Installing new windows improves your view and adds to curb appeal, but it goes far beyond cosmetic enhancements. The right upgrades help you increase interior comfort, save money on utility costs, and boost home value for future resale.
If you want to make a wise investment, it’s essential to hire qualified and reliable window contractors you can trust to do the job right.
At Your Window Solutions, we offer over 30 years of combined experience serving Illinois residents. We’re happy to guide you through the process, from choosing the best options for your project to hassle-free installation. What should you know if you want to hire the best contractors for your job?
What Window Contractors Do
Window installation contractors are skilled professionals who offer a variety of services related to the windows in your home. Some of the services you might need include:
- Full-frame replacement
- Insert installation
- Custom window orders
- Energy-efficiency upgrades
- Warranty work
There’s nothing stopping homeowners from attempting these upgrades on their own, but hiring qualified professionals ensures the job is done right and that completed work conforms to building and safety codes. What do such services entail?
Full-Frame Replacement
If your windows are old, outdated, damaged, or otherwise failing to suit your needs, it may be time to consider full-frame replacement. Whether you have simple sliders or big, beautiful bay windows, this service includes removing the entire window unit (casing, frame, and all) and completely replacing it.
Experienced window contractors will help you choose the right replacement window unit, install it to your satisfaction, and ensure compliance with applicable building codes and local regulations.
Insert Installation
If the structural components of your home are sound, you may not need full-frame replacement. With an in-home consultation to inspect windows, seasoned replacement window companies can let you know if insert installation is possible.
In this scenario, the window frame and casings would be left intact and reused, with only the window itself being replaced. This is a more efficient and affordable option when framing is undamaged and requires no resizing or other adjustments.
Custom Window Orders
If you decide to upgrade to an unusual window shape or size, you want to change the configuration of windows, or you’re interested in specialty materials, you’ll need window contractors who are capable of fulfilling custom orders.
Some windows might be made-to-order units, while others will require new framing to install. Either way, experienced professionals will let you know what’s possible and the steps needed to bring your vision to life.
Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Builder-grade, subsidized, and older homes frequently feature single-pane glass windows that aren’t the most energy-efficient.
When you’re ready to replace them, it’s wise to upgrade to double-paned or even triple-paned products that minimize heat gain/loss, thanks to spaces between window panes filled with an insulative layer of inert gas. Although the upfront expense is greater, the long-term savings in heating and cooling costs will more than make up for it.
Warranty Work
Before you have new windows installed, you must understand the warranties attached. Depending on the type of windows and the window contractors you select, you may be eligible for both manufacturer and installation warranties.
Should you come up against qualifying warranty issues like product defects or installation failures within the warranty window, needed repair or replacement should be paid for by the associated warranty.
How to Choose the Right Window Contractor
Picking a window contractor doesn’t have to be difficult. However, talking with a few different companies can help you make the best-informed decision. When chatting with window contractors, ask them about the following:
Licensing and Insurance
In Illinois, there’s no state-specific licensing requirement for window contractors, but certain counties or cities may require licensure. Regardless, you may want to choose a licensed contractor simply because licensing signifies knowledge and capabilities that meet set standards for quality and safety considerations.
As for insurance, the Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act (815 ILCS 513/25) specifies that contractors, including those who install, maintain, repair, alter, or replace windows, must carry public liability insurance of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence of bodily injury.
Additionally, they must carry property damage insurance of $50,000 per occurrence of property damage.
Manufacturer Certifications
While there are window installation companies that offer a “factory direct” experience (i.e., they manufacture and install windows), it’s more common for local installers to partner with preferred manufacturers.
In such cases, you might want to ask if installers have manufacturer certifications. This means that manufacturers like Anderson, Marvin, and Pella have certified that the installer in question has the knowledge and training to meet standards for installing their products, helping protect product warranties and ensure proper installation.
Experience and Expertise
Look for contractors with a robust history in window installation. A professional window contractor should have a long history in the industry. A good window contractor will have a strong track record with complex installations. For example, they should have expertise in custom-shaped windows and energy-efficient models.
Especially if a company claims to be a jack of all trades, make sure they have the experience they advertise. How much of their business is really window installations? What type of windows do they have experience with? Do they have a gallery of before-and-after photos for you to view?
