There are many factors to consider when it comes to window replacement costs. Our window replacement guide explains the most important ones and how you can save on costs.
If you’ve ever searched the internet wondering, “How much do windows cost to replace?” the answer may not have been as straightforward as you’d like it to be. There are many factors to consider when it comes to a window replacement estimate. But don’t let that intimidate you.
We’ll help you break them all down to get a better understanding of your next home renovation project. From standard window costs to specialty window options, we’ll help you find what you need.
Table of Contents:
- Average Cost Of Window Replacement And Installation
- Primary Factors Involved In Window Replacement Costs
- Additional Costs And Considerations
- Ways To Save On Window Replacement
- Do Your Windows Need To Be Replaced?
- Window Replacement FAQs
Asher Lasting Exteriors will always ensure you have the best window replacement price for your home project.
Average Cost Of Window Replacement And Installation
The typical costs to replace windows can vary between $400 and $1800 in the U.S. So it’s difficult to know if you’re getting a good deal on your window replacements. On the one hand, you want a quality window that will last and provide home improvement with the energy efficiency of your house. On the other hand, you need to have enough funds left over to afford your other expenses.
- High Cost: $1,800
- Average Cost Of Replacing Windows: $850
- Low Cost: $400
The large gap in the cost of window replacement is based on a few factors— the type of window, window frame material, window size, and energy efficiency. Knowing the overall cost of window replacement can help you stay within your budget and avoid surprise expenses down the road.
Replacement Vs New Construction Window Costs
New construction window installation involves removing and replacing the nailing flange that borders the window on the wall’s interior. It is typically reserved for new homes or renovations that involve removing or altering an exterior wall.
New construction windows are typically 10 to 15 percent more expensive. Still, the true cost is the additional labor needed to install them, which can increase your project costs by nearly 100 percent. Replacement windows are often the best choice for home renovation. They are less expensive and cut down on window installation costs.
Read what our customers in Eau Claire, Wisconsin have to say about our window replacement work.
Primary Factors Involved in Window Replacement Costs
Deciding to replace your windows is not easy and can send you down a rabbit hole of questions you didn’t know you needed answering. Many factors are at play when trying to calculate the costs. Each home has different variables that need to be addressed. It’s up to you to determine if your house needs a facelift or if the cold air coming in and faulty locks need to be addressed right away.
Such cost variability means that you must take the research process seriously. For example, suppose all your research has determined that you need to take the plunge and replace your windows. In that case, your next step should be consulting with a contractor about your needs and expectations. The primary factors you should consider when replacing windows are the following:
- Window Material
- Window Type
- Window Size
- Glass Type
- Number Of Windows To Replace
- Labor And Installation
- Insulation
- Location
- Cleanup
- Brand choice
To help facilitate that conversation and determine which windows are right for you, keep these questions in mind:
- Can I expect energy cost savings with new windows?
- Can I match the replacement windows with the overall home design?
- What type of installation method do you use?
- How long will the project take?
- What type of warranty do you offer?
- Are there any additional fees to be aware of?
Window Material
When you’re looking for a window replacement estimate, knowing which window material you want to use for the frame is essential. There are various materials to choose from and colors and textures to match your existing windows and home design. The most popular and affordable is vinyl, but some more expensive and higher maintenance options, such as the ornate wood frames, will last longer or look nicer.
| Type Of Window Material | Description | Average Window Replacement Cost |
| Vinyl | Typically the most affordable, vinyl windows are extremely durable and energy-efficient, which makes them the most popular choice for window replacements. | $100-$900 |
| Wood | Wood window frames offer a beautiful architectural finish to your home, adding more curb appeal. | $150-$1,300 |
| Fiberglass | Slightly more durable material than vinyl, fiberglass windows have great insulation that drives energy-efficient savings. | $110-$1,050 |
| Fibrex | Fibrex frames are made exclusively by Anderson Windows using a thermoplastic polymer and wood fibers to create composite wood. It’s resistant to the cracking and warping that happens to vinyl over time. | $250-$1,400 |
| Aluminum | Although it does not insulate as well as the other materials on this list, it makes up for this in its initial cost. | $75-$400 |
If you are replacing windows in an older home, you may be required to use wood, particularly if you live in a historic district or house. Whether your home is historical or modern, knowing your options regarding window materials is critical.
