How To Choose a Window Company in Oak Park
Each window provider has unique offerings and approaches. To simplify the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a substantial investment, so balancing cost with value is crucial. Although high-quality replacement windows may be more expensive to buy, they often provide better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The total cost of your window replacement will depend on the particular styles, sizes, and materials you need. 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. It's wise to speak with a trusted window installer to determine your ideal options.
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
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might select a material based on your energy efficiency goals, your desired look, and the local climate. For example, wood 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 in Oak Park's strong storms, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $56-$1585 |
| Composite | $572-$1286 |
| Fiberglass | $94-$801 |
| Vinyl | $192-$1784 |
| Wood | $286-$1607 |
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, warranties, and any other extra expenses that your project may require.
Experience and Training
Browse 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 photo galleries that highlight past projects.
Ensure that the company focuses on window replacement. The more specialized training its staff has, and the longer it has been in business, the more likely it will provide 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
Reading other customers' stories is an interesting way to screen potential window companies. Read customer reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. Referrals can also help you in your company search. Ask each company you're interested in for a list of references, and talk to family and friends about who they use for window installations.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Oak Park
How could new windows help my energy efficiency?
According to the federal 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 retain heat in the wintertime, improving your comfort and furthering your dollar.
What time of year should I replace my windows?
What's different between a new construction window and a replacement window?
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