How To Choose a Window Company in Buffalo Grove
It's essential to find a window replacement company that matches your unique values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following areas during your search:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a substantial investment, so balancing cost with durability is important. Although top-of-the-line replacement windows may be more expensive to buy, they often yield better long-term value due to their increased lifespan. The total cost of your replacement windows will depend on the particular 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 unsure, a window specialist can help you determine which options are ideal 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 | $222-$1367 |
| Awning | $322-$898 |
| Bay | $743-$5511 |
| Custom | $330-$918 |
| Casement | $257-$1490 |
| Double-hung | $120-$775 |
| Egress | $220-$550 |
| Glass Block | $44-$557 |
| Picture | $193-$1429 |
| Single-hung | $87-$1469 |
| Skylight | $110-$1326 |
| Sliding | $253-$1286 |
| Storm | $52-$363 |
| Transom | $269-$563 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option offers different benefits depending on your climate and energy-saving goals. Fiberglass and vinyl are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, aluminum and composites look sleek and stay strong against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $52-$1469 |
| Composite | $530-$1192 |
| Fiberglass | $87-$743 |
| Vinyl | $178-$1653 |
| Wood | $265-$1490 |
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 take into account the cost of labor, guarantees, and any other supplemental fees that your project may need.
Experience and Training
Peruse 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 galleries 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 business, the more likely it will deliver high-quality 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 their business filings for the public record. Outside the Windy City, licensing requirements are not uniform.
Types of Windows Offered
No two window installers offer the same window styles and materials. Look for one that focuses on 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 prescreen window companies for your job is to check what previous customers have said about them. Read customer reviews on sites such as Google, Yelp, 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 Buffalo Grove
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
According to the national 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, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
I've heard there are tax credits for energy-efficient windows. How much could I save?
Can I replace just my windows' glass and not their frames?
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