Submit the form for a window replacement cost estimator

Window Replacement Cost Estimator & Variables

The replacement window national average is about $550 per window. However, you might pay as much as $2,000 or as little as $50 per window. How much a window replacement cost will actually depend on many variables. The highest cost will be the window itself in most cases and the labor second. Although when you need to tear out a section of the wall and replace the frame, labor could be a substantial factor.

Will you merely replace the window with another common-sized window? Will you need to replace the framing around the window because of wood rot, water damage, or you want a larger window for a better view?

Home Window Replacement

Home window installation and replacements have many different levels. Replacing a pane of glass could cost $50 when you use a local handyperson. It might be as much as $150 when using a large glass replacement business that has more overhead. However, it could benefit the homeowner to use a replacement company that has licensed installers and liability insurance. Regardless of how careful the professional installer is, accidents happen. Imagine an installer taking down a wall to replace the frame, and a big storm comes up. The consequences could be disastrous without liability insurance.

The full-frame and window installation will cost significantly more than a stock window or “off-the-shelf” replacement. When you need to replace a window and frame completely, there can be many other repairs and costs to consider. For instance, when you make a full-frame replacement in a plaster and lath wall, the cost of labor for repairs can be extensive.

Plus, old-style windows with a single pane should get replaced with double-hung, double-pane windows in areas with a cold climate. These windows are energy efficient and can save you considerably over your home’s lifespan.

Full Frame Window Replacement Cost for Different Windows

Vinyl Window Replacement Cost

Replacing old wood-frame sash windows with modern energy-efficient vinyl windows will save you a great deal on energy costs. These usually start at around $100, but you could spend as much as $850 on vinyl windows. These provide a tight seal, are more durable, and less expensive than wood.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is another choice that is gaining in popularity. However, many homeowners trust vinyl over fiberglass and prefer to pay less. What’s more, vinyl windows generally come with a 15 to 25-year warranty, so why pay more for a fiberglass replacement.

Wood Window Replacement Cost

Wood windows can cost much more than a vinyl window. You can expect $200 to $1,250 for each regular-sized wood window. Despite the expense, many homeowners prefer wood. Plus, when renovating an old home, such as a Victorian or other, and when classic architectural design, wood replacement windows just look more natural. Some zoning codes require traditional homes to use wood replacement windows.

PVC Polymer

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer gets manufactured using plastics, chemicals, and pigments (colors) that resemble wood from a distance and cost anywhere from $500 to $1300, depending on the size. These are supposedly more long-lasting than vinyl or wood and require less maintenance.

Single-Hung

A single-hung sash type window is the old-fashion style, which typically opens solely by sliding the window up from the bottom. What’s more, the top window usually does not open. This makes it more difficult and dangerous to clean the outside of the window on the second and higher floors. But these replacement windows are the least expensive replacements at around $100 to $250 each.

Double-Hung

A double-hung window removes the need to lean out the window or get a ladder to clean its exterior due to the ease of tilting it in and making it easier to clean. Another advantage is the ability of the homeowner to slide the window down slightly to let out stale or smoky air. Double-hung windows are a bargain at $200 to $600 each.

Casement Window Replacement Cost

What’s great about casement windows is the variety of hinges to open the window beyond just sliding it up or down. You can get casement windows that swing out or tilt in. Awning type casement windows have hinges on the top, so you can swing the window out or choose a hopper-style with hinges on the bottom to swing the top out to let smoke escape.

You could choose an FCR window with the hinges on the right, or an FCL, which hinges on the left. These casement windows by lever or crank and form a tighter seal than a sash window. Casement windows can cost $250 to $1,250 depending on style and size. These windows offer more natural ventilation as these could swing out all the way.

Bay, Bow, or Picture House Window Replacement

A large picture window could cost $1,200 to $2,000. A bay or bow window could go for $1,400 to $5,000 depending on the material. Other price variations include size, composition, and style.

The above prices will not include the cost of installation. One of the most substantial factors for a window install is labor when you do not have the tools, talents, or time to DIY.

Labor Cost to Install Windows

When there’s termite or water damage, or rotten wood from age, you can expect to pay more for labor and materials. Typically, a window installation cost calculator should figure on $50 to $100 per working hour for labor. Some contractors charge a flat per window fee of $400 to $500 depending on the framing involved.

Required Materials Help Determine the Window Installation Cost

Some contractors will charge you double what the materials cost for installation. Say the window and frame cost $300; the contractor would charge you $600.

The required changes will determine what materials are needed. The cost to install a window in an existing wall might require more siding or bricks to fill the gap. While on the inside, you might have to replace sheetrock and wall coverings.

DIY Replacements

You might not want to tackle a window replacement by yourself. Windows need to be plumb and level with squared corners. Even a slight miscalculation while hanging a window can affect the operation of components.

Windows that do not get adequately hung could lead to water leakage, moving parts that do not operate as they should, all of which could lead to premature failure. Likewise, a window installed as a DIY could void the warranty.

Hiring a Handy Person or Contractor

A local handy person or contractor could be much cheaper than a supply chain install. But rather than doing an internet search for a “window replacement near me” or ““window installation near me”” and taking your chances, you should consider Major Home Improvements. Their installers can provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.