Bay window installation costs $2,350, on average
A bay window costs $2,350 on average, though it varies based on whether the window is new or a replacement, the size, style, frame material, and more. Individual bay windows range from about $900 for a smaller, single-pane bay window made of vinyl to over $7,100 for larger bay windows with energy-efficient glass and extras, like built-in seating for a cozy reading nook, customized designs, or exterior modifications. Read on for a breakdown of all the factors that impact the price for bay windows in your home.
| Low Cost | Average Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $900 | $2,350 | $7,100 |
Bay Window Installation Cost Breakdown
Bay window costs range from $1,200 for professional installation of a simple bay window to over $8,100 for a pro to install a large bay window with custom features that turn a basic wall of your home into a relaxing reading nook or sunny dining spot. The price for bay windows depends on the size, type, style, and material of the window itself, plus labor fees.
Window Size
Most bay windows are about 4 to 10 feet wide and 3 feet tall, with the average bay window cost at $2,350. A small window at 4 feet wide and 3 feet tall costs around $300 to $800, plus about $300 for labor. A large window over 10 feet wide may cost $850 to $3,850, plus up to $1,000 for installation. Labor costs may be lower for smaller windows, as they are lighter and easier to install.
| Bay Window Size | Average Cost (Including Installation) |
|---|---|
| 4 feet by 3 feet | $600 – $1,800 |
| 6 feet by 3 feet | $700 – $2,800 |
| 8 feet by 3 feet | $760 – $3,200 |
| 10 feet by 3 feet | $1,150 – $4,850 |
Type of Bay Window
If you’re just looking for a space to grow fresh herbs in the kitchen, a box bay window is perfect and one of the least expensive bay window options starting around $700 for the window materials. Standard full bay windows or oriel bay windows, which offer classic decorative elements ideal for Gothic- or Tudor-style homes, are priced similarly, around $800 to $2,500 per window.
Circle bay windows are a more expensive option, around $2,500 each, due to their curved glass panels. Bow windows, which have about four to six glass panels compared to bay windows that have three panels, tend to be the most expensive at $3,000 to $10,000 per window.
Bay Window Style
More complex bay window styles, like Victorian or Tudor styles with extra flourishes and supports, tend to fall in the higher end of the cost range for bay windows. Modern bay windows can also be more expensive, since circular bay windows, around $2,500 each, are considered to be a more modern style. Mid-century modern and craftsman bay windows are simple while still adding more living space and plenty of natural light and cost less than some other bay window styles.
Material
Bay window prices depend on the type of material. If you live in an area that has a mild climate, you can save by installing vinyl or aluminum bay windows, which are lightweight and some of the least expensive materials but aren’t suited to harsh temperatures. More durable and energy-efficient materials, like fiberglass and steel, tend to cost more.
Vinyl: Vinyl bay windows cost around $600 to $2,950 each. This material is durable and low-maintenance but doesn’t stand up well to hotter temperatures.
Aluminum: Aluminum, which costs $400 to $2,050 per window, is resistant to deterioration but isn’t great for insulation, making it best for warmer climates.
Fiberglass: Durable, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient, fiberglass is a reliable mid-range choice at $400 to $2,500 per window.
Wood: A wood bay window costs about $900 to $4,000. While wood needs a lot of maintenance, like sealing and staining, it is easily customizable and a high-quality material.
Steel: Less common than other options, steel bay windows cost about $1,600 to $5,400 each but are strong enough to last a lifetime and perfect for a more modern home.
Delivery Fees
Many companies will include delivery fees in the cost of bay window installation. But if you live outside the city and the workers have to drive several miles to deliver the windows, you may see higher delivery fees.
Labor and Permits
Even small bay windows can be tricky to install, so hiring a bay window specialist near you is the best option and usually costs $300 to $1,000 per window, depending on the complexity of the project. You may spend more if you need to retrofit your home for a bay window, especially if you’ll be altering the exterior of the house.
Most cities require permits if you’ll be doing work on the outside of the house, which may be necessary if you’re installing a bay window for the first time or replacing a standard window with a bay window. Permits for windows usually cost about $50 per window, but you can expect to spend an average of $430 to $2,300 on building permit costs.
Price for Bay Windows by Type
Depending on the type of window you want, the cost will vary. Box bay windows are the least expensive option, but offer just enough space for a small herb garden or a place for your cat to nap. Circle bay windows and bow windows, which are slightly different from traditional bay windows, tend to be the most expensive options. Here’s a look at how much each type of window will cost, before labor fees.
Box Bay Window
Box bay windows cost about $700 each and are a great way to bring in a little more light and fresh air to a kitchen or bedroom. While they are usually no larger than 4-feet-by-4-feet, box bay windows add just enough space to add some pots of basil or set up a comfortably sunny and breezy space for your cat to relax.
Full Bay Window
Full bay windows, which cost $800 to $2,100 each plus labor fees, have a middle panel of glass flanked by two angled panels of glass. This type of bay window is a good choice if you want to build out a small reading or dining nook.
