How To Choose a Window Company in Elmhurst
Each window provider has specialized offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a major purchase, so balancing cost with performance is vital. Although top-of-the-line windows may cost more upfront, they often provide better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The overall cost of your window replacement will hinge on the particular 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. If you're undecided, a window company can help you decide which options are ideal 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 | $252-$1547 |
| Awning | $364-$1016 |
| Bay | $840-$6236 |
| Custom | $374-$1039 |
| Casement | $291-$1686 |
| Double-hung | $135-$877 |
| Egress | $249-$622 |
| Glass Block | $49-$631 |
| Picture | $218-$1616 |
| Single-hung | $98-$1663 |
| Skylight | $124-$1501 |
| Sliding | $286-$1455 |
| Storm | $59-$411 |
| Transom | $304-$637 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides unique advantages depending on the local 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 | $59-$1663 |
| Composite | $600-$1348 |
| Fiberglass | $98-$840 |
| Vinyl | $202-$1870 |
| Wood | $300-$1686 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each contractor you're evaluating about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you get a clear picture of the overall expenses involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Peruse a company's website and contact a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and warranties. Many window companies also keep online photo galleries that showcase past projects.
Ensure that the company focuses on window replacement. The more specialized training its staff has, and the longer it has been in operation, the more likely it will deliver high-quality service.
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
There are many replacement window types you can choose from, and it's vital to find a company that specializes in the ones you want. Browse 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
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 Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. Talk to people you know who have used the company you're evaluating, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Elmhurst
What are the benefits of hiring a window installer?
I've heard there are tax credits for energy-efficient windows. How much could I save?
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.
