How To Choose a Window Company in Bloom
An exceptional reputation is key when it comes to choosing a window provider. However, your chosen company should also suit your needs and understand your vision. Think about the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a major investment, so balancing cost with quality is vital. Choosing economy windows could actually raise your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The overall cost of your window replacement will depend on the specific sizes, materials, and styles you need. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. If you're undecided, a window provider can help you figure out which options are most suitable for your home.
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 | $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 your desired look, the local climate, and your energy efficiency goals. For example, windows made of wood 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 Bloom's 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
Ask each contractor you're considering about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you get a clear picture of the total costs involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Choose a business that focuses on window replacement and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- How many years it's been operating
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Private certificates attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
Illinois doesn't issue state contracting licenses to window installers, but cities 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. Outside the Windy City, licensing requirements are more varied.
Types of Windows Offered
There are a variety of replacement window types you can choose from, and it's essential to find a company that specializes in the ones you want. Search 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 a surefire way to screen different window replacement companies. You can find customer reviews on websites like Google, the BBB, Trustpilot, and Yelp. 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 Bloom
What are the benefits of hiring a window installer?
How frequently should I upgrade or replace my windows?
How important are guarantees and extended support packages?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
