McCann Window Northbrook Chicago IL

847-562-1212 | 3375 Commercial Ave. | Northbrook, IL 60062

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New Hardware Gives Doors a Turn for the Better

SA Baxter Architectural Hardware

You can upgrade your decor for minimal cost and effort just by installing new hardware — knobs, pulls and locks on your interior doors. You’ll also find many new hardware levers, which are easier for many to operate than the traditional knob. If you plan to stay in your home for the rest of your life, installing lever types is a great fix for long-term ease of use. Replacing door hardware is also a good idea if your house has basic door hardware but you want to bring more personalized style to your doors.

You will want to find hardware that is congruent with the architecture of your house. Brass and bronze tend to suit traditional architecture, while crystal knobs can be more specific to Victorian designs, for example.

Style. Many of us are used to traditional brass hardware in the shape of a ball or flat round.

Cost: There are plenty of basic choices from $10 to $30. Of course, as with anything in home improvement projects, you can spend much more.

Coordinate. A suite of knobs, levers, and locks can coordinate your entire house (pictured above). These knobs begin at around $43, while the door handles begin at around $80. High-quality hardware like this typically must be bought through your professional. SA Baxter Architectural Hardware.

Something different. This design functions identically to the brass knob in the second photo, but its lines and finish stand far apart with a sleek modern execution.

Finish. You will be shocked to see how many door hardware choices there are. This bronze knob (third, right) goes beyond the ordinary — note the variance in the bronze treatment.

Function. Notice the lever style is labeled “dummy.” These are used in locations where both sides of the door do not need a handle. For example, you might have a shallow linen closet with a full-size door; this type of handle is placed only on the outside of the door.

Lockability. A privacy lockset has handles on both sides of the door, and the ability to lock the door from the interior of the room.

Fancy. Doorknobs with more elaborate designs and higher-end materials and finishes, such as brushed nickel (bottom, right), can easily be double the price of simpler hardware. In the high-end world, manufacturers provide seemingly infinite finishes and spectacular designs for prices in the hundreds of dollars per set. Some brands may require the assistance of an architect or interior designer, as they are available only to the trade.

Examine the delightful variation in these doorknob designs from SA Baxter Architectural Hardware, and you see can that this is like choosing jewelry for your house. This is one thing you can really make personal and specific to you. These remarkable embossed designs come in several different finishes and begin at around $500.

First step: Whittle down choices before you start shopping by determining the categories important to you. I am finding that my clients are so overwhelmed by the vast range of products that it is better to narrow your search before you look at what is available. You can always expand your options once you start seeing things you like, but beginning with a focus will help keep you from being overwhelmed. I recommend Sheena Iyengar’s TED talk to better understand the implication of so many choices and to help you deal with this inevitable homeowner conundrum.

Checklist: Here is a quick list to consider when beginning your search for the perfect doorknob.

  • Set a budget per knob or lever.
  • Narrow down the finishes to a manageable few and become familiar with the variations of your favorites.
  • Determine if you want a knob or lever design.
  • Determine your home’s style: modern, Craftsman, Victorian, eclectic etc. Learn more.
  • Check what will work with your existing decor.

Ready to install a new exterior door? Contact us: We will help you with all the details.

Reprinted from Houzz: To read the entire article or check out products click here>

 

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Our commitment to open, honest communication sometimes means saying, ‘You don’t need us’

Honest Communication

At McCann Window, open and honest communication is at the heart of how we operate. And sometimes, that means telling a homeowner, “You don’t need us.”

Such was the case recently when I met with the owner of an 80- to 90-year-old home in Evanston. The home had the original muntin bar, or sash, windows.

The homeowner was thinking of selling, and he wondered if replacing the windows would enhance the value of the home and make it easier to sell. He asked his realtor, who referred him to us.

As I walked through the house with the gentleman, I talked to him and really listened to what he said. What I heard was that he didn’t really need new windows. And I told him as much.

Yes, the windows were old. But the frames weren’t rotted. They still opened and closed. The glazing was fine. The glass wasn’t cracked. There were no complaints about drafts, being cold or being concerned about safety. There was no compelling reason to replace them, and if the home were to be put on the market, there’s a good chance of finding a buyer who appreciates the vintage windows.

