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- Typical Range: $300 to $1,200
As windows get older, they become less efficient and possibly even dangerous, prompting many homeowners to explore the idea of window replacement. The typical range for window prices is $300 to $1,200 per window. Different factors can contribute to cost, such as installation requirements, window frame material, size, and type. The use of inserts or full-frame replacement can also factor into price, as can the type of glass chosen and any labor associated with window replacement or installation.
Window replacement and installation contributes to increased energy efficiency and often boosts curb appeal, raising the market value of your home. The short- and long-term benefits are often worth the window replacement costs, especially if it means you will save on heating and cooling bills and improving the overall comfort of your home.
Window Prices: The Major Cost Factors
Calculating window prices can be difficult, as the costs of the various factors will differ. Total costs vary due to differences in installation, local climate, types of windows, and more. For example, if you live in an area with a cold climate, triple-pane windows offer the best protection and insulation against cold wind and storms. They are more expensive than single- or double- pane windows, but they will work the best in a colder climate. If you’re located in a milder climate, double-pane windows are often the go-to for adequate insulation.
Size and Style
Large windows generally cost more to install than smaller windows. If you’re installing multiple windows, then the price can go up exponentially. Size is not the final determination of cost, as the style of the window influences it as well. The most common window styles are single hung, double hung, casement, sliding, and basement. Additional costs may be incurred if installing custom windows or bay or bow window styles.
Material
The window frame material you choose will greatly impact the overall price of the window replacement. The most common window materials are vinyl and wood. Other materials available are composite, aluminum, and fiberglass. Wood is the most expensive material, but it will last the longest when maintained properly. Composite is a mixture of PVC and wood and is a relatively affordable option, while vinyl is the least expensive.
Glass Type
New windows can help you save money on utility bills and make your home more comfortable. Windows are typically rated by U-factor: the lower the U-factor, the more energy-efficient and expensive the windows are. Window replacement experts have found that double-pane windows can help homeowners save up to 24 percent in cold climates and up to 18 percent in warmer climates in the summer months. Triple-pane windows cost 15 to 40 percent more than double-pane windows, but they will pay for themselves over time. Impact-resistant glass, also known as hurricane or inner-membrane windows, can run between $25 to $55 per square foot plus increase installation costs by an additional $30 to $50 per hour.
Customization
Examples of additional costs for window replacement would be installing thermally insulated energy-efficient windows, extra-large windows or window walls, or second- or third-floor windows. Other customization options include installation of custom security bars, adding post-installation window tinting or fade-resistant UV protection, changing a door to a window, removing and moving a window, and repairing siding around a window. Some of these options likely require a building permit.
Additional Costs and Considerations
When buying windows, homeowners may incur unavoidable costs related to their purchase. For example, many homeowners may not consider themselves qualified to install windows and will therefore hire professionals to do the installation or replacement for them. Labor usually runs $30 to $50 an hour, and most contractors will bid a flat rate with labor included. Labor costs can vary, though: If windows are installed on the second or third floor of a home, limited access can increase the total paid. Additional costs can be incurred, such as if there is custom work to be done or if the window replacements or installations are to be done on a historical property.
Installation and Labor
According to HomeAdvisor, window installation costs on average $5,860, or between $2,950 and $9,051. Labor typically costs $150 to $800 per window, or about $40 an hour per person. A single window unit can run between $300 and $1,200 for standard sizes, and custom or bay windows can cost up to $2,000 or more on average. Installing windows on the second floor or above will likely require additional equipment such as scaffolding, ladders, and safety harnesses, so it is likely to be more expensive. The price of labor is usually included in the total quote provided by a professional. To find more specific pricing for window replacement or installation and labor, contact a local window installer. Alternatively, searching for “window replacement near me” can help provide answers.
Permits
Permit requirements vary from city to city and state to state. Some cities do not require a permit for simply replacing windows, while others do. There are some cities that require a permit if your home is located within a designated historic district or is a historic landmark. Most cities will require a permit if you decide to change the size of a window or want to convert a window to a door or vice versa. It’s recommended to check if you’ll need a building permit for window installation or window replacement in your area before starting work on your home.
