How To Choose a Window Company in Waukegan
Each window installer has different 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 performance is crucial. Although high-quality replacement windows may be more expensive to buy, they often yield better long-term value due to their increased lifespan. The size, style, and material of your replacement windows play the largest role in determining your final cost. Simple double-hung windows deliver great value with their straightforward style and simple mechanisms, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. It's wise to speak with a trusted window installer to figure out your ideal options.
In this table, you can find cost data for the most common residential window types to determine how much you might pay.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arched | $222-$1367 |
| Awning | $322-$898 |
| Bay | $743-$5511 |
| Custom | $330-$918 |
| Casement | $257-$1490 |
| Double-hung | $120-$775 |
| Egress | $220-$550 |
| Glass Block | $44-$557 |
| Picture | $193-$1429 |
| Single-hung | $87-$1469 |
| Skylight | $110-$1326 |
| Sliding | $253-$1286 |
| Storm | $52-$363 |
| Transom | $269-$563 |
Window Material Cost
Materials also help determine a window's cost. You might pick 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 against the elements, so you'll spend far less on maintenance.
| Window Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $52-$1469 |
| Composite | $530-$1192 |
| Fiberglass | $87-$743 |
| Vinyl | $178-$1653 |
| Wood | $265-$1490 |
Other Window Replacement Costs
Your total cost for new windows will also include warranty fees (if applicable), permit application fees, and labor. Ensure that you discuss each of these aspects with a sales representative before committing to a window company.
Experience and Training
Peruse a company's website and chat with a representative to learn more about its product and service offerings, pricing, and guarantees. Many window companies also keep online portfolios that exhibit past projects.
Ensure that the company focuses on window replacement. The more dedicated instruction its staff has, and the longer it has been in operation, the more likely it will provide excellent 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 not uniform.
Types of Windows Offered
There are several replacement window types you can choose from, and it's crucial to find a company that has expertise with 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
One of the greatest ways to vet a company is to read what other customers have written about their experiences. You can find customer reviews on websites like Trustpilot, the BBB, Google, and Yelp. Ask 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 Waukegan
How much energy and money will I save by upgrading my windows?
The U.S. Department of Energy states that 25%–30% of a home's heating and cooling capacity is used to compensate for heat gain and heat loss through windows. By upgrading to new, more efficient windows, you can enhance your home's energy efficiency and reduce your electricity bills.
What should I do if a window is molding or has rot?
What's the typical timeline for a professional window replacement?
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