There are other window installers who would have happily taken this man’s money. But at McCann, that’s not how we operate. We take pride in making integrity a part of every conversation we have and every action we take. And we treat our customers as if they are our own neighbors who we will see tomorrow.

In this case, I was happy to do this homeowner the service of being honest with him and advising him to save his money.

Contact us a free consultation>

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Rehabbing a house with McCann – one room at a time for 20 years

It’s like night and day. Our house is beautiful…like a new house. It was a magical transformation.

—Lourdes Ryczak, Chicago

The Ryczek family, longtime customers | Rehabbing a house with McCann.

Find out what a real homeowner like yourself says about working with McCann Window

Second in a Series: We don’t like to brag. Yes, we can talk all day about the benefits of choosing McCann to replace windows or doors. However, we would rather have real clients share real stories about what it’s like to work with us.

Choosing the Right Window

Lourdes Ryczek of Chicago first learned about McCann Windows 23 years ago in Evanston at the World’s Largest Garage Sale. “I was looking for a specific window manufacturer, which Kevin (McCann) happened to represent in his display,” she says. “We started talking to him about our needs as homeowners with our rehabbing projects. He explained how he could make what we want to happen.”

They met for a consultation and hired McCann to install several windows. Then when it came to replacing the dining room window, Kevin helped them choose a window that was not on their original list. “He helped us choose a more aesthetically pleasing window than I originally picked,” Lourdes says.

Rehabbing a house with McCann. house siding exterior
The new siding was “like night and day” for the Ryczek’s home.

One Rehabbed Room A Year for 23 Years

The Ryczek family continued to hire McCann for about 20 years, rehabbing about one room each year. Throughout the years, they got the window installation process down to a science.

“My husband would have the window framed,” Lourdes says. “Then Kevin and his crew removed the old window, put in the new window, and then insulate it. My husband would finish the job on the inside, and McCann would clad the window on the outside.” (Editor’s Note: When you hire McCann to replace your windows, you don’t have to do ANY of the work. In Ryczek’s case, they chose to do some of the work because of the ongoing rehab in their home.)

Time for an Exterior Makeover

Four years ago, a hail storm damaged the siding on the Ryczek’s house. This was actually a good thing.

“We had been waiting 20 years to replace the most hideous green siding we’ve ever seen in our lives,” Lourdes says. “Because we had such a successful relationship with Kevin, we called him to give us an estimate for the siding. We also got other estimates, but we were confident that even if his price wasn’t the lowest, we knew we could trust him and he would provide us with a good job.”

ugly green siding pre siding project
Lourdes Ryczek says the house used to have “the most hideous green siding we’ve ever seen in our lives.”

Lourdes and her husband hired McCann for the siding project, and Kevin and his crew did not disappoint. For starters, Kevin offered a lot of useful information to help Lourdes and her husband choose the best siding. He recommended websites where they could look at ideas, and he suggested looking around the neighborhood for inspiration. His advice was: “When you’re driving somewhere, pay attention to what you like and don’t like on a house exterior. He said it was important to take pictures, so we could show him the ideas we wanted to use for our own home.”

Kevin also recommended molded millwork above the upstairs windows to give the home a bit of an architectural accent. “This was a piece that I never thought I would need or want,” Lourdes says. “But aesthetically, it added more color and more dimension to the job.”

The Work Begins

House ready for new vinyl siding | McCann Window
Preparing the house for the new siding.

When it came time to begin the work, Kevin’s crew removed the green aluminum siding and took it away for recycling, which “was a big deal for me,” Lourdes says.

Underneath the aluminum siding, the house was covered in thick, wooden shingles, which also had to be removed. The final preparation step was to insulate the house before “the real artistry began.”

“Kevin’s workers came and didn’t just side at will. They set up scaffolding. They were as responsible as could be.” Lourdes says. “We had put on a deck before that process began, and they had to go around the deck. They were able to make that job look flawless like it had all been done together. That was good for us because it looks like it was well orchestrated.”

The end result? “It’s like night and day,” Lourdes says. “Our house is beautiful…It was like a new house. It was like a magical transformation.”

