How To Choose a Window Company in Grant
It's essential to find a window replacement company that meets your individual values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following traits during your hunt:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a major purchase, so balancing cost with long life is important. Choosing cheap windows could actually raise your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The material, style, and size of your new windows play the largest role in determining your final cost. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. If you're unsure, a window provider can help you determine which options are best for your home.
In this table, you can find cost data for the most common residential window types to determine how much you might pay.
| 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 provides unique advantages depending on your climate and energy efficiency needs. Vinyl and fiberglass are readily-available materials, so they tend to cost less. Likewise, composites and aluminum 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 assess the cost of labor, warranties, and any other extra expenses that your project may need.
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 portfolios 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 excellent craftsmanship.
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 business disclosures for the public record. Outside the Windy City, licensing requirements are more varied.
Types of Windows Offered
The type of window you want should factor into your company choice. Not every contractor will necessarily be familiar with the window brand you want. A company website will show more about the varieties of windows it works with, such as:
- Awning
- Bay
- Bow
- Casement
- Crank-out
- Custom
- Double- or single-hung
- Egress
- Garden
- Jalousie
- Picture
- Sliding
- Skylight
- Specialty
- Storm
- Transom
- Vent
Customer Feedback
One of the greatest ways to screen a company is to check what other customers have said about their experiences. You can find customer reviews on websites like Google, Yelp, Trustpilot, and the BBB. 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 Grant
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
According to the national Department of Energy, up to a third 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 in during the wintertime, both protecting your comfort and saving you money.
Does window replacement involve pulling permits?
Do window companies have guarantees or warranties for their work?
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