How To Choose a Window Company in Belvidere
Reliability is key when it comes to choosing a window replacement company. However, your chosen company should also match your needs and appreciate your vision. Think about the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a substantial expense, so balancing cost with durability is vital. Choosing budget windows could actually raise your overall cost, due to their reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The overall cost of your replacement windows will hinge on the specific styles, sizes, and materials you need. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. It's advisable to speak with a reliable window installer to decide on your ideal options.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $221-$1360 |
| Awning | $320-$893 |
| Bay | $738-$5480 |
| Custom | $328-$913 |
| Casement | $255-$1481 |
| Double-hung | $119-$771 |
| Egress | $219-$547 |
| Glass Block | $43-$554 |
| Picture | $192-$1420 |
| Single-hung | $86-$1461 |
| Skylight | $109-$1319 |
| Sliding | $251-$1278 |
| Storm | $51-$361 |
| Transom | $267-$560 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might choose a material based on the local climate, your energy efficiency goals, and your desired look. 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 in Belvidere's strong storms, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $51-$1461 |
| Composite | $527-$1185 |
| Fiberglass | $86-$738 |
| Vinyl | $177-$1644 |
| Wood | $263-$1481 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for window replacement will also include warranty fees (if applicable), permit-related costs (if required), and labor. Make sure to discuss each of these elements with a sales representative before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Peruse a company's website and talk to a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and warranties. Many window companies also keep online portfolios that present past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more specialized training its staff has, and the longer it has been in business, the more likely it will provide high-quality workmanship.
Licensing and Credentials
Illinois doesn't issue state contracting licenses to window installers, but towns 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 different.
Types of Windows Offered
No two window companies offer the same window styles and materials. Find one that specializes in the type you want for your home.
- Awning
- Bay
- Bow
- Casement
- Crank-out
- Custom
- Double- or single-hung
- Egress
- Garden
- Jalousie
- Picture
- Sliding
- Skylight
- Specialty
- Storm
- Transom
- Vent
Customer Feedback
Perhaps the best way to evaluate window companies for your job is to find out what previous customers have said about them. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Google, Trustpilot, and the BBB Talk to people you know who have used the company you're evaluating, and ask a representative for professional references.
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Window Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Belvidere
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 lower your electricity bills.
How can I fix a rotting or molding window frame?
How long does a window replacement job take?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