Thank you for the Referrals

At some point in every rehab, you’re sort of done with the work, Lourdes points out. “I don’t have any more windows to replace, no more siding to do. But we’ve had several friends we’ve recommended to McCann. We were really glad we could extend [what we knew] to friends who were taking on a big project. It’s a big expenditure and you don’t want the risk of not having any information about your contractor.”

What Did Lourdes Love about Working with McCann?

“Kevin is incredibly honest and decent and somebody that you can trust. He’s not trying to take advantage of us,” Lourdes says. “When we didn’t know something, Kevin would explain it to us. His team provides quality work and they do a good job.”

Schedule Your Free, 60-Minute Consultation

 

Read HGTV’s article on selecting new windows.

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Why Are My Windows Sweating?

What do you get when you combine cool glass with muggy summer air? A major annoyance to homeowners. Summer window condensation frustrates many homeowners. Unlike its cold-weather counterpart, summer condensation forms on the outside of the glass, making it challenging to wipe away on upper-level windows. Sweating windows fog up the view, and if it happens regularly, the condensation can seep into window frames to peel paint and form mildew. Windows Sweating? Luckily for homeowners in Northbrook, McCann Window & Exteriors has the solution.

How to Prevent Window Condensation

  1. fogged windowSwitch to double-pane windows. If a renovation project is in your budget, it’s time to upgrade your windows. Insulated glass is a simple solution to condensation problems. Energy-efficient coatings are another simple solution. Energy-efficient windows reduce the amount of heat that transfers through the glass, which often prevents condensation problems that can occur with non-treated glass.
  2. Adjust the thermostat. Condensation occurs when hot air meets cold air. Just like when your car windshield fogs up, an easy solution is to minimize the difference in air temperature. Adjust the thermostat by a few degrees and monitor the window condensation to see if it shrinks.
  3. Check the humidity. Depending on the humidity levels in your house, using a dehumidifier may solve your window condensation problem. If you’re using a humidifier in the house, turn it off until the weather cools down.
  4. Crack a window. Not only will you get a breath of fresh air, you’ll improve air circulation around the windows.

Do you have condensation problems? Call McCann Window & Exteriors in Northbrook, IL.

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Why Homeowners Shouldn’t Fear Winter Window Replacement

Replace your windows all year—even in the winter.

Winter window replacement during cold months is very doable. Needing or having to replace a window is never fun, and ultimately speaking there is never a good time to have to do so. But having to replace your windows during the winter months may be seen as a little more daunting than any other time of the year. You shouldn’t be afraid of the task of winter window replacement… in fact, you should embrace it. For one thing, you are taking care of a problem that could be very costly if ignored. Old windows can bring on air leakage allowing more cold air to come into your home, making your energy costs go up. When you replace your old windows you don’t have to worry about any cold air leaking in.

 

Replacing your windows during the winter will leave you in a better position in various ways when you look at the bigger picture. Not only will it get rid of the draftiness that you may be experiencing due to having old windows, but new windows are also easier to clean, they’re energy-efficient, they control noise, they have light control, and they give you better ventilation when you need it, and they will improve the appearance of your home!

Window Replacement the Easy Way.

When you replace your windows you don’t have to worry about the process taking long; you can rest assured that you will get your old windows out and your new windows put in place in no time! If you find that you need to replace your windows this winter in Northbrook, IL there’s one place for you to go. McCann Window & Exteriors is who you want to call. There is no other home enhancement company that will be able to get your new windows in place with ease. Give us a call at 847-562-1212. We are located at 3375 Commercial Ave. in Northbrook, Illinois!

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“McCann’s Gets All the Stars”

McCann Windows & Exteriors cares about our customers. man offering handshakeMcCann Windows & Exteriors cares about our customers.

Home exterior upgrades can put a lot of stress on homeowners, but our team works hard to make replacing windows, siding, and exterior doors easy for customers in Northbrook, IL. We pride ourselves on our integrity, attention to detail, and individual attention to the needs of every customer. And there’s nothing we love more than hearing that we’ve succeeded in making our customers’ lives (and homes) better because McCann Windows & Exteriors cares about our customers.

“When We Saw McCann’s Reviews on Yelp . . .”

