How To Choose a Window Company in Arlington Heights
It's crucial to find a window replacement company that aligns with your specific values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following areas during your search:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement windows, it's important to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Although high-quality windows may cost more upfront, they often provide better long-term value due to their increased lifespan. The age of your home, in addition to the materials, styles, and sizes of windows you opt for, can impact pricing. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. If you're unsure, a window provider can help you decide which options are ideal for your home.
In this table, you can find cost data for the most common residential window types to determine how much you might pay.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $240-$1475 |
| Awning | $348-$969 |
| Bay | $801-$5946 |
| Custom | $356-$991 |
| Casement | $277-$1607 |
| Double-hung | $129-$836 |
| Egress | $237-$593 |
| Glass Block | $47-$601 |
| Picture | $208-$1541 |
| Single-hung | $94-$1585 |
| Skylight | $118-$1431 |
| Sliding | $273-$1387 |
| Storm | $56-$392 |
| Transom | $290-$607 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might select a material based on the local climate, your desired look, and your energy efficiency goals. For example, wood windows can give your home an organic design without breaking the bank, but you'll have to invest more toward maintenance. Aluminum and composite windows cost more up-front, but they're incredibly durable in Arlington Heights' strong storms, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $56-$1585 |
| Composite | $572-$1286 |
| Fiberglass | $94-$801 |
| Vinyl | $192-$1784 |
| Wood | $286-$1607 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for new windows will also include warranty fees (if applicable), permit-related costs (if required), and labor. Ensure that you discuss each of these factors with a sales representative before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Browse a company's website and chat with a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and guarantees. Many window companies also keep online portfolios that present past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more dedicated instruction its staff has, and the longer it has been in operation, the more likely it will provide excellent craftsmanship.
Licensing and Credentials
Illinois doesn't issue state contracting licenses to window installers, but municipalities in the Land of Lincoln might have their own requirements for companies to follow. In Chicago proper, window installers must have a Class D or E license and submit copies of business disclosures for the public record. Outside the Windy City, licensing requirements are not uniform.
Types of Windows Offered
The style of window you want should play a role in your company choice. Not every contractor will necessarily be familiar with the window brand you want. A company website will tell more about the window types it specializes in, such as:
- Awning
- Bay
- Bow
- Casement
- Crank-out
- Custom
- Double- or single-hung
- Egress
- Garden
- Jalousie
- Picture
- Sliding
- Skylight
- Specialty
- Storm
- Transom
- Vent
Customer Feedback
Reading other customers' stories is one of the best ways to screen window companies in your area. Read customer reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. Ask people you know who have used the company you're interested in, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Arlington Heights
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
The U.S. Department of Energy states that 25%–30% of a home's heating and cooling capacity is used to compensate for heat gain and heat loss through windows. By investing in new, more efficient windows, you can boost your home's energy efficiency and reduce your electricity bills.
What should I do if a window is molding or has rot?
Will my window company install blinds?
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