How To Choose a Window Company in West Chicago
Each window installer has unique offerings and approaches. To simplify the company search, keep these factors in mind:
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 cheap windows could actually raise your overall cost, due to their shorter lifespan and more intensive maintenance needs. The final cost of your replacement windows will rely on the specific sizes, styles, and materials you need. Transom windows are inexpensive with their simple size and straightforward form factor, while a sweeping, custom-size picture window will cost more. If you're unsure, a window company can help you decide which options are best for your home.
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 select a material based on your energy efficiency goals, your desired look, and the local climate. For example, windows made of wood 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 supplemental fees that your project may require.
Experience and Training
The longer a window provider has served your area, the better its workmanship will likely be. Talk with a company representative to learn more about its guarantees, experience, and public and private credentials. Company websites often keep photo galleries where you can see 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 not uniform.
Types of Windows Offered
The type of window you want should factor into your company choice. Not every installation crew will necessarily be familiar with the window brand you want. A company website will tell more about the varieties 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 an excellent way to screen potential window companies. Read customer reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot. You can also view customer reviews and company ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. 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 West Chicago
Why should I hire a professional to install or replace my windows?
What time of year should I replace my windows?
What are some important metrics to know when I shop for replacement windows?
- Air leakage rating, which measures how tight a window's seal is
- Condensation resistance, which shows how a window manages moisture
- U-factor, which shows a window's temperature-insulating capability
- Visible transmittance, which measures how much light passes through a window
- Solar heat gain coefficient, which measures how much heat from sunlight can pass through the window
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
