How To Choose a Window Company in Oswego
Dependability is important when it comes to choosing a window replacement company. However, your chosen company should also align with your needs and understand your vision. Keep in mind the following factors during your company search:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for new 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 budget windows could actually increase your overall cost, due to their reduced lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The age of your home, together with the styles, sizes, and materials of windows you select, can influence pricing. 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. 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 | $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
Replacement window prices also vary based on material. Each option provides 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, composites and aluminum look sleek and stay strong against the elements, so they tend to cost more.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $58-$1636 |
| Composite | $590-$1327 |
| Fiberglass | $97-$827 |
| Vinyl | $199-$1840 |
| Wood | $295-$1658 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Ask each contractor you're considering about labor costs, warranty fees, and permit fees. This will help you understand the financial commitment involved in the project.
Experience and Training
Choose a provider that focuses on window installation and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- How many years it's been operating
- Photo galleries of completed projects
- Private certificates attesting to its workmanship
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 more varied.
Types of Windows Offered
There are many replacement window types you can choose from, and it's vital to find a company that focuses on installing the ones you want. Search 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
Perhaps the best way to vet window companies for your job is to check what previous customers have said about them. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Yelp, the BBB, and Trustpilot 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 Oswego
What are the benefits of hiring a window installer?
I've heard there are tax credits for energy-efficient windows. How much could I save?
Do window companies have guarantees or warranties for their work?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
