How Much Does Window Replacement Cost?
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Window replacement costs on average $200 to $1,300 per window. Common high-end windows types can cost between $800 to $1,200. Installation cost can depend on several factors. A whole-house window replacement job averages about $6,000.
After years of home ownership, you'll probably have to replace a few windows in your home. Although you may take your windows for granted, they remain an integral part in maintaining a comfortable home. Unfortunately, these invisible barriers are fragile and can be broken with minimal amounts of force.
Calculating the cost for new windows can be tricky, as there are many factors contributing to the final price. The cost to replace windows will vary upon size, amount of windows needed, style and quality, but despite the many brands and options available, affordable replacement windows are easy to find if you know what you're looking for.
Are Your Window Frames Rotting?
Before you estimate replacement costs, it's important to inspect the existing window frames for damage or rot from insects and moisture. If the window's frame is soft to the touch, cracking or showing other signs of wear, it will need to be replaced. If it's still solid, you can opt to simply install new glass, which will save you money.
Typical frames include wooden frames and vinyl frames. Vinyl frames are inexpensive compared to wood. Vinyl also has a longer life span and the frames are easy to clean - they are marketed as low maintenance.
Wooden frames tend to be expensive and high maintenance. They need to be painted or stained. Without maintenance they peel and rot due to water damage.
If you have to replace the wooden frames, expect your final price for installation and material to double.
Do You Want to Replace Windows?
Before you construct a window-replacement estimate, it's important to have a general idea as to where you plan on making a purchase.
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Big-box stores may be the best option if you don't want to get "hands on." These stores will generally have fair prices for materials and great insurance or warranties, but the commission and installation costs may be high.
For a complete window installation, find your own qualified contractor and window manufacturer. For a standard-size, double-hung, double-pane (energy efficient), vinyl window, expect to pay between $450 and $600, including installation.
Wood windows are more expensive. The cost of a wood replacement window can range between $800 and $1,000 per installation.
If the entire window and framing has to be removed (down to the studs), be prepared to add at least $50 to $100 per installation. This is referred to as "new construction" windows or "full-frame" replacement windows, and requires more work at an additional cost.
Although the overall cost to replace windows can be very steep, it should be looked at as an investment. Windows are high-value and highly visible, so you can reasonably expect your home's value to increase.
Types of Windows
Depending on climate or preferences, there are several different types of windows, each of which features its own set of attributes.
What Are Common Double-Hung Window Prices?
Double-hung windows cost between $280 to $360, depending on the quality of glass and the type of frame. Your options are endless, and you can find deals to lower the price.
Double-hung windows are designed to be opened from the top or bottom, are great for hard-to-reach areas, and are generally the most inexpensive. These traits make double-hung windows the most commonly installed type.
How Much Are Tilt-Out Windows?
Tilt-out, tile and turn or tilting windows cost on average between $250 and $500. There are smaller tilting types for glass block windows and other applications that can be roughly $150.
Tilt-out windows fold in or out to reveal the glass's exterior, which allows it to be cleaned from inside your home. These types of windows are great for areas where exterior accessibility is limited, but they are typically more expensive than standard double-hung windows.
How Much Do Double-Pane Windows Cost?
The price of double glazed windows ranges from $115 to $250. Double pane or double glazed windows are renowned for their energy saving ability.
Double-pane glass is widely available with the different encasement types, but it does carry an enhanced cost. Double-pane glass features an airtight space that is filled with inert gas. This space acts as a barrier between the outside weather conditions and the house temperature. This method of construction helps with climate control, and paired with a properly sealed home, you can expect to save on utility costs. Owners of older homes with old windows can expect to save up to $250 annually on energy bills.
What Is High Performance Glass?
Depending on your environment (or your wallet), you might want to explore the performance offered from the different types of specialty glass. You can get triple-pane windows for added savings, impact-resistant windows for areas of extreme conditions, or windows with shades built between the glass for a touch of modern living. These high-performance glass types are the most expensive to procure, but the added benefits may be worth the extra cost.
High performance glass, such as triple pane windows, are more suitable for areas with extreme weather conditions like hail storms. The glass is impact resistant hence highly durable.
How Does Labor Affect Window Replacement Cost?
Labor can be charged per hour or per project. The cost per project depends on the type of window as well as the size of the window. The standard cost for replacing a window including the frame is $700 for wooden frames and $600 for vinyl frames. The cost of removing old frames ranges from $50 to $250.
What Type of Glass Do You Want?
The type of glass is important because it can contribute to energy bill savings and impact resistance depending on your geographical location. Tinted glass windows are good for reducing the suns glare, UV rays or the sun’s heat. The film in tinted windows makes them much easier to clean since they are water resistant. The cost of tinted windows is between $5 and $8 per square foot.
You can select from a very wide variety of window designs and frames. Commonly homeowners replace the glass of their windows. Frames are mostly replaced in cases of mold or water damage. The cost of replacing a window will depend on the glass, frame and labor.
Window replacement may be due to a lot of factors. Its recommended to hire a professional window company near you to remove and replace the windows. Installing quality windows can add to the energy bill savings as well as security.
Have you recently installed replacement windows? Let us know your decision-making process to find the best fit for your house.
Editor’s note: This is an updated version of a story first posted on June 17, 2013.