How To Choose a Window Company in Lockport
It's crucial to find a window replacement company that aligns with your unique values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following traits during your search:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to window replacement, value is king. Each window you purchase should provide top-notch durability at a fair price point. Although high-quality windows may come with a higher initial price tag, they often yield better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The size, style, and material of your new windows play the largest role in determining 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 wise to speak with a vetted window installer to determine your best options.
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 | $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 energy efficiency goals, the local climate, and your desired look. 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 factor in the cost of installation, warranties, and any other supplemental fees 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 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 active, the more likely it will provide 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 their business filings for the public record. Beyond the Windy City, licensing requirements are different.
Types of Windows Offered
There are several replacement window types you can choose from, and it's essential 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
One of the best ways to vet a company is to see what other customers have written about their experiences. You can find customer reviews on websites like Trustpilot, Yelp, Google, and the BBB. 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 Lockport
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
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 upgrading to new, more efficient windows, you can improve your home's energy efficiency and minimize your electricity bills.
Do I need a building permit to replace my home's windows?
What kinds of repairs can my window company perform?
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