How To Choose a Window Company in Palatine
With Palatine's robust local economy, you're sure to find a reliable replacement window company that suits your values and preferences. As you make calls, keep the following factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
When you're shopping for replacement windows, it's essential to remember that there's more to cost than just purchase price. You want a high-quality and durable window. Although top-of-the-line windows may come with a higher initial price tag, they often provide better long-term value due to their extended lifespan. The age of your home, in addition to the materials, sizes, and styles of windows you choose, can influence pricing. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. A window expert can guide you through selecting the options that fit your needs.
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 different benefits depending on your 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 Palatine'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
Ask each contractor you're considering about warranty fees, labor costs, and permit fees. This will help you gain a complete understanding of the overall expenses involved in the project.
Experience and Training
The longer a window installer has served your area, the better its workmanship will likely be. Talk with 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 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 important to find a company that specializes in the ones you want. Browse 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 prescreen window companies for your job is to find out what previous customers have said about them. Trustworthy sources for customer reviews include Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot Speak with people you know who have used the professional you're thinking of hiring, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Palatine
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
According to the federal Department of Energy, as much as 33% 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.
Do I need a building permit to replace my home's windows?
How can I gauge the quality of a replacement window?
- "visible transmittance," which measures how much light can pass through the window
- "solar heat gain coefficient," which tells you how much UV light the window absorbs and releases as heat
- "Condensation resistance," which determines how well a window can resist moisture (the higher the number, the better)
- "Air leakage," which measures how easy it is for air drafts to occur (the lower the number, the better)
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
