Compare the highest-rated windows professionals in Chicago, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated company known for its personalized service and high-quality window installations and replacements. They focus heavily on energy-efficient solutions and custom fits for Chicago's diverse housing stock, from historic brownstones to modern homes.
As the local branch of a national brand, they offer the strength of a large manufacturer and installer. They are known for their proprietary, high-performance windows and full-service replacement process, from consultation to installation. Their windows are often at a premium price point but are backed by strong warranties.
A well-established contractor with a strong reputation for quality workmanship and professional installation. They offer a wide selection of brands and window types, allowing for flexibility in project scope and budget. They are frequently recommended for both standard replacements and more complex custom projects.
The window service market in Chicago is robust and highly competitive, driven by the city's extreme weather conditions, aging housing stock, and a mix of historic and modern architecture. Quality is a primary concern for homeowners, leading to strong demand for energy-efficient windows that can withstand harsh winters and humid summers. The market is segmented between large, branded companies (like Renewal by Andersen) offering premium, proprietary products and smaller, local contractors (like WindowWorks and CR Windows) known for personalized service and flexibility with various product lines. Competition keeps pricing aggressive, but Chicago is generally a premium market. A standard vinyl double-hung window replacement can range from $600-$1,200 per window installed, while high-end custom or historic wood replicas can exceed $2,000 per window. Key factors for Chicagoans include expertise in dealing with historic preservation guidelines, understanding local building codes, and providing solutions for energy loss.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Chicago regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about windows services in Chicago, Illinois.
For a standard Chicago home (e.g., a bungalow or two-flat), a full window replacement typically ranges from $10,000 to $25,000+, depending on the number, size, and quality of windows. Chicago's labor costs are higher than the national average, and prices are influenced by specific local factors like historic district requirements, the need for custom sizing in older homes, and the premium for high-performance windows suited to our extreme temperature swings. Always get multiple itemized quotes from licensed local contractors.
The ideal times are late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October). These periods offer milder temperatures for proper sealing and installation, avoiding the high summer humidity that can affect caulk curing and the deep winter cold that can complicate the installation process and make your home uncomfortable. Scheduling during these shoulder seasons also ensures better contractor availability compared to the peak summer rush.
Yes, Chicago's climate and building codes dictate important considerations. First, prioritize windows with a low U-factor for superior insulation against harsh winters and a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) to manage summer heat. Second, if your home is in a designated Chicago Landmark District, you will likely need approval from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks for any exterior changes, including window style and material. Always verify your contractor is familiar with these local codes.
Always verify the contractor holds an active Illinois Roofing & Siding License (which covers window installation) and carries both liability and workers' compensation insurance. Check for strong reviews on local platforms like Google and the Better Business Bureau, and ask for references from recent projects in Chicago neighborhoods similar to yours. A reputable provider will offer a detailed, written contract and should be willing to explain how they handle common local issues like brick facade integration and proper flashing for our heavy rains.
For a full-home replacement of 10-15 windows, a professional crew will typically complete the project in 1-3 full days. The timeline can extend for larger homes, complex architectural details common in Chicago's vintage housing stock, or if unexpected issues like rotted wood framing are discovered. Proper installation is critical for energy efficiency, so a quality contractor won't rush the job, ensuring each window is perfectly sealed against our notorious wind and weather.