Door and Window Repair in Houston, TX

Define the problem before comparing offers

Describe what you can observe: a door that catches at one corner, a lock that will not engage, broken glass, moisture you cannot wipe away, or water entering during rain. Photograph the whole opening and the affected area. Tell the contractor whether you need temporary protection or a permanent repair, and identify any opening you cannot secure.

Ask the contractor to identify the proposed work by component: glass, moving sash, hinges, rollers, locks, seals, sill or frame. Request an explanation of what they inspected and what remains uncertain. If they propose replacing the entire assembly, ask them to explain why a smaller repair would not meet your needs.

Choose a contractor whose proposed scope matches the work. For glass work, ask who will measure and install it. For frame work, ask who will inspect the surrounding opening. At a designated historic property, ask how the contractor will retain existing exterior material and coordinate any proposed changes with preservation staff.

Compare the full scope and price

Give each bidder the same photographs and problem description. Ask each to separate the inspection charge, temporary protection, materials, installation, finish work and disposal. Request the product description and hardware details in writing, along with any exclusions. You can then compare what each contractor has agreed to deliver.

Set a written process for unexpected damage: the contractor should stop, show you the condition, describe the additional work and obtain your agreement on price before proceeding. Ask whether the price includes painting or staining, interior trim repairs, cleanup and a return visit for adjustments.

For storm repairs, follow TDI’s advice to verify the contractor’s contact information and references, check insurance or a bond, and obtain at least three written bids. Keep copies of signed agreements and warranty terms. If the work requires a WPI-8 certificate, TDI advises withholding final payment until the contractor completes the work and TDI issues the certificate. [2]

Check approvals before ordering replacements

Houston requires a Certificate of Appropriateness, or COA, for projects that alter the exterior appearance of a designated historic property. The city exempts ordinary maintenance and repair only within its stated limits, including no change to the design, character, texture or material of an exterior feature. It excludes replacement of historic material from that category. [1]

Ask the Houston Office of Preservation about your proposed scope before finalizing a replacement design. The city provides a window worksheet and replacement diagram, and requires COA applications through its Historic Preservation Tracker. A COA exemption does not settle other permit requirements; the city directs owners to the Houston Permitting Center for additional approvals. [1]

For storm-related exterior replacements, ask your insurance agent whether windstorm certification applies, then confirm building requirements with the local building official. TDI says window and door assemblies must follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and tested high-wind application. Have the contractor identify the proposed assembly and installation requirements before you approve the order. [2]

Arrange the visit and inspect the finished work

Ask whether the first appointment covers diagnosis, measurements or installation. Request separate dates for ordering materials and completing the work. Agree on how the contractor will protect the opening if they cannot finish that day, and how you will handle a weather-related postponement.

At handover, operate each repaired opening with the contractor present. Check the agreed locks and hardware, inspect the finish and cleanup, and ask the contractor to demonstrate any maintenance steps. Keep the invoice, product information, warranty terms and any required approval or certification records together.

Houston IAH fall rainfall normals for exterior-work planning

Choose the next step for your opening

Your hiring checklist

1. Photograph the full opening, damage and any product labels you can reach safely.
2. List which doors or windows cannot close, lock or operate as intended.
3. Request a component-by-component repair scope and an explanation for replacement.
4. Confirm applicable preservation, building and insurance requirements before ordering.
5. Get written prices, exclusions, warranty terms and a process for additional work.
6. Agree on temporary protection, appointment stages and weather contingencies.
7. Operate repaired openings at handover and retain the completion records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a repair at a historic property need a COA?

Houston exempts ordinary maintenance and repair that meets its definition, but excludes replacement of historic material from that exemption. Ask preservation staff to review an uncertain scope. Other permits may apply even when a COA does not. [1]

Do all Houston window replacements require a WPI-8?

Do not assume a citywide requirement. TDI limits its Harris County windstorm program geographically and tells homeowners to check insurance requirements with their agent. Confirm your address and scope before arranging installation. [2] [3]

Should I order impact-resistant glass before hiring someone?

Confirm the complete assembly and applicable requirements first. TDI advises considering impact-resistant windows and exterior doors and notes that some non-impact assemblies may require shutters under applicable code conditions. Ask the contractor to document the proposed product and installation approach. [2]

How can I compare quotes without a reliable local price range?

Ask each bidder to price the same scope and list materials, labor, finish work, disposal and exclusions. Request a separate price for optional replacements and a written process for concealed damage. Compare the total agreed work before choosing.