Get Quotes from Top Window Repair Contractors in Nashville, TN

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Window Company in Nashville

Upgrading your home's windows and repairing drafty ones are one quick and simple investment to improve your property's curb appeal whether you are considering a renovation or a sale. In any case, you shouldn't be only focused on how much money you can save by hiring a contractor to replace your windows. A qualified window replacement contractor can also assist you in choosing a window that fits your lifestyle and budget, and are energy-efficient to save you a 20 percent spike on your electricity bill. However, before you select a window contractor in Nashville it is recommended to ask the following smart questions to determine the proficiency of your contractor:

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

The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Board of Licensing Contractors handles window replacement contractor licensing in Nashville. Unless your repair will cost $25,000 or more, Nashville does not require that your window replacement contractor obtain a Building Construction - Glass, Window, and Door Construction (BC-6) license. A home improvement license, which covers residential remodeling projects, may however be required of the contractor if the total project cost, including material and labor, falls between $3,000 and $25,000.

To obtain either license, the window replacement contractor will have to sit for a trade exam. Note that in the case of a Building Construction license, except the contractor already has up to five BC category licenses, they do not need to sit for a trade exam. Each exam costs $55.00.

The applicant must also submit a financial statement, a letter of recommendation, and documentation of workers' compensation insurance—additionally, corporations. LLCs and partnerships must also register with the Secretary of State. Once all that is done, the application can be submitted with a $250 nonrefundable fee. All applicants will receive a letter confirming receipt. The Board's evaluation of the application could take up to 4–6 weeks. Keep in mind that the contractor could also need to sit for an interview. The license certificate will be mailed to the contractor following review and approval, at which point work can start.

Operating without a license in Nashville is considered a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of up to five thousand dollars per offense. To verify that your intended contractor is duly licensed, use the Department of Commerce and Insurance's Public Search tool. For more information on window replacement licensing in Nashville, contact the Tennessee Board of Licensing Contractors at (800) 544-7693 or visit their office at:

Board of Licensing Contractors
500 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243

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

The cost of replacing windows differs slightly or significantly depending on the type. Costs for window installation, repair, and replacement in Nashville are greatly influenced by the kind of window installed, the location, and how labor-intensive the replacement or installation process is. For instance, installing a bay window will be substantially more expensive than installing a single-pane window.

To get a clear sense of the cost before beginning the window replacement job, it is an intelligent move to seek out and compare quotes from at least three local window contractors. It should be noted that differences in the quotes provided are common. However, you should exercise caution when dealing with any contractor that provides a quote that differs significantly from those of their competitors, particularly if they are unable to justify the difference adequately.

Window replacement, repair, and installation contractors in Nashville earn approximately $43,050 every year. Listed below are the hourly average wages for Nashville window contractors compared with the average hourly wages of these professionals across other parts of Tennesse as well as several other major cities in the United States:

Nashville Window Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$20.70
Memphis Window Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$19.75
Knoxville Window Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$19.81
Chattanooga Window Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$20.32
Clarksville Window Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$18.96
Murfreesboro Window Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$20.70
Los Angeles Window Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$21.56
New York City Window Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$24.01
Boston Window Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$24.62
Houston Window Contractors Hourly Average Wage
$21.77
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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

Before completing any significant house improvements in Nashville, homeowners must obtain a building permit issued by the Codes and Building Safety Department. A permit ensures that your home renovation project complies with all local building regulations. With that in mind, and depending on the depth of the alteration you intend to do, you may need to apply for a building permit. For instance, while window glazing does not require a building permit, a window replacement that requires the alteration of the wall opening might.

The cost of the project and, if applicable, the general contractor's name performing the work is required when requesting a building permit. Your contact details, as well as the project's location, are also necessary. A site plan and project visuals may not be required with window replacement. Once you have sent all these requirements via email, you will be sent a confirmation email after your appointment to meet with a zoning examiner to begin the building permit application. You should receive your permit shortly after.

For additional information on permitting window replacement in Nashville, contact the Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety at:

800 2nd Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37210
Phone: (615) 862-6590

What Kind of Window Replacement Services Do You Offer?

Assessing the services a window contractor provides is a critical consideration when selecting the right professional for your project. Nashville window installers frequently offer a wide range of services, including the installation of new windows, fixing or replacing broken or damaged windows, and maintaining windows by caulking and sealing them.

However, a significant portion of these contractors usually concentrate on specific window types and technologies. The following types of windows are frequently used in Nashville construction projects:

  • Arched Windows
  • Awning Windows
  • Bay Windows
  • Bow Windows
  • Casement Windows
  • Double Hung Windows
  • Egress Windows
  • Fixed Windows
  • Garden Windows
  • Glass Block Windows
  • Glider Windows
  • Hopper Windows
  • Jalousie Windows
  • Picture Windows
  • Round Circle Windows
  • Single Hung Windows
  • Skylight Windows
  • Sliding Windows
  • Storm Windows
  • Tilt-turn Windows
  • Transom Windows

These windows each have their own operating system, benefits, and drawbacks. For instance, double-hung windows have two frames that hold glass panes that slide up and down on vertical tracks. It is a cheap window type that can be used in rooms that require cooling and ventilation even though it does not fully open. On the other hand, bay windows are frequently installed in sitting rooms and bedrooms and are created primarily for aesthetic purposes. They are equally as pricey as they are impressive. As a result, you should always verify that the window replacement contractor you select has the necessary skill set to work with the sort of window you want.