An experienced company should be able to answer these questions easily. Contractors who specialize in windows will have deeper knowledge than general contractors.
Ask how many similar projects they’ve completed. You’re looking for a contractor who can show confidence and expertise.
Product Knowledge and Options
Good contractors will know their products and what works best for each type of home. For example, they might recommend double- or triple-pane windows for energy efficiency. Or they may suggest specific brands that meet your needs and budget.
When you meet with a Your Window Solutions contractor, we listen to you. We first want to understand your vision, needs, and budget. From there, we can make recommendations based on our decades of expertise.
We don’t tell our clients anything we think they want to hear. Our contractors will provide all the information you need to make an educated decision. We believe this is the best way to build trust and ensure satisfaction.
Warranty Offerings
There are laws in place to protect consumers from faulty products or workmanship, but the best form of protection is a warranty.
When considering window contractors for your upcoming home improvement project, make sure to ask about any warranties associated with your preferred products, as well as the installation services you’ll receive. You want a company that backs up claims with guarantees.
Reputation and Reviews
A contractor’s reputation is one of its most valuable assets. Check online reviews and ratings on platforms like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Your contractor should also be willing to provide references from former clients.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
There are a few questions you want to ask when vetting window contractors. How a company responds can tell you a lot about its professionalism and competence. The right window contractor will take the time to answer all your questions. It’s their job to make you feel confident in your decision.
Here are essential questions to include in your discussions:
What’s Included in the Estimate?
Ask what exactly is included in the estimate. Does it cover the removal and disposal of old windows? Are necessary permits included? When you get a quote, it should include a breakdown of every service included.
What’s the Timeline for Completion?
A contractor should always be upfront about the timeline for completion. Your window contractor’s company should be a well-oiled machine, and this means knowing how long their vendors take to deliver products.
Any company that manages its schedule well can be upfront about its availability. It should be a pass if the contractor is vague about their timeframe and can’t give you concrete answers.
What Brands and Warranties Do You Offer?
Warranties, materials, and labor reflect contractors’ confidence in their work. Contractors who offer quality products and services offer warranties. If a window is faulty, they know the product is a lemon. If there is an error in installation, a good contractor will own their mistake and make it right.
Do You Have a Portfolio of Past Work?
Viewing a contractor’s completed projects can help you gauge the quality of their work. Look at their website and social media account for their gallery of work.
Are You Licensed in Illinois?
Although the state doesn’t specifically license window contractors, and licensing rules vary among counties and cities, consumers benefit from choosing licensed professionals.
An unlicensed contractor may have ample knowledge, skill, and experience, but you have no way of knowing if their claims are believable. A license proves that the holder has met set standards for education, experience, and competency testing, which should give you peace of mind.
What’s Included in the Warranty?
Warranties vary by window manufacturer and installer, but there are a few common elements you can look for. Manufacturer warranties should cover product defects for a set amount of time, say 10-20 years. This could account for structural defects or existing damage upon delivery.
Contractor warranties typically cover defects related to workmanship and installation that may lead to problems like drafts, leaks, or operational issues.
Make sure to ask if warranties are transferable. Some companies don’t offer this, while others offer a one-time transfer of warranty to the next homeowner when you sell within the warranty timeframe.
Do You Handle Permits?
Permits are typically required for home upgrades like new windows. Although specific regulations vary from one municipality to the next (with some allowing “like for like” replacement without permits), it’s always best to check before moving forward.
Failing to obtain the proper permits could leave you facing fines and having work halted mid-project.
Look for window replacement professionals who will either handle permitting on your behalf or walk you through the process to obtain needed permits on your own.
Red Flags to Avoid
Hiring the wrong contractor can end up being a nightmare. Be on the lookout for these warning signs:
Unclear Estimates
Contractors who avoid providing itemized estimates may be trying to pull a fast one on you. You want a company that takes the time to ensure you understand pricing, products, and services.
No Written Contract
A written agreement is non-negotiable. A contract protects both you and the contractor. A good contract clearly outlines the project’s scope, cost, and timeline.
Unrealistic Promises
Beware of contractors who offer significantly lower prices than their competitors. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. They might be cutting corners with subpar materials or untrained labor.
