Windows & Exterior Doors.

The short version.

What you can actually pick.

• Vinyl windows (Milgard, Anlin)

  Pros — Best price-performance, broad availability, low maintenance.

  Cons — Limited color choices on operating sashes, 20–30 year lifespan.

  $400–$900 / opening installed25–30 years

• Fiberglass windows (Marvin Essential, Andersen 100)

  Pros — Longer life than vinyl, holds paint, resists warping in heat.

  Cons — Higher cost, fewer style options than vinyl.

  $700–$1,400 / opening installed40+ years

• Clad-wood (Marvin Elevate, Andersen 400, Pella)

  Pros — Premium aesthetic, longest-lasting frame, broadest color range.

  Cons — Most expensive, wood interior requires maintenance, longest lead time.

  $1,200–$2,800 / opening installed40+ years

• Thermally broken aluminum

  Pros — Thinnest frame profile, mid-century modern aesthetic, very durable.

  Cons — Highest cost, fewer manufacturers, premium pricing.

  $1,400–$3,500 / opening installed50+ years

What we deliver.

• ▸Window survey — measure every opening, document existing trim and finish
• ▸Title 24 glass specification per project climate zone
• ▸Material and color selection, lead-time confirmation
• ▸Order placement (lead time 4–12 weeks depending on brand)
• ▸Demo of existing windows, trim removal
• ▸Rough opening prep — confirm square, level, and plumb; repair any rot
• ▸Flashing — pan flashing at sill, jamb flashing, head flashing per manufacturer spec
• ▸Window install with shims, fasteners through manufacturer-specified locations
• ▸Foam insulation around perimeter (low-expansion foam, not standard)
• ▸Interior trim, exterior trim, paint or stain finish
• ▸Exterior caulk at trim-to-siding joint with manufacturer-approved sealant
• ▸Test every operating window — sash operation, lock engagement, drainage path clear

The code parts most owners miss.

• §Title 24 Part 6 requires U-factor ≤ 0.32 and SHGC ≤ 0.25 in most CA climate zones (verify project-specific values).
• §Tempered glass required at any window within 24 in of a door, 18 in of a finished floor, or within a tub/shower area (CBC §2406.4).
• §Egress window in any sleeping room: 5.7 sqft openable area (5.0 sqft at grade level), max 44 in sill height, min 20 in width / 24 in height (CRC R310).
• §Exterior doors in coastal/wildfire areas may require ember-resistant construction per Chapter 7A.
• §Window install must follow manufacturer's flashing spec for the warranty to remain valid.

Why getting this right pays off.

What goes wrong — and how to avoid it.

• ✕Skipping pan flashing at the sill — water enters at the bottom of the window, rots framing
• ✕Standard expansion foam around the window — bows the frame, breaks the seal
• ✕Wrong glass spec for the climate zone — fails Title 24 inspection
• ✕Forgetting tempered glass in required locations — fails final inspection
• ✕Replacing the window but not the rotted sill below — addition of cost and time mid-project
• ✕Cheap exterior caulk that breaks down in UV within 5 years

After we hand you the keys.

• ▸Inspect exterior caulk and weatherstripping every 3–5 years
• ▸Clean weep holes at the bottom of operating windows annually
• ▸Lubricate window hinges and locks every 2–3 years
• ▸Re-stain or repaint clad-wood window interiors every 5–8 years
• ▸Watch for any condensation between dual-pane glass — indicates seal failure

In short.

How much do new windows cost in California?

Vinyl: $400–$900 per opening installed. Fiberglass: $700–$1,400. Clad-wood: $1,200–$2,800. Thermally broken aluminum: $1,400–$3,500. A typical 12-window home runs $8K–$45K depending on material tier.

Which window brand is best for California?

Milgard Tuscany (vinyl) and Marvin Essential (fiberglass) lead in price-performance. Marvin Elevate and Andersen 400 lead in premium clad-wood. Choose based on architectural style, budget, and warranty support — install quality matters more than brand.

Do I need to upgrade my windows for Title 24?

Only if you're permitting an addition or major remodel — Title 24 doesn't require existing windows to be upgraded. New construction and replacements must meet current climate-zone-specific U-factor and SHGC requirements.

How long do new windows take to install?

Lead time 4–12 weeks from order to delivery. Install is 1–3 days for a typical 12-window home. Larger projects (full custom) can take 4–8 weeks of lead time.

Will new windows actually reduce my energy bill?

Yes — typically 15–25% reduction in HVAC runtime in most California homes. The savings are larger in coastal zones (where heating is the primary load) and Inland Empire (where cooling is the load). Real ROI is 8–15 years on the energy savings alone.

Can I replace windows in winter?

Yes — California winters are mild enough for window replacement year-round. The crew uses temporary plastic sheeting to seal each opening during install. Each window is typically installed in 2–4 hours, so the house is never exposed for long.

Do I need tempered glass in my windows?

Required in specific locations: within 24 in of a door, 18 in of a finished floor, in tub/shower areas, and certain stair-adjacent windows. Each opening's tempering requirement is confirmed during the design phase.

What about exterior doors?

Front, side, and back exterior doors come from the same Title 24 envelope budget. Insulated fiberglass and steel doors run $800–$2,500 installed. Solid wood entry doors run $2,000–$5,500. Slider patio doors run $1,800–$5,000. Specify exterior doors at the same time as windows for consistent install quality.

Keep reading.

• Roof Replacement

  Class-A fire-rated, Title 24 compliant, 30+ year systems.