Window Type
The cost of windows is greatly affected by the type of window being replaced. Window prices vary by size and function – or lack thereof; and different window types address varied intended usages. Therefore, determining the best fit for your intended use is another crucial step in your window replacement process.
| Type Of Window | Description | Average Window Replacement Cost |
| Bay And Bow | They extend from the house, creating a flat area or nook. Bay windows are typically a set of three with a flat middle pane and two adjacent windows, while bow windows have a minimum of five in a curve along with the wall to create a seamless arched frame. | $1,000-$4,000 |
| Awning | It opens outward from the bottom, letting any rain run off the face and not into your home. Since the crank and lock are located at the bottom of the window, these windows are popular near countertops. | $400-$700 |
| Casement | It swings out to the left or right side to open via a hand crank at the bottom. It offers an unobstructed view through a solid pane of glass and often works in pairs with one opening in each direction. | $100-$1000 |
| Double-Hung | It opens vertically with both sashes moving independently of one another. They provide superior air circulation to single-hung windows and easier cleaning as they can tilt inward for better access. The cost to replace double-hung windows is usually on the lower end. | $150-$650 |
| Gliding/ Sliding |
It offers the most glass area and thinnest frame of any window design. It works like single or double-hung windows but moves horizontally instead of vertically. | $150-$800 |
| Picture/ Combination |
They are usually fixed in place and custom-sized to fit your ideal placement. They typically fill in wall space between separate opening windows to bring more natural light inside. When looking at a large picture windows price, it would be higher on the end of the spectrum. | $300-$1,200 |
| Specialty | They are designed to fit the architecture of your house in instances where traditional window styles won’t work. They can be grand arches, perfect circles, long horizontal frames, or any custom window size and shape you can imagine. | $300-$2000 |
Window Size
Hundreds of size options are available directly from any window retailer, but hidden costs are associated with each. For example, while the cost of labor to install windows is often calculated for typical window sizes, that may not always be the case.
In addition, installing larger windows always takes extra time – but it may also take a second installer which will quickly double your labor costs. Smaller windows tend to be less costly to install unless they’re in a hard-to-reach place.
Let’s break down the different available window sizes and the associated costs.
Standard Size Window
The standard window varies in size by a few feet in either direction but is the most common to be found in homes, apartments, and commercial buildings. Since they are so popular, the cost of replacing them is nearly as low as the small windows, between $150 and $500.
Small Window
Small windows are commonly found in bathrooms, entryways, and basements. Since they are less common, basement window replacements cost roughly the same as a standard window, between $150 and $400.
Large Window
Large windows are typically found in commercial buildings, high-end homes, and housing units. The cost to replace them is greater for materials and labor because it takes two people to set it up properly. Large window replacements can cost anywhere from $200 to $1000.
Glass Type
The type of glass used in a replacement window installation can help boost your home’s energy efficiency and lower your monthly bills. Modern window glass is far more advanced than it was just a few decades ago and can quickly add up to a savings of several hundred dollars each year.
- High-Performance Low-E4 Glass: The Low-E4 Glass is 45% more energy efficient in the winter and 56% more efficient in the summer. It also blocks 84% of UV rays that can damage your drapes, furniture, and artwork.
- High-Performance Low-E4 SmartSun Glass: The Low-E4 SmartSun Glass is also 45% more energy efficient in the winter but 70% more efficient in the summer. It goes on to block 95% of harmful UV rays to protect your eyes as well as your home’s interior.
- High-Performance Low-E4 Sun Glass: Low-E4 Sun Glass is the best glass to beat solar heat. A tint coating keeps your home much cooler in warmer weather and reduces the amount of visible light and sunshine streaming in from outside.
