How To Choose a Window Company in Pekin
Each window installer has varying offerings and approaches. To simplify the company search, keep these factors in mind:
Window Cost by Type
Replacing your windows is a substantial expense, so balancing cost with performance is vital. Although premium windows may come with a higher initial price tag, they often provide better long-term value due to their increased lifespan. The style, size, and material of your replacement windows have the greatest impact on your final cost. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while new skylights cost more to prepare for and install. It's recommended to speak with a trusted window installer to figure out your ideal options.
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 | $237-$1459 |
| Awning | $344-$958 |
| Bay | $792-$5879 |
| Custom | $352-$979 |
| Casement | $274-$1589 |
| Double-hung | $128-$827 |
| Egress | $235-$587 |
| Glass Block | $47-$594 |
| Picture | $206-$1524 |
| Single-hung | $93-$1567 |
| Skylight | $117-$1415 |
| Sliding | $270-$1371 |
| Storm | $55-$387 |
| Transom | $287-$601 |
Window Material Cost
Window prices also vary based on material. Each option offers unique advantages depending on your climate and energy-saving goals. 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 | $55-$1567 |
| Composite | $566-$1271 |
| Fiberglass | $93-$792 |
| Vinyl | $190-$1763 |
| Wood | $283-$1589 |
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 installation, guarantees, and any other extra expenses that your project may require.
Experience and Training
The longer a window installer has been in business, the better its workmanship will likely be. Call a company representative to learn more about its public and private credentials, guarantees, and experience. 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 more varied.
Types of Windows Offered
The kind of window you desire should influence your company choice. Not every contractor will necessarily be familiar with the types you want. A company website will tell more about the styles of windows it works with, such as:
- 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 a great way to screen different window companies. Read customer reviews on sites such as Google, Trustpilot, and Yelp. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. Talk to people you know who have used the company you'd like to hire, and ask a representative for professional references.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in Pekin
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
Does window replacement involve pulling permits?
What are some important metrics to know when I shop for replacement windows?
- "visible transmittance," which indicates 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 shows how well a window can resist moisture (the higher the number, the better)
- "Air leakage," which evaluates how easy it is for air drafts to develop (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.
