows?

According to the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), residents of Detroit typically spend approximately $110 monthly on energy bills. One way to cut these expenses is by investing in energy-efficient windows. Having new energy windows installed in your home can help you save up to $500 annually on your energy bills. Aside from being more energy-efficient, these windows can also help protect your valuables from harmful UV rays and additionally help improve the indoor comfort of your home.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, having new windows can qualify you for various tax incentives and financial assistance. You can check out the Michigan Energy Assistance Program page for more information on the statewide program, which provides energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to Detroit residents. Other platforms like the US Department of Energy's Energy Star Rebate Finder webpage and the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website also have information on various financial and tax incentives that you may be eligible for in Detroit.

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

According to data released by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 49 out of the 131 fatal injuries in 2020 in Michigan were reported among workers involved in the construction, maintenance, and repair works. It is essential that the window contractor you hire for your window projects have proper insurance coverage.

By working with a licensed and insured window contractor, you can protect yourself from potential financial and legal liabilities due to accidents and injuries during a home renovation project. It also saves you from having to pay for the repairs and replacements that would be required if your property gets damaged by the window contractor.

Although the City of Detroit does not require licensed window contractors to carry liability insurance, it is still important to hire a window contractor with an insurance policy that covers the scope of your work. You can verify the insurance coverage by requesting valid insurance certificates and also contacting the issuing insurance company. However, Detroit's licensed window contractors must carry worker's disability compensation insurance if they have more than one employee. You can find more information about the state-mandated insurance requirements for window contractors by contacting the Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs at (517) 284-8947 or via email.