How To Choose a Window Company in Homer Glen
Each window installer has different offerings and approaches. To streamline the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement windows, it's crucial 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, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The material, style, and size of your new windows are the most significant factors in your final cost. Single-hung windows often cost less due to their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a custom-cut arch window in a master suite will cost more. An installer can help you with choosing the products that fit your preferences.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $248-$1522 |
| Awning | $359-$999 |
| Bay | $827-$6135 |
| Custom | $368-$1022 |
| Casement | $286-$1658 |
| Double-hung | $133-$863 |
| Egress | $245-$612 |
| Glass Block | $49-$620 |
| Picture | $215-$1590 |
| Single-hung | $97-$1636 |
| Skylight | $122-$1477 |
| Sliding | $281-$1431 |
| Storm | $58-$404 |
| Transom | $299-$627 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might pick a material based on your desired look, the local climate, and your energy efficiency goals. For example, wooden windows 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 | $58-$1636 |
| Composite | $590-$1327 |
| Fiberglass | $97-$827 |
| Vinyl | $199-$1840 |
| Wood | $295-$1658 |
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 installation, guarantees, and any other extra expenses that your project may need.
Experience and Training
Examine a company's website and talk to a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and guarantees. Many window companies also keep online portfolios that showcase past projects.
Ensure that the company specializes in window replacement. The more specialized training 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 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 crucial to find a company that focuses on installing the ones you want. Check 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 one of the smartest ways to screen window companies in your area. 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 interested in, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Homer Glen
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. Energy-efficient windows help keep heat out in the summertime and in during the wintertime, improving your comfort and furthering your dollar.
How frequently should I upgrade or replace my windows?
What are some important metrics to know when I shop for replacement windows?
- "visible transmittance," which measures how much light passes through the window
- "solar heat gain coefficient," which shows how much UV light the window absorbs and releases as heat
- "Condensation resistance," which determines how well a window can resist moisture (the higher the number, the better)
- "Air leakage," which measures how easy it is for air drafts to develop (the lower the number, the better)
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