Window Prices By Type
There are many options to choose from when deciding to replace windows. Two main factors that affect cost are window design and window frame material. Personal taste and the interior design of your home can help determine the window style that will work the best. There are beautiful options in double-hung, single-hung, casement, sliding, bay, and bow windows. When choosing a window type for your home, it’s also important to consider how often the window will be opened and where the window will be located within your home. Most types of windows can come in any material, which will ultimately also affect the overall price of window replacement.
Double Hung
Double-hung windows range in price from $150 to $650. The double-hung window is the most common type of window that homeowners install. Windows in this style allow both the top and bottom sashes to move up and down for increased airflow, and they usually tilt out for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Single Hung
Single-hung windows usually cost between $100 and $400. With single-hung windows, the bottom sash moves up and down and the top sash remains stationary. This means when the window is open, the top sash will be covered on the inside.
Casement
Casement windows can range anywhere from $150 to $1,000 depending on material type. Vinyl styles are the least expensive, and wood styles are at the top of the cost estimate. Casement windows swing out to the side or up to open. Some models will open from the left or right side with a hand crank. These windows are made from solid glass and offer a less obstructed view. A casement window usually comes with one casement pane on the left and one on the right.
Sliding
Sliding sash windows usually cost from $150 to $800, depending on the construction material. Sliding windows work like a single- or double-hung window, but they move horizontally instead of vertically. They are available in styles that allow one or both sides of the window to move.
Custom Windows
Custom windows can range from $500 upward to $13,000 or more. If you have a space that you want to fill with a large window and standard window sizes won’t do, custom windows are likely the best option. Custom windows are developed from the dimensions measured by you or a contractor and given to the window manufacturer.
Basement
Basement windows cost anywhere from $50 to $650. Basement windows can be some of the cheapest windows to install, but it’s important to consider quality basement windows to ensure against water leakage and mold growth. Some areas require egress windows to be installed in a basement for safety reasons. Egress windows can cost from $650 to $2,500. These types of windows provide an additional escape route from the house in case of a fire or other emergency. Egress windows are usually required by code for basement-level bedrooms.
Bay or Bow
Bay windows cost $600 to $2,500, and bow windows average $1,000 to $4,500. Bay windows protrude from the exterior wall and create a small shelf inside. Bay windows use flat windows set in an angled frame—a flat center window and two side windows set at a 30- to 40-degree angle. A bay window costs more due to the large size of the window and the needed expertise of a skilled window installer. Bow windows rely on custom curved windows that create a circular area. The overall cost of bow window installation depends on the number of window panels used and the overall large size of the window.
Do I Need New Windows?
How do you know when it’s time to replace windows? For some homeowners, it may be very obvious: There’s visible condensation on the glass or between the window panes, there are significant drafts coming from the windows, there are cracked or broken window panes or window frames, or the windows no longer operate smoothly. Some other reasons creep up until they’re hard to ignore: increasing heating and cooling costs, window panes that become hot or cold to the touch, and the gradual increase of outside noise permeating the home. Some homeowners will decide to replace windows when selling their home since window replacement generally increases the value of the house as well as makes for a significant return on investment (ROI). It’s been estimated that the average ROI for a window replacement project is about 75 percent. That depends, of course, on window quality, the value of the house, and local real estate conditions. Here are a few significant reasons to consider window replacement.
High Utility Costs
If you notice drafts or that the window pane is cold to the touch in the colder winter months, that means warm air from the furnace is getting cooled significantly when it gets within a few feet of the windows. What a waste! Older windows don’t properly insulate the house and are vulnerable to leaks; modern well-insulated windows are energy-efficient and are designed to have a tight seal. Newer windows that keep your home comfortable in both cold and warm weather can help significantly lower heating and cooling costs over the course of a year. In addition, replacing windows with Energy Star-rated varieties not only helps with utility bills, but they may qualify you for local or federal energy rebates.
Too Much Noise
Can you hear cars driving past your house or people’s conversations as they walk by? Older windows transfer sound vibrations from outside into your home. The best energy-efficient windows absorb the sound waves that disrupt the quiet time inside.
Safety Concerns
One of the most obvious signs that you need to replace your windows is broken or decaying window frames. Wooden window frames exposed to moisture, leaks, and decay can signal serious safety concerns. Damp and leaky windows encourage mold growth. Mold spore inhalation can cause serious respiratory illness, and a key way to prevent mold growth and illness is to replace the entire window.
