Monday, February 9, 2015

Window Tinting - How Much Does it Cost?

One of the most common questions we get is, "How much does it cost to tint my car, or house, or business?" This is not always an easy answer over the phone or through email. Prices will vary for different types of vehicles, as well as the type of windows in your home or business. Hiring the shop with the lowest price is (usually) not always the best option.

Window Tinting - How Much Does It Cost?



How Much To Tint My Car?

The cost for tinting your vehicle will vary depending on the year, make and model, as well as which region of the country you are in. In Florida, the average cost for a four door vehicle, with a high performance metalized window film, can range between $130-$180. This can be higher depending on the type of vehicle, condition of the windows, and season. A nano-ceramic window film can start at $250 and go up from there, fluctuating for the same reasons as above. In other states these prices can be very different so check with your local window tinting shop.

Keep in mind that there may be other costs as well, especially if removal of existing window tint is necessary. Prices for removing window tinting from a vehicle can start at $65 and go up from there, depending on condition and how much time the installer thinks it will take to remove it. Some shops charge by the hour, some offer free removal with an upgrade to a premium ceramic window film.

BEWARE of the $99 Tint Job place. These shops usually stock low quality films made overseas and  will not last very long, will fade prematurely, bubble, and generally look horrible in as soon as 6 months. Quality pays when you're looking for a window tint shop!

How Much To Tint My House?

Installing window film in your home is a cost effective way to reduce heat gain, eliminate UV radiation and provide privacy and style to your windows. There are many factors to consider when pricing a window film installation. What type of windows, condition, age, frame type, height (is a ladder or scaffolding needed), type of window tinting, and cost of doing business all factor in to the cost of tinting your home. In Florida, we typically see prices for a high performance metalized window film in the $4-$6 per-square-foot (psf) range, with our higher grade films in the $9-$12 psf range. Safety and security films are typically in the $7-$12 psf area.

As with your vehicle, other costs may arise as well. Is removal of old window tinting necessary? Add $.50-$2 psf for this service. French pane style windows are usually priced per-pane and can be anywhere from $8-$15 each.

When looking for a window film installer, do your research! Online reviews can be a big help in determining what shop is reputable. Make sure you get a factory warranty with your installation as this will ensure you are covered and that the dealer installed the film you picked out.

How Much To Tint My Business?

Commercial window tinting is usually in the same ballpark as home tinting in regards to cost. Prices will vary depending on the same conditions as above, as well as any obstacles that must be dealt with (moving desks, removing blinds/curtains, after-hour installs, etc.).

You Get What You Pay For!

Ask why the cheap guy is so cheap! Are they insured? Licensed? Are they using sub-par window films? A reputable shop will be fully insured (usually with $1 million or more in liability coverage), licensed and use top quality, professional window films. As the old adage goes, "Quality doesn't cost, it Pays!"

Have any questions about window tinting prices? Leave us a comment below!