Additional Costs And Considerations
Aside from the obvious choices of window type, trim, glass, and color (like bold, black windows or more subtle, white windows), there are several additional factors you need to consider before replacing your windows.
The DIY route can be hazardous, so be sure to calculate the labor cost to install windows into your budget. You’ll also want to consider additional insulation depending on your location. With any home maintenance or renovation project, there will be some cleanup afterward. Here you can either rent a dumpster and do it yourself or hire a contractor to manage all that for you.
We will break each aspect down for you to prepare for these potential costs.
Number Of Windows To Replace
The number of windows that need to be replaced plays a large part in the overall cost of replacing windows. If only one window needs to be replaced, then the project shouldn’t cost too much. If several windows in a room or a house must be replaced, the cost will quickly increase. If you have many window problems and don’t know which windows need to be replaced, ask your window installer which ones you should replace right away.
Labor And Installation
Labor is a significant factor in any job you want to be done around the house, but the cost of getting it done right is far less expensive than the cost of doing it wrong yourself.
Depending on the contractor you use, labor can range between $30 and $60 per hour. If you are replacing multiple windows in your home at once, you’ll likely save on labor costs. If your windows need to be custom-made or fitted into a historic building, the cost of specialist labor can be much higher.
Labor will also be more expensive if you replace a full-frame window instead of a simple new window installation. This is because a full-frame replacement requires more carpentry skills and time.
Insulation
Insulation and waterproofing may be necessary depending on where you live and whether you live there year-round. This typically includes filling the gaps around the window frame to prevent air or water from getting in. Depending on how many windows you’re replacing and the type of insulation you need, costs can vary between $500 and $4,000.
Location
The location of your home can impact more than the type of glass and insulation you need. Local building codes may require you to use a certain frame or exterior trim for new residential window replacements.
Double-pane windows are suitable for most climates, but triple-pane windows will be the most energy-efficient and insulated, particularly if you live in an extreme climate. Ask your trusted window replacement specialist for recommendations based on your geographical location.
Cleanup
The costs of cleaning up and disposing of waste are often calculated into the contractor’s labor estimate. If you are only doing a few windows, you may be able to clean up on your own at no extra cost.
However, if you aim to replace most of the windows in your home, you may need to rent a dumpster for waste disposal. Contractors often have special rates for dumpster rentals, so leaving the cleanup to the professionals could be less costly.
Brand Choice
As you’ve come to see, shopping for windows requires you to make many choices. Choosing a reputable brand with great warranty service is important if you want to avoid repeating this process in just a few years.
The best replacement window brands will cost a bit more than lower-quality brands but are worth it for many reasons, including energy savings and longevity.
Anderson Windows has been our brand of choice for many years because it consistently provides the best house windows on the market at the best prices.
Ways To Save On Window Replacement
Window replacement can be a costly renovation project upfront, but it will save you money in the long run. Don’t give in to the temptation to cut costs by buying cheaper windows. In the end, you’ll have to spend more money and suffer unnecessary headaches.
We’ve compiled a list of ways you can save money while maintaining the quality of the window replacements.
Look For Contractor-Grade Or Builder-Grade Windows
Many people don’t realize that there are several different grades of windows. Architectural-grade windows will be the most expensive, but you could save some money if you inquire with your contractor about using contractor-grade or builder-grade windows. The windows are still high quality and will last for years to come.
Stick To The Standards
The most common windows will almost always be the least expensive because they’re easier to produce and readily available. Oddly shaped windows in unusual sizes will be more difficult to find and, therefore, more expensive.
The most common window types are:
Keep It Simple
Window replacement companies will offer you add-ons to drive up the price of your project. If you’re looking to save money, then you may have to skip the accessories like between-glass shades, ventilated grills, and expensive trim and hardware.
Negotiate Price
Replacement window companies expect you to negotiate the price of your project. In fact, their initial estimate is based upon that assumption. They will likely be ready to compromise if you are willing to discuss your budget and negotiate with them.
Get More Than One Quote
Getting multiple quotes gives you leverage to negotiate the best price possible. Getting at least 3 to 5 quotes before deciding is recommended, but always try for more if there are other options in your area.
