How To Choose a Window Company in Highland Park
Each window company 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 budget windows could actually raise your overall cost, since they come with a shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The size, material, and style of your new windows are the most significant factors in your final cost. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. It's advisable to consult a reliable window installer to figure out your ideal options.
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
You'll also need to choose a window material. Homeowners frequently base their decision on energy efficiency objectives, aesthetic preferences and the local climate. Aluminum windows are perfect for sleek, modern designs, but they cost more up-front. Wood windows cost less up-front, but you'll need to invest in regular maintenance to prevent the frame from wear and warping. Vinyl is readily available and tends to cost less, but don't underestimate its strong durability and low maintenance needs.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $52-$1469 |
| Composite | $530-$1192 |
| Fiberglass | $87-$743 |
| Vinyl | $178-$1653 |
| Wood | $265-$1490 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each company you're considering about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you get a better picture of the financial commitment involved in the project.
Experience and Training
The longer a window installer has served your area, the better its workmanship will likely be. Call a company representative to learn more about its guarantees, experience, and public and private credentials. Company websites often have photo galleries demonstrating previous work technicians have done.
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 their business filings for the public record. Beyond the Windy City, licensing requirements are more varied.
Types of Windows Offered
There are several replacement window types you can choose from, and it's important to find a company that has expertise with 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 companies. You can find customer reviews on websites like Google, Trustpilot, the BBB, and Yelp. Speak with people you know who have used the professional you're thinking of hiring, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Highland Park
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
The U.S. Department of Energy states that 25%–30% of a home's heating and cooling capacity is used to compensate for heat gain and heat loss through windows. By purchasing new, more efficient windows, you can enhance your home's energy efficiency and minimize your electricity bills.
What is the maintenance schedule for an average window, and how long will it last?
What kinds of repairs can my window company perform?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