Fade and UV Protection
Large windows let in all the beautiful light, but all that light can contribute to the fading of furniture, carpeting and rugs, artwork on the walls, and flooring. The addition of fade and UV coating and laminated glazing on windows can help block harmful UV rays from penetrating into your home.
Damaged or Broken Windows
Damaged or broken windows are a serious issue. It’s important to fix cracks in a window frame before they get worse. Cracks in a window pane can negatively impact energy efficiency and drive up heating and cooling costs. They are also a safety hazard. Simply replacing a cracked window pane may work for a newer window, but if the window is 15 years old or more, it’s recommended to replace the entire window.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
As a homeowner, you’re probably looking to save as much money as possible when tackling a home improvement project. It is possible for a homeowner to buy The Home Depot windows or Lowes windows and install them themselves, but a homeowner may not have access to the variety of window options and designs that are available to a professional window installation company.
Other aspects to consider are the tools and equipment that are needed to correctly install or replace windows. A homeowner may save money on labor when installing their own windows, but they will likely have to spend extra money for the proper tools to complete this task correctly and safely.
If the windows aren’t installed correctly, this would negate the benefits of the new energy-efficient windows. By hiring a professional window installer, a homeowner can have peace of mind knowing that the windows are installed correctly and that they will get the maximum return on their investment. If homeowners would like to complete part of the project on their own, doing the preparation work or taking on the finishing touches are usually good options. Leaving the heavy lifting to the professionals is usually the best bet for window replacement or installation.
How to Save Money
Window replacements and installations are expensive, and a whole-house window replacement can quickly drain a bank account. Buying cheaper windows is one way to save money, but there are other methods to do so without compromising on quality.
- Install contractor- or builder-grade windows. Contractor- or builder-grade windows are a basic product for window replacement and are generally cheaper than architectural-grade windows.
- Avoid unnecessary extras. Window companies usually offer add-ons and features that can increase the overall price of the window. Items such as in-glass shades and trim supplied and installed by the company may not be important enough to justify additional costs.
- Negotiate for a lower price. Most window replacement companies will negotiate price with you. Price negotiation is expected, and reputable companies will allow for wiggle room in the overall installation price.
- Install common window styles. Generally, opting for common styles and designs makes for less costly window installation. Any type of uncommon shape can drive up the price. The most common styles are double-hung, single-hung, sliding, fixed, and casement windows.
- Get more than one quote. Getting between three and five quotes for window replacement installation is the best way to find out the overall cost and compare prices.
Questions to Ask About Window Prices
Asking a professional the right questions can minimize miscommunication and help get the prices and results you want. Here are some questions to ask about window prices before buying.
- Do you have a showroom?
- Can you provide detailed pricing information on each type of window available?
- Are there hidden fees?
- What materials are used to make these windows?
- What is the warranty?
- Do you have professionals who can install these windows for me?
- Who will measure the windows?
- How long will the installation take?
- Do you have insurance?
- Can I get references?
FAQs
Choosing the best windows for your home can be a daunting process. Here are some frequently asked questions about window prices to help guide you in your decision.
Q: When is the best time to replace your windows?
Window replacement isn’t seasonal, although spring is usually thought of as the best time of the year for window replacement. Window replacement projects can technically be done year-round. Consulting with a professional will help you get an idea of how long the project will take and how to prepare for it during cold or hot weather. Responsible professionals will take appropriate steps to ensure quality installation in any season. Ultimately, the decision rests with the homeowner.
Q: Should you go for triple-glazed windows?
Triple-glazed, or triple-pane windows, are more energy efficient. The addition of three panes of glass provides more insulation: In between each pane is a layer of insulating gas, so a triple-glazed window actually provides five times as many layers of insulation as a single-pane window. Triple-pane windows also help reduce noise by dampening sound. Triple-pane windows with Low-E glass will block out harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays. Low-E windows reflect heat and reduce the strain on a heating and cooling system.
Q: Do double-pane windows make any difference?
Yes. Double-pane windows have two panes of glass, oftentimes with insulating argon gas in between. The added layer makes them more insulating than single-pane windows. Double-pane windows help lower energy costs, prevent cold air drafts, reduce condensation, and lower noise pollution. Compared to single-pane windows, they can also reduce your carbon footprint. Replacing single-pane windows with double-pane Energy Star-certified windows can save 1,006 to 6,205 pounds of CO2 for a typical home, which is equivalent to 51 to 317 gallons of gasoline a year.