How Much Does Replacing A Window Cost? 6 Major Cost Drivers
How Much Does Replacing A Window Cost? Consider the cost of a replacement window like buying a vehicle. A vehicle could be a car, truck, etc. There are different manufacturers such as Ford, Bentley, Tesla, etc. There are different grades of vehicles each manufacturer makes. Ford makes a budget friendly Ford Focus, a work vehicle- F250, and a sports car- Ford Mustang. Lastly, each vehicle can have many upgrade options that can fluctuate costs significantly.
I know what you are thinking, why are we talking about cars and not windows. The truth is, all these factors mentioned above vary vehicle costs similar to buying windows. To complicate matters even more, you are dealing with not just the window itself, but an installation. Installation costs can vary greatly based on field conditions, the work required, and who’s installing.
With all this being said, there are 6 major cost drivers on what a window replacement would cost. Please see the table below to get a general idea on the least expensive window replacement to most expensive.
- Window Type
- Window Frame Material
- Window Manufacturer
- Features
- Installation Type
- Installation Contractor
How Much Does Replacing A Window Cost? How Window Types Play In
- Picture $
Typically a picture (fixed non-venting) window is one of the most cost-effective windows that you can buy depending on the size. This is due to it being a non-operational window it is the easiest to manufacturer. Again depending on the manufacturer and size we have received quotes for a small picture window as low as $150/window and a larger wood clad picture window with grids at $1,500.
- Single/Double Hung $$
A single or double hung windows are the most common and most manufactured windows across America. For that reason, they are up there as one of the most cost-effective windows you can buy. A low-end vinyl single or double hung windows can range from a cost of $150 to a high-end wood clad window being $1,200+.
- Slider $$$
Due to the simplicity of operation for sliders they can be a cost-efficient window.
- Casement/Awning $$$$
Casement and awnings are gaining popularity for good reason. They maximize glass size and provide a tight seal and performance. The complexity of the hardware makes these slightly more expensive to manufacturer than a single or double hung window. For this reason, they are typically slightly more expensive than a single or double hung. For a vinyl window we have found them as low as $400/window up and for high end or say twin casements at $1,500+.
- Specialty/Mulled Units $$$$$
Specialty or mulled window units have too extensive of a range with so many options/variations to even give a cost range. Although due to the complexity of manufacturing these will be a more expensive option.
- Bay/Bow/Garden $$$$$$
We have received a wide range of bay and bow window quotes based on the types of windows and projection off the house from $3,000- $7,000+. With mulled units there are many variations and add-on features that prices can range extensively.
How Much Does Replacing A Window Cost? Consider Window Frame Material
- Vinyl $
Vinyl windows are most common today in America and for good reason. With vinyl windows you can maximize the most bang for your buck. As with most things there is a range in quality in vinyl windows. If you are looking for the most cost-efficient window to increase energy efficiency, vinyl windows would be your go to.
- Composite $$
Several big-name manufacturers are carrying a composite window ie. Andersen 100 series and Pella Impervia. A composite window material is very similar to the widely known Trex Deck material. They are manufactured by combining/recycling wood and PVC from their manufacturing process. These windows are strong, resistant to rot, and has lower expansion/contraction than a vinyl therefore less warping. They are more expensive than the typical vinyl but a good happy medium from a wood window.
- Fiberglass $$$
Fiberglass windows are a great choice where temperatures go from very hot to very cold (Pennsylvania weather) or a full sun southern facing windows. They have minimal expansion and contraction with temperature change making a very long-lasting durable window that is resistant to rot. Although, they are a more expensive option than vinyl and composite.
- Wood Clad Vinyl, Aluminum, or Composite $$$$
Wood windows are aesthetically beautiful. Wood is a natural insulator, and has very low expansion/contraction helping prevent movement and warping issues. Although wood obviously can rot and requires more maintenance than say a vinyl or fiberglass window. These windows are going to be some of the most expensive windows that you can buy.
How Much Does Replacing A Window Cost? Window Manufacturers Play a Part
Similar to cars, each manufacturer has several product lines from budget friendly to premier products. Typically, the cheapest window you will be able to get is a big box, standard sized, low-end product line window such as Lowes-Reliabilt or a Home Depot American Craftsman. From there a good cost efficient and good value window will be some Pennsylvania local manufacturers such as Viwinco out of berks county who makes a quality vinyl window. A little more expensive will be the big nationwide name brand vinyl windows ie. a Pella, United, Atrium, Jeld Wen. From there the most expensive windows but very high-quality will be an Andersen or Marvin window.
How Much Does Replacing A Window Cost? Look at Features
Windows can have a wide range of features. Generally the most cost effective energy efficient window you can buy will be a white colored, picture or single/double hung window, standard hardware package, and standard low-e argon filled glass. This will be the window that manufacturer’s make the most quantity of.
Some upgrades that will increase costs would be making the window any color other than white, upgrading hardware packages, adding grids to the glass, and any security or safety glass such as tempered glass (there are code requirements that will required the use of tempered glass) or laminated glass.
How Much Does Replacing A Window Cost? All About Installation
- Clean simple insert (frame-in) $
This means that the existing wood window frame stays in place. A clean simple install would be no exterior trim or capping is required and the interior trim stops can be reused. This is the quickest and simplest installation. Typically the homeowner will chip in by moving furniture prior to install, removing shades/curtains, dispose of the windows, or maybe even paint trim after reinstall.
