How To Choose a Window Company in Oak Lawn
Dependability is important when it comes to choosing a window installer. However, your chosen company should also align with your needs and respect your vision. Consider 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. Although premium replacement windows may come with a higher initial price tag, they often provide better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The material, style, and size of your new windows have the greatest impact on your final cost. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. If you're unsure, a window provider can help you decide which options are most suitable for your home.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $240-$1475 |
| Awning | $348-$969 |
| Bay | $801-$5946 |
| Custom | $356-$991 |
| Casement | $277-$1607 |
| Double-hung | $129-$836 |
| Egress | $237-$593 |
| Glass Block | $47-$601 |
| Picture | $208-$1541 |
| Single-hung | $94-$1585 |
| Skylight | $118-$1431 |
| Sliding | $273-$1387 |
| Storm | $56-$392 |
| Transom | $290-$607 |
Window Material Cost
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option gives you unique advantages 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 in Oak Lawn's strong storms, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $56-$1585 |
| Composite | $572-$1286 |
| Fiberglass | $94-$801 |
| Vinyl | $192-$1784 |
| Wood | $286-$1607 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for window replacement will also include applicable warranty fees, permit-related costs (if required), and labor. Make sure to discuss each of these factors with an estimator before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Examine a company's website and talk to a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and warranties. Many window companies also keep online galleries that showcase past projects.
Ensure that the company focuses on window replacement. The more specialized training its staff has, and the longer it has been active, the more likely it will deliver top-notch 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 business disclosures for the public record. Beyond the Windy City, licensing requirements are more varied.
Types of Windows Offered
No two window companies offer the same window styles and materials. Look for one that's an expert in the type you want for your home.
- 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 check what other customers have written about their experiences. Read customer reviews on sites such as Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. Ask people you know who have used the company you're evaluating, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Oak Lawn
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 time of year should I replace my windows?
Should I replace my windows a couple at a time, or is it more economical to replace them all at once?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