It is also a good idea to determine if the window contractor provides additional services like siding, gutter, insulation, and roofing installation and how much these services will cost. The following price ranges are available in Nashville for window installation, replacement, and related services:

Estimates for window installation or repair based on task

Skylight installation (for standard fixed skylight)
$1,315 - $1,720
Building window tinting (per square foot, for a basic solar film)
$4.15 - $7.84
Double-hung window installation/replacement (per window)
$770 - $1,540
Storm window installation (per window)
$200 - $255
Siding installation (per square foot)
$3.60 - $9.20
Gutter installation (per linear foot)
$4.25 - $23
Roof installation (per 100 square feet)
$220.70 - $2,418
Resealing
$40 - $10p5
Rescreening
$50 - $150
Scratch removal
$40 - $150
Alignment
$40 - $150
Insulation
$65 - $180
Re-glazing
$200 - $350
Restoration
$250 - $350
Leak repair
$50 - $350
Cleaning
$90 - $350
Tinting
$220 - $500
Hurricane proofing
$40 - $480
Soundproofing
$480 – $1,200

Estimates for window repair/replacement based on faulty component

Spring
$50 - $130
Handle
$55 - $100
Hinge
$55 - $150
Lock
$55 - $150
Seal
$55 - $150
Thermal seal
$55 - $150
Screen
$65 - $250
Glass
$75 - $700
Sash cord
$100 - $200
Well
$100 - $250
Lintel
$85 - $650
Molding
$85 - $400
Frame
$150 - $550
Flashing
$200 - $500
Arm
$45 - $150

Estimates for window repair based on the type of window

Arched
$110 - $550
Awning
$100 - $500
Bay
$225 - $600
Block
$65 - $300
Casement
$125 - $500
Double-hung
$105 - $550
Egress
$150 - $625
Garden
$220 - $550
Picture
$120 - $550
Single-hung
$100 - $450
Skylight
$250 - $500
Sliding
$100 - $500
Stained glass
$205 - $625
Storm
$90 - $400
Transom
$50 - $250

Estimates for window repair based on window frame material

Wood
$150 - $300
Aluminum
$200 - $500
Vinyl
$230 - $555
Fiberglass
$250 - $550
Composite
$270 - $600

What Brands of Windows Do You Work With?

While it is important to confirm the services your window contractor offers, it's crucial to know which window brands they have the most expertise installing. By doing this, you may significantly raise the likelihood that your effort to install new windows or replace old ones will be successful. Owners of homes and other properties in Nashville commonly select the following window brand producers:

  • All-Star Glass
  • America's Best Choice Windows of Nashville
  • American Home Design
  • Architectural Glass and Metal Co. Inc.
  • Auto Glass Now Nashville
  • Builder Windows Supply Inc.
  • Glass Doctor of Nashville
  • Lawrence Glass Co. Inc
  • Madison Glass Co.
  • Mid-State Door and Windows Co.
  • Nashville Glass
  • Nashville Glass Co, Inc
  • Pella Tennessee Distribution Center
  • Quinn's Stained Glass Repair and Restoration
  • Replacement Window Nashville
  • Sterling Window System Inc.
  • Unlimited Windows Inc.
  • Window City Inc.
  • Window Depot USA of Nashville
  • Window World of Nashville

Sticking with well-known window brands when upgrading or installing new windows in your home is always an excellent idea. These brands are trusted in the community, often made of high-quality materials, and available in a variety of appealing and fairly priced styles. However, before selecting the type of window to use for your window installation or replacement project, ensure your choice is good enough for climate control, ventilation, and security of your home. Also, ensure it is compatible with your home's external and internal finishes and is easy to clean and maintain.

Window manufacturers often offer two warranty options: a lifetime warranty and a limited lifetime warranty. In addition to these major types, companies may offer prorated or non-prorated warranties that are transferable or non-transferable.

  • A Limited Lifetime Warranty: This is the most common type of window warranty, and it only lasts for the time period indicated by the manufacturer as the "lifetime" of the window. This warranty is frequently provided by the manufacturer to cover mostly cosmetic and performance issues. Please keep in mind that this warranty does not cover labor or service, just the window parts.
  • A Lifetime Warranty: On the other hand, a lifetime warranty covers all replacement parts, not just cosmetic and performance issues. The term "lifetime" should not however be confused with the homeowner's lifespan. "Lifetime" refers to a time frame during which the window is expected to keep its highest level of quality.
  • Double Lifetime Warranty: This is a stronger warranty that offers coverage for as long as a home is owned and, in most cases, is transferable to the next owner.
  • Prorated Warranty: This warranty covers a decreasing percentage of repair or replacement parts expenses over the life of use. As time passes, the homeowner is permitted to pay more out of pocket for repairs or replacements.
  • Transferrable Warranties: Some warranties allow coverage to be transferred to a new homeowner. This type of warranty may help you keep the value that upgraded windows have added to your property.