Pushy Sales Tactics
Don’t let a window contractor push you around or pressure you. You want a company that puts your comfort and wants above all. Any company that doesn’t listen to what you want or pushes you to sign a contract before you’re ready should be a no.
Signs You Need Window Replacement
Your reasons for finding window contractors could be purely cosmetic if you feel the look for your home is outdated or are ready for a change.
However, there are also signs that you need to replace windows for practical purposes. If you’ve started to notice uncomfortable drafts when you walk by windows or your heating and cooling costs continue to rise, you should definitely have windows inspected.
Condensation between window panes and operational difficulties when opening and closing windows are sure signs that something isn’t right, and it might be time for repair or replacement.
Why Choose Your Window Solutions?
Enthusiastic homeowners can tackle a range of DIY projects, but jobs that require extensive knowledge and skill are best left to trained professionals.
When you choose Your Window Solutions for installation or replacement services in Lake in the Hills, Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Huntley, or McHenry County, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits.
Expert Installation
Properly installed windows ensure durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Misaligned or poorly sealed windows can lead to drafts, higher utility bills, and an unattractive look to your home.
With over 30 years of combined experience, a range of certifications, and a strong reputation for integrity and customer satisfaction, Your Window Solutions delivers the skill and attention to detail every project warrants.
Access to High-Quality Products
Professional window contractors have longstanding relationships with window brands. That relationship means access to exclusive brands and warranties, which aren’t typically available to DIYers or general contractors.
Window contractors also have extensive experience with different brands. We have seen how brands fare over the years. We know which products are high quality, what is worth the money, and more. We pass that knowledge on to our customers.
Time and Cost Efficiency
If you don’t install windows day in and day out, it can be a time-consuming project. When you hire Your Window Solutions, our team installs your windows in as little as a few hours. And we aren’t just doing the installation. Your technician will prep your home to prevent dust and damage and clean up before leaving. Hiring a contractor may seem expensive, but their expertise ensures the job is done right.
Compliance With Building Codes
Local building codes vary. What requires a permit in one town may not be in another. Professional window contractors ensure your installation meets all legal requirements. Getting the required permits prevents potential fines or future issues selling your home.
Familiarity With Local Weather Conditions
Illinois residents are well aware of the challenges associated with harsh winters and humid summers. As established local window installers, Your Window Solutions can recommend the best solutions for your climate zone, including the appropriate Energy Star ratings to save you money on heating and cooling costs in every season.
FAQs
Can I Replace Windows on My Own?
Yes, but window installation can be a complex process requiring knowledge of carpentry, engineering, physics, building codes, and permitting, for example. A qualified and experienced contractor ensures safety, compliance, and accuracy, not to mention customer satisfaction.
How Do I Choose the Best Window?
There is no single answer to this question. Choosing the right windows for upgrades depends on factors like architecture, sizing, and personal style. You may also need permission from your neighborhood homeowners’ association. A knowledgeable window installer will help you understand your options.
How Do I Prepare for Window Replacement?
Before window installation begins, prepare the surrounding area by removing furniture, window treatments, and any items of value. Installers take the greatest care with your home and belongings, but you can help them by clearing the area around the window.
How Long Does Window Replacement Take?
Every project is different, but if all goes well, you can generally expect installation to take one or more hours per window. This may be impacted by factors like the weather conditions, the size, shape, and weight of the window, or if it’s located on an upper story.
Will Window Replacement Disrupt My Life?
Removing old windows can be somewhat noisy and create a mess. Our installers always do their best to minimize disruption to your household and remove all mess before completing the project.
Choose a Reliable Window Contractor in Lake in the Hills and Chicagoland
Choosing the best window contractor doesn’t have to be difficult. The right contractor will not only give you the windows of your dreams. They will also give you peace of mind throughout the project, starting with a free estimate.
At Your Window Solutions, we pride ourselves on our relationships with our clients. We treat your home like our home. We always take the time to learn what you want and provide solutions within your budget.
Whether you’re looking for energy-efficient replacements or custom installations, we’re here to help. Contact us online now or call 833-367-9687 to receive your free estimate.
This blog was originally published December 2024 but was updated for information and accuracy.
