How To Choose a Window Company in Normal
Dependability is essential when it comes to choosing a window provider. However, your chosen company should also match your priorities and understand your vision. Keep in mind the following factors during your company search:
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. Choosing cheap windows could actually increase your overall cost, due to their reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The overall cost of your replacement windows will rely on the particular materials, styles, and sizes you need. 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 undecided, a window company can help you decide which options are most suitable for your home.
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 | $206-$1266 |
| Awning | $298-$831 |
| Bay | $688-$5105 |
| Custom | $306-$850 |
| Casement | $238-$1380 |
| Double-hung | $111-$718 |
| Egress | $204-$509 |
| Glass Block | $40-$516 |
| Picture | $179-$1323 |
| Single-hung | $80-$1361 |
| Skylight | $102-$1229 |
| Sliding | $234-$1191 |
| Storm | $48-$336 |
| Transom | $249-$521 |
Window Material Cost
You'll also need to select a window material. Homeowners often choose a material based on the local climate, energy efficiency objectives and aesthetic preferences. Aluminum windows are perfect for sleek, modern designs, but they cost more up-front. You'll pay less for wood windows 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 | $48-$1361 |
| Composite | $491-$1104 |
| Fiberglass | $80-$688 |
| Vinyl | $165-$1531 |
| Wood | $245-$1380 |
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, guarantees, and any other additional costs that your project may need.
Experience and Training
The longer a window company has been operating, the better its workmanship will likely be. Contact a company representative to learn more about its experience, public and private credentials, and guarantees. Company websites often keep photo galleries demonstrating previous work technicians have done.
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 not uniform.
Types of Windows Offered
There are a variety of replacement window types you can choose from, and it's essential to find a company that is experienced with the ones you want. Look on 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 an interesting way to screen different window replacement companies. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Google, Trustpilot, and Yelp Speak with 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 Normal
What are the benefits of hiring a window installer?
Do I need a building permit to replace my home's windows?
What's the typical timeline for a professional window replacement?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
