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Understanding Window Replacement Cost

As every homeowner knows, discovering that you need to replace something can be a serious hassle. It’s difficult to know where to start and, if it’s significant, you have a limited time frame.

While none of us wants to think about it beforehand, it’s a good idea to consider what could affect your window replacement cost in the future. That way, you’ll be prepared long before you find yourself with a draft or leak. With any luck, you can avoid having to make a split decision about who you intend to hire for the job. Let’s get started then.

Window Types

The style or “type” of window you’re replacing is a significant factor in cost. For example, casement window replacement cost tends to be lower than that of a bay window. In most cases, windows that require more materials or are unwieldy are more expensive.

Double-hung windows are pretty standard windows and can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,600. Casement windows tend to be between $800 and $2,000. Awning windows range between $900 and $2,300. With bay windows, you can expect to spend anywhere from $2,900 to $7,900. Custom windows tend to fall between the price of an awning window and a bay window.

Another factor, outside of general shape, is the interior grilles. The more decorative and numerous they are, the more expensive the unit. Grilles can also affect how your window panes fit into the sash. If the break up the glass, as opposed to allowing for a single sheet, you can expect them to be more expensive. Most windows today use full sheets of glass for each sash.

Sash And Frame Materials

As previously mentioned, materials frequently play a role in the cost of your home window replacement. For most sellers, the choice is between vinyl and wood. However, some places also carry aluminum units. Very few companies carry fiberglass and composite units, but those are technically an option.

Typically, vinyl windows are the cheapest and wood units are the most expensive. A wood unit tends to cost twice that of vinyl. Wood windows often have more stylistic options, though. Some historic homes are required by local code to have wood units. Aluminum units can range from 30 percent to 200 percent more expensive than vinyl windows. Many manufacturers are now moving away from aluminum units, however.

At one point, aluminum was considered one of the more durable materials. As is often the case with metal, these windows conduct heat. This causes them to have high u-values. As a result, they lower the energy efficiency rating of the window. This has caused many to reconsider vinyl window replacement cost, as it’s proving to be more efficient and effective.

Glass

The glass used is having an increasing impact on the overall cost of house window replacement. There are several different types of architectural-grade glass. You can choose to prioritize either energy efficiency, durability, or aesthetics.

There are three options for energy-efficient windows. You can choose between multiple panes of glass, insulated glass, or a glass coating. Having multiple panes of glass is common for older homes since they tend to have thicker walls. Three panes of glass are usually the most used in a window unit. The average modern house can handle up to two panes of glass, however. Two panes of glass are often insulated with argon to help with heating and cooling.

Coatings are either Low-E or general tinting. Both combat solar heating, it’s more a question of visual effect. The cost can vary, but multiple panes generally are more expensive. However, under certain circumstances, insulated glass is more efficient than Low-E. Several nationwide “green” initiatives across the U.S have made it easier to get energy-efficient windows. Most states have rebates to help offset the cost.

The durability of the glass makes sense as a priority in high-risk areas. Most people choose from either laminated or tempered glass. The perks for laminated glass is that it won’t shatter if broken. Tempered glass can withstand high impacts and is less expensive than laminated glass. Custom and colored glass tend to be more expensive than the other choices.

Labor

Labor for a routine window replacement cost varies. The average labor cost for replacing the sash ranges between $150 and $800 per window. Full frame replacement is slightly different. It allows the installer to check for water damage in the rough opening. Full frame window replacement cost is typically between $150 and $1,000.

The labor cost to install windows can vary significantly. The cost to install a window in an existing wall can run you anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000 per window. New window installation is more involved than simply replacing the sash. Home window installation requires removing and replacing siding as well as creating a new rough opening. So it makes sense that window installation cost is much higher.

Hiring a professional, despite adding to your overall cost, will save you in the long run. Unless you have professional experience, there’s no guarantee you’ll abide by every local code. Professional installers also have years of experience and can recognize the minutest sign of both mold and rot.

Online Resources

It might be tempting to think there aren’t many companies that offer window installation near me outside of Home Depot. Finding a local installer, however, can lower costs and ensure the windows meet local requirements. You may even be surprised by how many locally owned companies there are. There’s no shame in googling window replacement near me, though.

It’s also easy to find a window replacement cost estimator and window installation cost calculator online. These online tools can help you figure out the total cost of your next project. Some companies sponsor cost estimators. Several websites base their calculations on information from national databases.

With all this in mind, it’s best to get a specific cost estimate from your chosen company 3 to 4 months before you’re ready to install anything. You should probably do this with three companies to compare prices.