How much does Window Replacement Cost cost?

The national average cost of a window replacement project ranges from $300 to $5,000. We know that's a pretty big range, but bear with us. A variety of factors influence a replacement estimate including the number of windows, the window style and the labor expenses. Let's look at how it all breaks down.  

Window Replacement Cost:

>> Broken Window? a Pro Near You to Replace Your Window

What's in this Cost Guide?

• #price_factors'>What affects the cost of window installation?
• #replacement_window_cost'>Replacement window features and upgrades
• #how_to_hire'>How to hire a window installer
• #save_money'>How to save money on window installation
• #worth_it'>Is window replacement worth all that money?
• #resale_value'>Resale value

What affects the cost of window installation?

As with any home improvement project, window replacement cost boils down to two things: materials and labor. Some installation companies charge labor fees by the hour, others by the window “ about $135 to $145 on average for a single pane window, and $185 to $250 for double pane.

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As far as materials go, windows are priced individually so the more you replace, the more you spend. Rather than doing all the windows at once, some homeowners go room by room, completing the project over time. If that sounds like one giant, drawn-out headache to you it's worth asking the installation company if they offer discounts to homeowners who replace all their windows at once.

Windows themselves are priced according to a unit of measurement called the œunited inch.' (Window width + window height = united inch). The window company you hire will likely send a pro to your house for an in-home consultation. The replacement pro will take the proper measurements, then new windows will be custom made-to-order.

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Read the #h174sk8acv6pb1hnmam11qnkh3fbxb2tw'>video transcript.

How much do replacement windows cost (and what are my options)?

Beyond united inches, three other factors influence the final price of replacement windows:

1. The window opening
2. The window glass
3. The window frame

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The window opening:

The œopening' is how a replacement window operates. Does is slide horizontally on a track? You've got yourself a sliding window. Lift up from the bottom? That's single hung. Here are the most common opening styles, ranked from least to most expensive.

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The window frame:

The frame you choose is the foundation of your replacement window. When considering which windows to purchase think frame first, then glass. Here are common materials.

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The window glass:

There are two main types of glass: single glazed and dual glazed (also called single-pane and double-pane). Triple-pane glass is a thing, but only necessary if you live in a very cold climate. Add-ons and extra coatings can improve the energy efficiency of your glass “ but those extras cost you more money. Here are the key terms to know.

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How do I hire a window installer?

Most homeowners only have to install new windows once in their lifetime. Decisions shouldn't be based on cost alone “ the quality of replacement windows you choose is very important. But even more important, is having it installed correctly. A cheaper window installed properly can be much more efficient than a high-end window installed incorrectly.

>> Hire a Pro Today: an Expert in Your Area to Replace Your Window

That's where an installation professional comes in. They have the expertise to guide you through the process of choosing the right windows for your home and make sure the job is done right.

As with any home improvement project, you'll want to interview window installers to explore your options before deciding who to hire. It's good to have a window wishlist in mind when speaking to pros. For example, is window appearance a top priority, or would you sacrifice looks for function? Once you've clarified your wants, the pro can make recommendations to suit your needs.

Your window installer will also provide you with an estimate or proposal for the job. An estimate typically has a single price whereas a proposal gives you multiple options with different brands, prices and services “ sort of a œgood, better, best' menu of window packages. Your estimate should also include labor fees for removing old windows, installing the new ones, and hauling away old windows and debris.

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How can I save money on window installation?

Replace multiple windows at the same time. Although the total cost of the project will be higher, the install cost per window will likely be less because the professional can maximize time and labor at one job site. Some pros even offer promotional pricing (5% off your total invoice, for example) for installing multiple windows in one location.

>> Fix Your Broken Windows:   a Pro Who Can Replace Multiple Windows at Once

Is window replacement worth all that money?

That's the million dollar question, right? Or in this case, the 10 to 20 thousand dollar question. Everyone knows new windows save you (some) money on energy bills. Upgrading a single-pane house to new double-pane windows improves energy efficiency by about 10%, and those energy savings do add up over time. But that's the problem “ it takes time. So you may be thinking, why replace your windows if it's going to take 30 years to get that money back?

Resale value of window replacements

According to  >Remodeling Magazine, homeowners can recover about 73% of replacement window costs when selling their home. Most buyers know the hassle and expense that comes with a window replacement project. Your realtor will be able to market new windows as an upgraded feature on your listing. It's certainly a project worth considering, even if you only plan to be in your home for five to seven years. Just be sure you don't overspend on premium windows if your house won't be selling at a premium price point. Mid-range replacement windows will serve you (and your resale value) just fine.

>> Don't Delay:  a Pro Near You to Replace Your Window Today

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Video transcript: Cost of replacing a window 

'The window average replacement cost a customer can expect is between $600 and $800 for an average quality window. A customer can expect to pay an average of $8,000 to $15,000 on a common single-family home entire window replacement, which would typically include labor, all of the permitting and disposing of all of the existing windows.

Residential windows can last between 20 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the window. A lot of these windows have warranties that can protect the client for 20 or 30 years. There are some companies that have glass protection. So basically if the windows break for whatever reason, they will come out and replace it.

Typically, our process [is] we come out and give a free estimate. If clients are just looking for an estimate, we can come out through a window measurement. The second step from that is, obviously, they choose [a] window agreed to the contract amount, and then it takes about two to three weeks to get the the windows in and to be able to start the project.

On average, we can replace about two to four windows per day. So depending on the amount of windows, if you only had a small house with eight or 10 windows, then we can do that with two or three days. A customer can expect between two to six crew members, and it just depends on, obviously, the size of the project and the scheduled activities for the day.

Typically, it's recommended to do a whole house replacement. There's a lot of companies that will only work on that basis. You're going to get better pricing if you do it that way. Plus, the house will perform better if you replace all of them and not just, you know, a few here and there.

When you're replacing windows, it typically is going to save you energy in your heating and cooling bill. Sometimes, buying a window that's not necessarily a top brand, just looking at some reviews online, usually you can find some some good companies out there that you can save some money on the product. I'm Jaime Delgado with Sustainable Living Builders, and you can find us on Thumbtack.'

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