Oriel
Oriel bay windows cost $900 to $2,500 each. They bring a traditional look to a home and are especially popular for Gothic- or Tudor-style homes. This type of bay window has ornately decorated supports.
Bow Window
Are you weighing bow windows vs. bay windows? Bow windows are more expensive at $3,000 to $10,000 per window, but they tend to be larger and heavier than bay windows. Bow windows consist of four to six glass panels that bring in tons of natural light and panoramic views of the neighborhood.
Circle Bay Window
For a modern look, consider circle bay windows, which cost about $2,500 each. This type of window has a higher cost than other bay windows because the glass panels are curved and usually taller, around 6 to 8 feet high.
Additional Costs to Consider
The price to install bay windows can also depend on other factors, like insulation and waterproofing, and whether or not the home needs repairs or structural work for new bay windows.
New vs. Replacement Window
New bay window installation costs about $2,700 for labor and materials. If your home isn’t already equipped to support a bay window, you’ll spend another $500 to $3,000 for this project. Replacing a window costs about $1,800 for bay windows and is easier and less expensive, since the wall is already made to support this type of window.
Bay Roof Addition
Bay roof additions cost $3 to $30 per square foot, depending on the roof material. Bay windows jut out slightly from the home, so the roof needs to extend over the bay windows. Your home’s roof eaves may extend over the bay windows already, but if not, you’ll need to add a bay roof.
Shingles: $3 to $15 per square foot
Metal: $4 to $20 per square foot
Copper: $11 to $30 per square foot
Structural Repairs
Structural repairs range from $300 to $1,000 for siding and trip work to between $500 and $3,000 to create a new opening to accommodate a bay window. It’s important to have the window installation team inspect and repair the wall before and after installing a bay window. The wall must support the bay window and prevent leaks during inclement weather.
Insulation
Insulating the bay window can add $450 to $3,000, but this added step makes your window more energy-efficient, meaning you’ll spend less on utility bills. You can improve your bay window’s insulation by investing in high-quality material, like fiberglass or steel, that is more energy-efficient and have insulative properties.
Waterproofing
Similar to insulation, waterproofing costs $450 to $3,000 but pays off by minimizing risks of costly water damage. Waterproof bay windows may help prevent leaks during rainy or snowy weather.
Energy-Efficient Windows
Even if you don’t purchase a window frame made with an insulative material, you can boost the energy efficiency of your bay windows for a 25% higher cost with triple-pane or gas-filled glass. You can find energy-efficient bay windows with low-E glass coatings for about $800 to $3,700.
Clean Up and Disposal Fees
If you’re replacing an old bay window or opening a wall to add a new bay window, the installers will dispose of the old window and clean up after the construction process for an additional $450.
Cost to Install a Bay Window Yourself
Installing a bay window yourself costs about $900 to $7,100, depending on the size and type of bay window. You can save about 10% to 15% of the cost of installing a bay window by DIYing, but keep in mind that this can be a massive project. You’ll need several sets of hands to help out. Plus, improper installation can lead to sticker shock on your utility bills if the window isn’t insulated well, costly water damage if there are leaks, or an expensive bay window replacement if the window collapses.
DIY Costs vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a bay window on your own can save $300 to $1,000 of the project total, but hiring a bay window installation professional is worth the investment. Bay windows are large and heavy, and if you’re adding one to your home for the first time, a lot of structural construction and possibly electrical work needs to be done.
You may be able to help with prep work or cleanup to save some of the cost of installation, but only DIY if you have extensive construction experience.
How to Save While Installing a Bay Window
Installing a bay window is an investment that can improve your own happiness with your home and the home value if you decide to sell one day. But if you want to cut down costs, there are some options to reduce the project bill.
Keep It Simple
If your budget allows for extra design elements or customizations, feel free to splurge on a window that will suit your style. But add-ons like specialized window coatings or ornate decorations will add to the final price. Consider a more minimalist design to save on bay window installation costs.
Get Multiple Quotes
When researching bay window installation companies, talk to multiple providers and get at least three quotes to find the best price. Don’t instantly opt for the lowest price, though. Double-check what each installation service includes in the rate to get the best value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bay windows add some square footage to the inside of your home, plus they bring in more natural light and views of the neighborhood or countryside. These perks will add some value to your home.
Bow windows are typically more expensive than bay windows. Bow windows cost about 1.5 to 2.5 times more than bay windows on average because they have more panels of glass and tend to be wider and heavier to install.
If your bay window installation involves changes to the outside of your house, you’ll likely need planning permission and to pay for building permits before continuing with the project. This helps ensure that the window will be installed correctly and won’t damage the structural integrity of your house.
Bay windows consist of three window panels, which will take about 30 minutes each, or 1.5 hours total, to install if you are replacing an old bay window. Replacing a standard window with a bay window will take a full workday for the installation crew. Opening a wall is more intensive, and can take several days to open the wall before installation and repair the siding after installation.
Most of the time, you can take out a normal window to put in a bay window. Keep in mind this project may involve expanding the wall opening to make the window bigger and making changes to the structure of the home.