It is also critical to ensure that the brand of window you select is Energy Star certified, which means that it must assist your home in receiving a score of 75 or above on the EPA's 1-100 scale. This rating shows that your building outperforms at least 75% of similarly situated structures across the country in conserving energy.

How Energy-Efficient Are Your Windows?

According to the US Department of Energy, windows can lose or gain up to 30% of the energy consumed for domestic heating and cooling. They also advise upgrading your windows with more energy-efficient ones, as this might save you up to $500 each year. As a result, when replacing old windows or installing windows in a new home, energy-efficient windows should be prioritized.

Depending on your jurisdiction, investing in new energy-efficient windows may qualify you for federal, state, or municipal financing, rebates, and tax breaks, in addition to lowering your monthly energy expenditures. These financing options and subsidies help to decrease the ostensibly tremendous expense of installing energy-efficient windows. Programs such as the Tennessee Weatherization Support Program and REAP provide financial assistance to qualified individuals in order to help them make their houses more energy efficient. To gain financial benefits, seek such programs and check to see if you qualify before beginning your project.

Look into any applicable window programs available in your area on the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website. DSIRE provides an up-to-date and comprehensive list of incentive programs offered by states, municipalities, and utility providers in the United States. The Energy Star Rebate Finder can also help you discover rebates and other offers for ENERGY STAR-certified items that are available in your area.

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

Contractors who replace windows face a good number of hazards on the job, including cuts, lacerations, and falls from tremendous heights. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 fatalities from falls, trips, and slips were reported in Nashville and other Tennessee cities in 2019 and 2020. Employing an insured window replacement contractor protects you from having to pay for these damages while also providing coverage for other work-related risks, such as potential litigation and property damage.

Always seek proof of insurance from a possible window replacement contractor before entering into any hiring agreements, and verify this proof with the relevant issuing company. The Tennessee Board of Licensing Contractors requires all window replacement contractors to have general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Note that the minimum general liability acceptable is dependent on the contractor's license monetary limit, that is, how much the professional can contract on the license. For example, a contractor's license monetary unit of up to $500,000 attracts a minimum general liability of $100,000.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Window Replacement Contractor in Nashville

The city's leading consumer protection agency is the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, where you can register complaints against bad window contractors. Another place to file a complaint is with the Tennessee Board of Licensing Contractors, which is in charge of licensing contractors statewide.

Con artists employ a variety of strategies to defraud Nashville residents seeking window installation and repair services; be wary if you notice any of the following:

  • The cost is extremely low, and the whole thing appears to be too good to be true.
  • There is a discount available, but it will expire soon, putting you under pressure to buy immediately.
  • There is a promotion where you can pay the entire amount and get a discount on the second half.
  • They assert that all warranties are equivalent.
  • They claim that a written contract is not required.
  • A substantial upfront payment is required before any work is begun.

The Consumer Affairs Division of the Tennessee Attorney General's Office reported that home improvement scams topped the list of complaints made to the state in 2021. You may avoid being a victim of fraud by following these procedures when looking for window replacement contractors in Nashville:

  • Always conduct extensive Internet research before selecting a firm for your window replacement project, using Internet review sites such as the Better Business Bureau, which makes it much easier to locate a trustworthy service.
  • Avoid any window replacement contractor who employs an overly aggressive sales style and attempts to persuade you to begin work immediately.
  • Gather at least three quotes from different contractors for your project and compare them before deciding on one. Also, be cautious of extremely cheap pricing, as they are likely designed to lure you into fraud.
  • Make certain that your prospective window replacement contractor can provide you with a working local address and that you can check this address out.
  • Always hire a highly skilled contractor who can provide reliable recommendations. Once you have these references, call at least three of them to enquire about their dealings with that specific contractor. It is a red flag if they are unable to offer you any references.
  • Request suggestions for window contractors from friends, relatives, and neighbors. These individuals will be able to tell you who they used and what the service was like.
  • Always pay with a credit card to help protect yourself from fraudsters. If you pay with a credit card, your credit card company may cooperate with you to resolve the dispute and save you money.
  • Avoid hiring a window repair company that reaches you by phone or in person without your permission.

If you have been a victim of a Nashville window replacement scam, contact the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs at (615) 741-4737 or (800) 342-8385. You may also fill out a complaint form online.

You can also file a complaint with the Tennesse Department of Commerce and Insurance Board of Licensing Contractors or reach them at (615) 741-8307.