How To Choose a Window Company in McHenry
It's important to find a window installer that aligns with your specific values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following areas during your hunt:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement windows, it's important to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Although premium replacement windows may cost more upfront, they often provide better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The overall cost of your window replacement will rely on the specific sizes, styles, 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. It's wise to consult a trusted 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 | $237-$1459 |
| Awning | $344-$958 |
| Bay | $792-$5879 |
| Custom | $352-$979 |
| Casement | $274-$1589 |
| Double-hung | $128-$827 |
| Egress | $235-$587 |
| Glass Block | $47-$594 |
| Picture | $206-$1524 |
| Single-hung | $93-$1567 |
| Skylight | $117-$1415 |
| Sliding | $270-$1371 |
| Storm | $55-$387 |
| Transom | $287-$601 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you different benefits depending on the local climate and energy efficiency needs. Vinyl and fiberglass 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 | $55-$1567 |
| Composite | $566-$1271 |
| Fiberglass | $93-$792 |
| Vinyl | $190-$1763 |
| Wood | $283-$1589 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each company you're evaluating about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you get a clear picture of the total costs involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Select a company that focuses on window replacement and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- The number of years it's been in business
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Private credentials attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
Illinois doesn't issue state contracting licenses to window installers, but municipalities 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
The kind of window you desire should influence your company choice. Not every installer will necessarily be familiar with the types you want. A company website will tell more about the varieties of windows it specializes in, 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
Perhaps the best way to vet window companies for your job is to see what previous customers have said about them. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Google, the BBB, and Yelp 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 McHenry
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
When's the best time to replace my windows?
Can I replace just my windows' glass and not their frames?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
