How To Choose a Window Company in Bloomington City
Each window installer has unique offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new 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 cheap windows could actually increase your overall cost, due to their reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, together with the sizes, styles, and materials of windows you choose, can affect pricing. 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 decide which options are most suitable for your home.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $206-$1266 |
| Awning | $298-$831 |
| Bay | $688-$5105 |
| Custom | $306-$850 |
| Casement | $238-$1380 |
| Double-hung | $111-$718 |
| Egress | $204-$509 |
| Glass Block | $40-$516 |
| Picture | $179-$1323 |
| Single-hung | $80-$1361 |
| Skylight | $102-$1229 |
| Sliding | $234-$1191 |
| Storm | $48-$336 |
| Transom | $249-$521 |
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, 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 against the elements, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $48-$1361 |
| Composite | $491-$1104 |
| Fiberglass | $80-$688 |
| Vinyl | $165-$1531 |
| Wood | $245-$1380 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your contractor will factor the price for your windows and the value of their services into its total estimate. Make sure to assess the cost of labor, guarantees, and any other extra expenses that your project may require.
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 portfolios that showcase past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more specific training its staff has, and the longer it has been in operation, the more likely it will deliver high-quality craftsmanship.
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 more varied.
Types of Windows Offered
No two window companies offer the same window types 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
Reading other customers' stories is a surefire way 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. Referrals can also help you in your company search. Ask each company you're interested in for a list of references, and talk to family and friends about who they use for window installations.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Bloomington City
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
According to the federal Department of Energy, as much as 33% of a house's HVAC usage is to compensate for the heat or cold entering through windows. Efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and retain heat in the wintertime, improving your comfort and furthering your dollar.
When's the best time to replace my windows?
What repair services do window companies offer?
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