How To Choose a Window Company in South Elgin
It's important to find a window installer that matches your individual values, needs, and preferences. Consider the following traits during your hunt:
Window Cost by Type
When it comes to window replacement, cost-effectiveness is king. Each window you replace should deliver optimal durability at a reasonable price point. Although high-quality replacement windows may be more expensive to buy, they often provide better long-term value due to their longer lifespan. The age of your home, as well as the materials, sizes, and styles of windows you choose, can influence pricing. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. It's advisable to consult a trusted window installer to decide on your best options.
This table shows average prices for various window types to give you an idea of what to expect.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $234-$1441 |
| Awning | $339-$946 |
| Bay | $783-$5808 |
| Custom | $348-$968 |
| Casement | $271-$1570 |
| Double-hung | $126-$817 |
| Egress | $232-$580 |
| Glass Block | $46-$587 |
| Picture | $203-$1506 |
| Single-hung | $92-$1549 |
| Skylight | $116-$1398 |
| Sliding | $266-$1355 |
| Storm | $55-$382 |
| Transom | $283-$593 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might pick a material based on your desired look, the local climate, and your energy efficiency goals. 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 against the elements, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $55-$1549 |
| Composite | $559-$1256 |
| Fiberglass | $92-$783 |
| Vinyl | $188-$1742 |
| Wood | $279-$1570 |
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 factor in the cost of labor, warranties, and any other extra expenses that your project may entail.
Experience and Training
Choose a business that focuses on window replacement and repair, and look for this information on its website:
- The number of years it's been in business
- Photo galleries of projects its crews completed
- Private certifications attesting to its workmanship
Licensing and Credentials
Illinois doesn't issue state contracting licenses to window installers, but municipalities 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 not uniform.
Types of Windows Offered
There are numerous replacement window types you can choose from, and it's important to find a company that is experienced with the ones you want. Look on 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
Reading other customers' stories is one of the best ways to screen potential window companies. You can find customer reviews on websites like Yelp, the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google. Speak with people you know who have used the company you'd like to hire, and ask a representative for professional references.
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Window Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Window Replacement in South Elgin
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
When's the best time to replace my windows?
How do replacement windows differ from new construction windows?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