Do Your Windows Need To Be Replaced?
Knowing when to replace your windows isn’t always easy, but there are a few signs to look for. Hot or cold air leaking through the windows is a clear giveaway, but condensation between the glass is a less obvious sign that could go overlooked. If there is visible rotting or damage to the frame, or if they just don’t work well anymore, it may be time to upgrade your windows.
Here are a few additional signs that your windows need to be replaced.
Damaged
This could be the most obvious sign that your windows must be replaced. If they are cracked or the frame is broken or rotting, you should get them replaced immediately before the damage spreads.
Rotting frames allow mold to grow in your walls, which can lead to more costly repairs and negative health consequences if not fixed as soon as possible.
Difficult to Operate
Windows may become difficult to operate over time due to the house settling or a warped window frame. It may seem like an unimportant nuisance, but windows that don’t close properly may not lock properly, becoming a safety hazard. They may also leave small gaps for rainwater to leak in creating further damage.
Increased Utility Bills
If you notice your windows are either cold to the touch in the winter or excessively drafty, your furnace will be working overtime to keep your house comfortable. Older windows lack the insulation and technology that allow newer windows to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Replacing your windows can significantly lower your energy bills all year long.
Poor Noise Filtration
If you’ve ever been woken up by the garbage truck, you know the importance of proper noise filtration in a window. Unfortunately, older windows lack the ability that new double or triple pane windows have to keep your house quiet even in a busy city.
Get The Best Replacement Windows On The Market From Asher Lasting Exteriors
When you work with our team of window experts at Asher Lasting Exteriors, replacing windows is never a hassle. We work with you to make sure you get the right windows at the best possible price. We aim to keep our clients informed, satisfied, and relaxed throughout the process, knowing they’re in good hands.
If you have questions or want to learn more about our replacement window services, contact us for more information and a free estimate today. We are proud to serve Eau Claire, WI, and surrounding areas.
Window Replacement FAQs
Window replacement projects can be a daunting task. You want to know you have all your bases covered before making such a big financial decision. So we’ve taken the time to search out some of the most frequently asked questions about window replacements and answer them for you.
Any contractor should be able to answer these and any other questions you may have before you commit to anything.
Are Replacement Windows Worth The Investment?
While repairing existing windows might seem cost-effective initially, it often doesn’t address underlying issues like energy inefficiency or structural deterioration.
In contrast, replacing windows enhances a home’s aesthetics and comfort and significantly improves energy efficiency, potentially leading to substantial long-term savings on heating and cooling costs.
Why Should I Hire A Professional For My Replacement Windows?
There are many reasons to hire a professional for your window replacement. A professional will know how to check for structural damage, mold, and sizing issues. They will also be familiar with the building codes in your area and inform you about which windows you cannot use in your home.
DIY window replacement has many unforeseen dangers, from personal injury to incorrect installation and no quality guarantee.
Do I Need To Replace All The Windows At Once?
This question depends on your project budget and the condition of your windows. If you require any expensive specialty windows, you may want to do those later on. On the other hand, if all your windows are damaged or more than 20 years old, you may want to replace them all at once. In addition, many contractors offer a discount for larger projects as they can utilize their time more efficiently.
What Are The Most Expensive Replacement Windows?
Bay windows are typically the most expensive windows at an average of $2,000. This is because Bay windows are large, and they create extra space for seating. Generally, the larger and less common windows will be more expensive. These include skylights, garden boxes, bows, egress, sliding, awnings, and glass blocks.
Do I Need To Look Out For Window Replacement Scams?
A few window replacement scams to avoid include the bait-and-switch, buy one get one, and now or never. If you take your time and get multiple quotes, these scams shouldn’t be a problem.
A good rule to follow for a large purchase is ‘never buy anything the first day you shop for it.’ If a salesman pushes you to buy with exclusive offers that are limited time only, chances are you will find a better offer elsewhere with a more reputable brand to back it up.
If you live near Eau Claire, Wisconsin, contact our trusted professionals today for your free estimate.