“McCann was a light in the darkness of getting quotes for a window replacement. We contacted three other companies for quotes and two of them, including Sears, insisted on having at least an hour to make their presentation (although both took 2). We have an infant daughter and were only replacing one window so those meetings were an absolute nightmare. We were about to give up until we saw McCann’s reviews on yelp and decided to call one more company.

Kevin McCann came to the house, did his measurements, and explained our options in a very clear, concise manner. There was no BS with the heat lamps, endless props, or hard sell. I can’t stress how big this was for us after the process we went through with the other companies. And on top of that, the quote he gave us was the lowest of the 4 . I wanted to give him a hug. Now we have an absolutely gorgeous window and we could not be happier. McCann’s gets all the stars.”

Stephanie E., Evanston, IL

“Those guys are real professionals. Worth every penny. We had a custom size 2 patio doors one for the kitchen and one for the living room. Took 4 weeks for the doors to be built. They set the appointment came and did an amazing job. The owner Kevin came out personally to write the estimate and they came to a lot lower than other companies. The crew was polite and informative Micheal did a great job in regards to details and explained everything to us. The quality of work is great they did not damage anything and they cleaned up afterward. Will definitely will recommend them to friends and family.”

Rick B., Chicago, IL

“Excellent company! Replaced the majority of our vinyl windows throughout our house and the process was so much easier than I expected. Due to supply chain issue, the windows took a while to get here but I was kept informed the entire time. The installers were super professional and you could tell they took pride in their job. Cleaned up after themselves every night. Kevin, the owner, came out to check on the last day and brought a birding book for my husband as he had noticed the bird baths and bird feeder in our yard. It is those kinds of little extras that really go a long way. Highly recommend them and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.”

Susan I., Wilmette, IL

Thank you for sharing your experience with the McCann team! If you need energy-efficient windows in Northbrook, call and schedule an appointment today. Or send us a message.

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Is Your Home Ready for Fall?

Fall is upon us, and for many Illinois residents, this time of year signals a start to preparations for the colder months. It’s time to pull the jackets and scarves out of the closet, but what about your home? As we move deeper into fall and winter, most of us have a tendency to spend more time indoors and in our homes. McCann Windows and Exteriors, located in Northbrook, IL, is here to help. We have compiled a checklist of essential fall and winter preparations everyone should perform for their home.

  • Inspect Your Gutters – More and more leaves are falling by the day, so it’s important to clean your Gutter Inspection gutters and downspouts to avoid clogging. This helps reduce the chance of ice dams, which can cause damage to shingles, gutters, and even the interior of your home.
  • Check Your Windows – Inefficient windows could cause the loss of valuable heat because of cracks or sealing issues with your windows. If this is the case for your windows, go to the hardware store and buy a tube of caulk. Are your windows too far gone for repair? McCann Window & Exteriors can help you learn about all of your options. We will guide you through what’s available and help you decide on a course of action that makes the most sense for your home.

 

  • Seal Your Doors – Cracks and crevices around your front door is another location that can cause you to lose energy. Want to save 10% on your heating bills? The U.S. Department of Energy reported homeowners who caulk or put weather-stripping around their doors and windows can do just that.
  • Assess Your Siding – Cracks in your siding can give your home a less than ideal look, but what is also affected is how efficiently it can insulate your home. Residing your property before winter hits is a great way to boost energy savings, add value to your home and improve curb appeal.

 

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What Our Customers Are Saying About Us!

McCann Windows and Exteriors has been serving Northbrook, IL, and its surrounding areasWhat Our Customers Are Saying About Us!. thumbs up since 1990. From day one, our goal was to exceed our customer’s expectations with all of our services, and today, in 2016, that goal remains the same. We strive to offer nothing short of spectacular experiences, but efforts mean little without results. It’s one thing to claim a company offers a great product, and it’s another to deliver on that claim. We believe that a job well done can speak for itself, and our customers have done a lot of that over the years! Check what people have been saying recently about us!