- Insert (frame-in) $$
Similar to number one, but maybe there’s some additional work required or desired such as new interior trim stops, exterior capping, or painting of exterior or interior trim.
- Full Frame Tear Out $$$
This type of install is sometimes required if the existing wood frame has rotted out or is way out of square. The window and the existing wood frame is removed all the way down to the rough framed opening. This requires interior and exterior trim and is a more difficult installation.
- New Construction Replacement Cut Back Siding $$$
Many homes built with vinyl siding in the 80’s-90’s have new construction windows with the j channel siding butt directly to the new construction window. This causes replacement to be more difficult. The best method for water management is to remove the existing window including the flange in it’s entirety. This either requires siding to be removed or cut back with new trim/flashing work.
- Full Frame Tear Out High End Trim with Paint $$$$
A full frame tear out that has rotten frame can have damage deeper than the window frame. This may include repair of the existing rough opening framing. Additionally, depending on the trim desired on the interior/exterior and painting required this can become an expensive window replacement.
- Bay or Bow $$$$$
Bay or bow windows are a fairly involved process and requires several men to lift and raise the window in the opening. This can cause less productive manpower and therefore a bit more expensive endeavor. Additionally there will be a lot of supplementary work involved either framing, roofing or tying into a soffit, and interior/exterior trim.
How Much Does Replacing A Window Cost? The Homeowner Can Help!
Three ways a homeowner can assist in keeping costs as low as possible that would apply for any of the installation types below would be the following:
1. Homeowner removes window shades and curtains prior to contractor arriving.
2. Homeowner clears the work area prior to the contractor arriving.
3. Homeowner if possible, disposes of the windows with their own trash company.
4. Homeowner does any required painting of interior trim stops.
Some other major cost drivers during install that can increase costs are below.
- Presence of lead based paint-
- Homes built before 1978 with original windows or trim can have the presence of lead based paint. If the windows or trim that have to be removed contain lead based paint there is additional work to keep your home safe from lead based paint dust.
- Accessibility
- Depending on the work involved, any exterior work needing to be done by ladders or scaffolding vs. ground floor installations will be more costly.
- Quantity of windows
- There are some upfront costs for replacing windows. It costs significantly less per window when the company is replacing 4+ windows rather than just replacing one window since all those upfront costs are spread across 4 windows rather than 1.
How Much Does Replacing A Window Cost? Installer Options
When looking at installers you have to decide what you want as a consumer. In general, you can consider looking at most contractors in the lens of the GOOD- FAST- CHEAP Triangle (diagram below).
Typically if a company is:
- Good and fast, they are likely not to be cheap.
- Fast and cheap, they are likely to be lower quality.
- Good and cheap, they are likely to be slower in delivery of service.
In general, these will be the installers you can get.
- HANDYMEN JACK OF ALL TRADES $
- Least expensive
- Less likely to have knowledge of the proper principles of a high-quality window installation as they are generally a jack of all trades master of none.
- Typically, non-warrantied installations.
- May have a less quality installation
2. SMALL LOCAL WINDOW INSTALLERS $$
- Good Value
- Likely slightly lower installation cost due to low overhead expenses
- Higher knowledge of the principles of a high-quality window installation practices and providing the customer with the right window.
- Likely slower delivery or installation time frames due to minimal manpower making installations a little slower and longer timeline of availability.
- Lower pressure sales
- Typically warrantied installs
3. LARGE LOCAL WINDOW INSTALLERS $$$
- Good Value
- Likely high-quality installations
- Likely higher cost of installation due to high overhead expenses
- Likely faster installations due to more manpower. Although may have longer time frames of availability due to being a larger more well-known business.
- Lower pressure sales
- Warrantied installations
4. NATIONWIDE BIG BOX OR BIG NAME WINDOW COMPANIES $$$$
- Wide range of quality of installations due to installations are typically done by subcontractors and less control. These businesses run by high quantity and potentially less individual care for the customer.
- Typically, higher pressure sales due to straight commissioned salesmen.
- Typically, higher cost or lower value due to large overhead expenses. (think good & fast or fast & cheap)
- Limited options for windows. They typically rep one manufacturer
- Warrantied installations
5. RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN $$$$$
- Highest cost due to very high overhead and marketing costs
- High pressure sales
- Only one manufacturer option for windows
- Likely high-quality service or installation (Think good and fast)
Putting It AllTogether – Eisen Window Co.
With all this being said, I know this may be overwhelming for most. Below I will try and put it all together and give you some rough numbers if Eisen Window Co. were to handle your window replacements.
Cost Range
LOW END $575-$650/Window: This is a range on the low end if we were to install a clean simple frame in (insert) budget friendly double hung window where the owner is willing to do some tasks to save on money ie. remove shades, paint trim stops.
MID RANGE $700-$850/Window: This is for maybe for a more premium vinyl window with some additional features or maybe a budget friendly vinyl window for a more complex installation.
AVERAGE= $850-$950/Window
HIGH END RANGE $900-$1,700+/Window: This would be a cost for a premium window wood clad, fiberglass, or high-end vinyl with either a simple insert install or maybe for a more complex installation.
Larger Mulled Window Units $2,000-$6,000+
Bay Windows $5,000-$9,000
Interested in window replacement? Eisen Window Co. is your trusted window replacement service for the Lehigh Valley, PA area and beyond! Give us a call today or set up a free consultation!
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March 13, 2024