How To Choose a Window Company in Batavia
It's essential to find a window replacement company that meets your unique values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following traits during your hunt:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement windows, it's essential to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Choosing budget windows could actually raise your overall cost, since they come with a shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The overall cost of your window replacement will hinge on the particular styles, materials, and sizes you need. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. A professional can help you with selecting the options that fit your requirements.
To help you form a rough estimate, this table shows the typical cost of the most common residential window types.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $234-$1441 |
| Awning | $339-$946 |
| Bay | $783-$5808 |
| Custom | $348-$968 |
| Casement | $271-$1570 |
| Double-hung | $126-$817 |
| Egress | $232-$580 |
| Glass Block | $46-$587 |
| Picture | $203-$1506 |
| Single-hung | $92-$1549 |
| Skylight | $116-$1398 |
| Sliding | $266-$1355 |
| Storm | $55-$382 |
| Transom | $283-$593 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might choose a material based on the local climate, your desired look, and your energy efficiency goals. For example, wooden 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 against the elements, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $55-$1549 |
| Composite | $559-$1256 |
| Fiberglass | $92-$783 |
| Vinyl | $188-$1742 |
| Wood | $279-$1570 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for window replacement will also include warranty fees (if applicable), permit application fees, and labor. Be sure to discuss each of these elements with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Peruse a company's website and chat with a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and warranties. Many window companies also keep online photo galleries that highlight past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more specialized training its staff has, and the longer it has been active, the more likely it will provide excellent service.
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 their business filings for the public record. Beyond the Windy City, licensing requirements are more varied.
Types of Windows Offered
There are several replacement window types you can choose from, and it's vital to find a company that has expertise with the ones you want. Check a company's website and reviews for any of these types:
- 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 an excellent way to screen window companies in your area. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Yelp, the BBB, and Trustpilot Speak with people you know who have used a company you're interested in, and ask a representative for a copy of its reference list.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Batavia
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
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 purchasing new, more efficient windows, you can boost your home's energy efficiency and reduce your electricity bills.
Do I need a building permit to replace my home's windows?
Do window companies have guarantees or warranties for their work?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