  • “You are the only service company I don’t have to call twice. You always come when you say you will.”
  • “Superior service! I replaced all my windows in my new home having never used McCann Windows before. Every detail was met beyond my satisfaction! I recommend them highly and would use them again!”
  • “McCann Windows just replaced 13 windows for us. The entire team did a great job, from showing us possible window types, to ordering, to installation. Any questions I had were answered promptly and in a friendly manner. I highly recommend this company.”
  • “What a breath of fresh air! A company that shows up on time, gives free estimates, carries a quality product, and has professional workmen… I will use them again in the future!”
  • “Everything went well, from choosing the correct windows for our room, to the installation process. They did the work very fast, it was all done in one day. They also did a nice job of cleaning up after the work was completed.”

We serve homeowners in the Chicago northern and north shore suburbs and the surrounding towns and villages.

Arlington Heights, Barrington, Barrington Hills, Deerfield, Evanston, DesPlaines, Fort Sheridan, Glencoe, Glenview, Grayslake, Gurnee, Hawthorn Woods, Highland Park, Highwood, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Lincolnwood, Mundelein, Northbrook, Northfield, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Skokie, Tower Lakes, Vernon Hills, Wadsworth, Wauconda, Wheeling, Wilmette, Winnetka

Contact McCann Window & Exteriors today to request a free quote at 847.892.4071 or by using the scheduling form (click here).

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Find Out Which Window Manufacturer is Right for Your Home

We Work with the Best Window Manufacturers

Here, at McCann Windows and Exteriors, located in Northbrook, IL, we strive to offer Best Window Manufacturers nothing short of great services. But in order to offer a superior service, a similar quality in products has to be offered as well. When it comes to our windows, we offer some of the biggest and best brands to compliment our installation services. But with several brands to choose from, it can be a tricky process to navigate which ones are right for your home. To make your decision a little easier, check out some examples of where each of these window manufacturers really shines.

  • Pella – If diversity and options are what you are after, Pella might be your go-to window manufacturer. Pella offers a wide range of unique features to fit any style and budget.
  • Marvin – Hand-made, durable, and long-lasting more your speed? While all of the brands we offer are built-to-last, Marvin’s built-like-a-tank durability is rivaled by few.
  • Sunrise Windows & Doors – Performance and efficiency. With the best materials and components, Sunrise ensures their window and door products are superior in aesthetics, comfort, and efficiency. All of their products endure rigorous tests that ensure that your home is safe and keeps your house comfortable.
  • James Hardie – This manufacturer is known for really making a home’s windows pop! This is probably one of the nicest looking products we have to offer. When great curb appeal is the goal, no one quite does it like James Hardie.

Have you made your decision? Contact us and let us know how we can help you with your next window installation.

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Who are McCann Windows and Exteriors?

McCann Company Principles

Every business has something that it claims makes its business stand out, and this often McCann Company Principles. window installationtranslates into reasons why the customer should use those services over another. McCann Windows and Exteriors, located in Northbrook, IL, is not an exclusion to this rule, but rather than tell you about our knowledgeable and skilled tradesman, we’d rather present our company’s principles. What truly makes us stand apart from our competition is a great dedication to our community and our forward, honest approach to how we do business. We don’t ever want our customers to feel like another number in the system, but rather, like they have hired a friend in the community they can communicate their goals easily. We want to help you make decisions for your home that fit both your lifestyle and your budget. We believe that when you support your community, your community supports you.

So what are our company principles?

  1. We openly tell the whole truth to our customers.
  2. We sell products that do what we say they do.
  3. We sell products at a fair price.
  4. We continually strive to improve product lines and methods of installation and service.
  5. We tell customers the truth about problems.
  6. We treat work associates fairly, honestly, and as human beings.
  7. We operate our business within the parameters of the law.
  8. We include pertinent others in our business decisions, in order to give ourselves, our business, and our customers the greatest chance of success.
  9. We stand up for ourselves, our business, and what we believe to be right, in order to protect our company and our customers.
  10. We do not tolerate employees or associates who do not comply with these standards

It’s easy to say we follow these ideals, but unless the customers and the community can see your words in action, it has little impact. Sometimes it’s best to let your work speak for itself, and our customers have given us some great feedback over the years that really drives home who we are as a company.

If you would like to keep up with what we have going on at McCann Windows and Exteriors, you can follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter,