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Home : Windows Prices : Window Cost Estimator
Window Cost Estimator
Use our window cost estimator (labeled Cost Calculator to the right) to help find ballpark pricing for your next project. Calculating window prices is tough because there are a lot of variables to consider. We will try to break it down as much as possible so you can understand all the parts at play. --------->>
Have a question for our site editors, Dane or Tim? Email them and let them answer your specific project questions. Make sure to include your email address so they can get back to you directly (we never use or sell your email, we promise.)
Please note, our website is not affiliated with this window manufacturer.
General Cost Questions
Manufacturer's Baseline Price
Window manufacturers typically price out their products by the lineal foot or square foot of the window. However, each manufacturer has a different baseline price for each of their models or series. For instance, Renewal By Andersen prices are is going to much higher per lineal foot than Window World prices. However, the quality of the mainframe, sash, glazing, spacer, hardware, etc. is going to be much better on the RBA window than on the Window World models. Here is the baseline price of the Andersen 400 series window.
Replacement Window Price Example
Andersen 400 Series
Size: 36"W x 48"H
Retail Cost: $310 (according to Consumer Report 2016 windows) is the retail or baseline price of the window at this size. This comes out to $26 per square foot. However, this window price is almost like a car's MSRP or manufacturer's suggested retail price, it does not include any upgrades (again similar to a car where the technology package, sports package, entertainment package etc. will add to the cost of the car.) This does tend to be a bit misleading, but is a common marketing practice in many industries.
Actual Installed Cost: Our estimated fully installed cost on the Andersen 400 wood clad window is $700 to $900. This is 2x to 3x as much as the $310 "big box" price. Installation is going to add, on average, $100 per opening. So what accounts for the additional per window cost? Part of this certainly is that windows are more expensive when you buy them from a local company (or contractor), as opposed to the large home improvement stores.
Should you buy from home improvement stores? My answer would be no for the majority of people and here is why. Home improvement stores don't carry the best brands, the Andersen 400 wood clad window (which I think is a good window) is an anomaly. Common brands sold include American Craftsman, Silverline, Pella and Jeld Wen. The first two brands are considered poor by most manufacturers and the last two brands are considered decent, but not great - however, most home improvement stores often only carry the entry level model from these companies, which then puts them back into the poor range.
Installation Subs Home improvement stores also subcontract out the installation and typically pay their subs per window. The result is a recipe for less than stellar install jobs. This is not to say that you can't get installation from the big box stores, however the odds are much lower than with quality local companies. The bottom line on home improvement stores is that they offer lower prices, but they don't offer the specialized service and quality of installation that most homeowners require. Alright, enough about that.
Window Upgrade Costs
There are a ton of upgrades that will quickly raise the per window cost from the $310 in our example to as much as $700 for the exact same model window. The big box window price of $310 doesn't include any of the following upgrades - it's what's often referred to as ala carte pricing.
Upgraded Spacer: $25
Low-e Glass: $25 to $75
Tempered Glass: $100 to $150
Argon Or Krypton Fills: $25 to $50
Upgraded Screens: $25 to $50
Metal Hardware: $25 to $75
Sash Reinforcement: $50 to $75
Window Installation Costs
Window installation will typically account for 25% to 35% of the total cost of the project. However, a much more accurate gauge of installation costs has to do with the condition of your existing frames and sills. The following are industry standard, per window or per opening prices.
Insert Install: $50 to $75
Standard Installation: $75 to $125
Historic Home: $125 to $175
Full Frame: $175 to $225
Additional Installation Costs
There are several installation-related steps that homeowners can choose to have done. Here is some ballpark pricing per opening.
Exterior Casings: $50 to $100
Exterior Capping: $50 to $75
Okna 500 vs. 800 Cost Difference
Dane, would it be worth it to see what the price difference would be between the Okna 500 deluxe and the 800? If so, what would be a fair difference price per window?
Johnny - Homeowner - from 2021
[Site Editor's Answer]
Yes, the 800 is their top of the line window, along with the 600 series. The 800 has a few nice component upgrades, more customization, color choices, and other options. I would say 20% price difference is what I would expect to pay when going from the 500 to the 800 series.
Tim - Site Editor - from 2021
General Window Cost Question
Hi, I have been doing lots of research on replacement windows and came across your site (thank goodness). I was calling to have window world start install process when they said 16 weeks out 🤯 on the search again. Crazy if the windows suck so much they are that bizzy. Anyway I put in my email on your site to have estimates done per y'alls expert advice on the best windows or at least that's what I think?! Had some one call not long after. So is that what that was to get quotes for the best windows around? We also have a local company Taylor's windows that says they make them in house and have a life time warranty but the reviews are just like any other company I have looked into.
- Homeowner - from 2021
[Site Editor's Answer]
Hi, thanks for using our form. I never know which companies are going to come up / be recommended because it is zip code specific. Here is what I would say. Search for these brands and see if they are available in your area.
Tim - Site Editor - from 2021
Replacement Window Price Quote
Hi I send this email to you both, in hopes one of you can reply, I think your website is awesome.
We got some Simonton Daylight Max 7300 windows last Summer for the back windows on our home. There were 5 windows and a Sliding glass door. The initial price they gave was $12,000 I think, but I bargained them down to $8,300.
That worked out to $1383 per window. From looking at your site I knew the price was high.
Now that included proper installation of taking out the old window by unscrewing it, and not just cutting it out and then screwing the window on the inside instead of on the mounting flange. They do this so they don't have to cut out siding or trim boards and can just slot it in. I understand that this "shortcut" can cause warping of the window and water leakage, but it's a common practice here in WA State.
So on your site when people have quotes, is that for the proper method of installing the window (not a saw out) and does that include cutting off siding to install and placing putting trim boards after install?
So I think they are way overcharging here, unless the installation dealing with siding and trim boards adds significant cost.
Because for your general price estimator, it says $500 a window for my Zip code.
Replacement Window Price Quote
$5025 (includes windows and installation) ($500 EACH)
And from looking at a few price quotes for Simonton Daylight Max on your site, it looks like $600 -$660 per window, and the Madiera quote below is for Triple Pane, which I would have thought it would way higher, plus Madiera is a higher model than Daylight Max is it not?
So sorry this has been a long email, but should I be looking at $600-$660 for a good mid range window like Daylight Max? And would that include any siding and trim work for proper installation?
Do I pretty much have to stick to the same make and model, Simonton Daylight Max, for my whole home or can I mix different manufacturer or model? I can't afford to pay over $1,300 a window for whole house.
And can you get Triple Pane for around the same price, and does the extra weight cause any problems?
Seems like they are ripping off West Coast people, as your East Coast pricing seems much lower!
Thanks so much for any info you can provide
Johnny - Homeowner - from 2020
[Site Editor's Answer]
Hi John, so the $500 a window is for replacement windows, i.e. cutting out the existing window and sliding in the new one. This is indeed the cheaper option. As long as the replacement window is properly fitted and sealed, there should be no issues with the frame warping or water leakage beyond any issues that were there before.
That is an important distinction, if the problem existed before, they exist after as well, obviously. This is usually where full frame replacements are used. Definitely more expensive and can add quite a bit to that per window cost. It really depends on how much repair work is required and the material used to side the home, etc.
The HD price quote does sound high to me, but without knowing the details, I can’t say for sure. I will say this, in the past two years I’ve seen the price quotes from HD go way up. To the point that, they seem to be much more expensive than local dealers. I’m not sure why this is, but it does seem to be the case.
I’m not surprised by the wide range of quotes — dealers are free to charge whatever they want. I think your $600 per window is about right. The slider can be in that $2K range often.
The $150 to $200 per window install costs is about right for a normal replacement. Full frame is going to run $250 to $450, depending on all the factors.
I’d find a Simonton dealer and get a quote on the Reflections 5500 series, which is quite good.
I can’t remember if Anlin covers Utah. There may be a Zen dealer, who should carry a Soft-Lite Classic, which is a very nice window.
The Ply Gem Pro and Premium are also good, and they should have a dealer in your area I would think.
Milgard definitely has some bad reviews out there, but I still recommend them in the west because there is such a dearth of quality manufacturers. I think their Tuscany window is a decent, mid range window and their sliders are solid. Not top tier, but a good mid range option.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2020
Impact Windows Cost
Hi, Dane Pedro here with another question. I'm being told that there are changes coming Sept. 1 2020 that my impact the cost of replacing my windows . Do you know of any changes to the requirements that would increase the cost of replacing my windows.
Most estimates I have received for impact windows are over 10,000 dollars. I'll send you the bid I received from a company for you to look it over. Thanks again for letting me pick your brain.
Pedro - Homeowner - from 2020
[Site Editor's Answer]
Pedro, I don't know of anything coming down the pike, but I'm on the west coast so the regulations on the east coast don't often filter out here. Impact windows can be expensive. My recommendation would be to get as many bids as you can handle to get as many options as possible and then play the bids off one another to get the best possible price.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2020
Window Frame Upgrade Costs
I would be interested in you taking a look at a quote we received. We were told that a black frame would be a $164 per window upgrade. I think this is crazy.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Alex - Homeowner - from 2020
[Site Editor's Answer]
Alex and Chris, $164 per window for an upgrade to a non-custom frame color is a totally in keeping with industry charges. Typically, there is a 30% charge on custom frame colors, which is a lot.
What has always struck me as odd is that window companies don't include black as a standard color. Especially given the recent trend toward exterior black as a popular choice.
My suggestion is to call up some different companies in your area and see if the brands they carry are offered in an exterior black without an upgrade cost.
Tim - Site Editor - from 2020
Money From Window Bids
I really like your website but was curious. There don’t appear to be any ads. How do you make your money? Do you get compensated by the window companies? If so, won’t this bias your reviews?
Mike - Homeowner - from 2019
[Site Editor's Answer]
Mike, we make our money with our little pitch below that we give to all of the people we help :)
(As always, we appreciate you filling out the form on our site in order to collect three to four free window bids. It's pretty short and sweet and can be found at the top of each page where it says Find Local Five Star Rated Window Pros. Thanks much!)
There is no obligation to accept any of the quotes, but it is nice to get the free quotes. I give all of my advise based on providing consumers with long term value for their project with no fealty to any of the companies (either from our bids or your own). My favorite brands include Soft-Lite, Sunrise, Okna, Polaris, Kensington, etc, although our quotes might not come from any of these brands.
Send me any bids you get and I'm happy to provide my "unbiased" opinion on the best bang for your buck!
Dane - Site Editor - from 2019
Window Price Bid
Hi Dane, what is your opinion about to repair the window instead of replace the window. One of the company refer by friend and they do window repair for 14 windows $5000, including labor and parts. They put 14 new sets of glass stops on all replaced glass. 14 window with 1/8" glass. He quoted lowE glass tempered, which comes with 10 yrs. warranty. No ARGON GAS.
New window will cost to replace about $14000. Can you please advise, I appreciate your help very much.
Raj - Homeowner - from 2019
[Site Editor's Answer]
Raj, I think that depends on the quality of your frames. Basically with the $5K, you are getting better glass, but you're keeping your old frames. Obviously $5000 is a lot less than $14K, but is that going to fix your problem? If the answer is yes, then go for it. Problem is you still have your old window frames that may be leaking or causing issues. Might be a question for some of the people who have given you a bid thus far.
Tim - Site Editor - from 2019
Price For An Arched Top Window
Hey how much does a double pain gas window cost with an arch at the top of it and it is about 7 foot tall and 3 foot wide or 4?
James - Homeowner - from 2019
[Site Editor's Answer]
James, custom sized and shaped windows like this are going to be all over the board. Best to get a good four or five bids to get the best price and product. You will probably see a whole lot of price variation.
Tim - Site Editor - from 2019
Ordering Replacement Windows In Bulk
I have bids and just price for individual windows are not on some but will do. Is it better to buy windows in bulk sets like 6 or 11 verses 4, 5, 10, 13?
Kathy - Homeowner - from 2019
[Site Editor's Answer]
Kathy, on most replacement window projects, the company doing the work comes in and measures each window you want to replace. They then custom order that window from their factory with those particular specs. I've never heard of ordering windows in bulk, unless you are in a condo or planned community where the window sizes are all the exact size. You definitely would not want to have to store extra windows though, that would be a waste of money.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2019
Standard Replacement and Cost In Estimator
Have questions about standard replacement, difference series of windows, and cost in estimator vs what cost when they come out.
Kathy - Homeowner - from 2019
[Site Editor's Answer]
Kathy, the best approach is to get three or four quality local companies to come out and give you bids for your particular project. The estimator is good for middle of the road projects, but there are so many variables that come into play on any single house that it's impossible to account for them on a five question calculator. I once made a much more intricate calculator that took into account all sorts of variables, but consumers were overwhelmed by it and didn't use it -- mostly because they didn't know the answers to some of the questions.
Collect your bids and ask all the questions you have of any of the local companies who come out. Once you get your bids, feel free to send them my way and I'm happy to give you my take on the best quotes/prices/products that you've received and help you maximize your long term value on your window replacement project.
Cheers.
Tim- Site Editor - from 2019
Price Of Windows
We are buying a house and wanting 17 replacement vinyl windows with low E. What type of price or how should we bargain a price. The sizes vary some small like 4x3 and some 6x4.
Thanks.
Gary - Homeowner - from 2018
[Site Editor's Answer]
Gary, an average vinyl window will cost $400 to $450 for the window and installation. However, there are lots of factors at plat that can increase or decrease your per window price.
The only way to really know what it's going to cost is by getting the actual bids. They're free so risk nothing by getting them. The better the price you want, the more bids you should collect.
Here's al ink to an article on how to bargain a better price on your window
Dane - Site Editor - from 2018
Replacement Window ROI
Hi Dane, we are in the process of selling our home. We are thinking about replacing 19 double hung windows to add an additional incentive to potential buyers. Do you thing this is a wise decision, and what would you suggest for the type of window?
Sally - Homeowner - from 2018
[Site Editor's Answer]
Sally, this is a much better question for several local real estate agents. My own notion is you won't get 100% ROI on windows so the immediate answer would be no. I would differ however to the real estate agents since they know what buyers in your area are looking for. If they say to do it, then I could make some suggestions. What area are you in?
Dane - Site Editor - from 2018
Window Pricing Information
My name is Linh Nguyen. First of all I would like to say thank you for your website.It makes a lot easier for the home owners to shop for windows replacement.After I entered the information, I got the quote from your site.
I received 3 calls from HPA, Clear Choice Window and more, and John Dwyer. I mentioned about the quote I received but they did not honor this quote. I am confused on how the quote works. The quote from your site is just a guide line not a real quote? Thank you for your time.
$3955 (includes windows and installation)
7 Windows
High End Budget
Vinyl Window Frame
Single Hung Window
Standard Replacement Installation
Linh - Homeowner - from 2018
[Site Editor's Answer]
Linh, the quote is simply a ballpark price. A true quote involves lineal feet of each window, any upgrades, all installation requirements etc. If we built a cost estimator that took all that into account, no consumer would ever use it because it would be WAY too complicated.
The best price you are going to get is by getting and comparing the actual quotes. Once you get them, send them my way and I'll be happy to weigh in on which is the best value for your money.
Tim - Site Editor - from 2018
Sears Bid
Tim, I think your estimate on 13 mid grade double hung windows with standard installation. My question is I’ve had Homedepot and Sears out to price my windows and there price was double. Homedepot was just changing the sashes.
Thanks
Randall - Homeowner - from 2018
[Site Editor's Answer]
The cost calculator on the site is pretty generic -- there are 20 + factors that go into pricing on every project: window size, glass, upgrades, spacers, foam fills, work to existing frames and sills, exterior capping, type of installation, and many more. That's why we suggest getting the three to four bids. Sears and HD can bid projects out quite a bit higher than local companies -- it all depends on who is pricing it out.
Look at it this way, I can walk into a HD and buy one of their top of the line double hungs for $350 out the door. If my installation is $150 per window (which is relatively high for normal installation) I'm at $500 per window.
If your bid is higher than this, than obviously something about the project is driving up that cost.
Get a couple more bids and tell the companies coming out that you want their best price up front as this is an important, but certainly not the only, factor you will be considering.
Tim - Site Editor - from 2018
Window Pricing By Region
I was wondering if living in Different areas of California would make the price different.. like San Francisco, SAN Diego, Sacramento. Thank You.
Stephanie - Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
Stephanie, different regions of the United States will see a difference in price, but probably not when you are talking about urban regions such as SF, SD, and Sac. There will often be a difference between urban and more rural areas due to the increased cost of running a business in Chicago for instance over a smaller area within Illinois. Advertising, rents, general operating costs will be much higher in urban areas and this cost is typically passed on to the consumer.
I would be remiss if I didn't point out that there are huge varying costs between individual businesses for lots of reasons. The biggest one is that many companies will charge a consumer as much as they think they can get away with. Sad but true. That's why the multiple bids is so important. I always tell any home improvement company that comes out to my home that I'm getting three bids and I'd appreciate their most competitive bid as cost is one of the factors driving my decision (but not my only one by any means).
To answer your question more specifically, a mid sized Milgard Tuscany installed should cost roughly $400 to $450 in San Diego, the Bay Area or in the valley. But don't quote me on that :)
Dane - Site Editor - from 2017
Stand Alone Replacement Window Prices
Hello, I filled out your quote request form, but I'm leaning toward putting in replacement windows myself. I'm hoping you have cost info for just the windows (not just installed cost). I have access to carpenters who can place orders for me with suppliers.
I'm having a really hard time comparing various manufacturers' quality, cost, and warranties. I'll probably wind up spending as much as one would on a car, but I have almost no useful information on the different products. Any info or guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks.
Nate - Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
Nate, if you take off roughly 35% of the price quoted on the sheet, you should have a pretty good ballpark for the price of the window. Of course, there are lots of factors that affect price when it comes to windows. To use the car analogy, I just bought a Toyota Highlander and the base price was $30K, but the limited Hybrid was more like $45K, and the other models were all prices in between. That's a huge difference in price for the same car design. Windows aren't as complicated, but the price variation are pretty darn similar.
Most vinyl windows will come with a lifetime warranty on the frame, components, etc. The better companies have the best warranties, and most companies post the warranty info on their websites. Just google "okna window warranty" for instance and you should see the company warranty link come up.
Vinyl windows I like tend to be the mid range (or premium) series from the quality companies out there. These include Okna, Soft-Lite, Sunrise, Polaris, Wincore, Vytex, PGT, Custom Window Systems, Milgard, Amerimax and Anlin. The last three are west coast, the two before that are Florida based, and the others will be available in the mid west and northeast.
The window industry seems to almost want to confuse everyone, but to what purpose I'm not sure. It's an odd one, that's for sure.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2017
High End Vinyl Window Replacements
I got a price from you on “High End” Vinyl Window Replacements but it did not include the name and model of the windows. How can I find that out?
David- Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
David, that is a completely generic cost estimator. It does not refer to any specific window brand. Feel free to tell me where you live and I'd be happy to suggest a few brands/companies to look at that offer high end vinyl windows (most companies also offer a mid range and an entry level window so you can compare the cost and features of these as well.)
Dan - Site Editor - from 2017
Installation Window Costs
I have a ranch home, standard installation, single hung windows, and no issues (that's what all the quoters have told me). Wood has never been an option, but good to know. HD was here yesterday and gave a bid of $14950 installed using the 6100 Vantage Point - he said that was the middle of good, better, best vinyl window. Never heard of it, but he said that's what they've been selling. Did talk with some installers (who happen to also install of HD). They said they'd install for $100 a window - we're just waiting for a bid on the window costs. They called from my inquiry from Home Advisors.
Thanks for the great service you do for home owners. If you have any opinions on the 6100's, let me know. Take care.
Sue - Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
Sue, the Simonton VantagePointe is just okay, not the window I would honestly keep looking...start calling the Lowes, Home Depot, Dixieline in your area and start getting pricing on the windows only. Ask each guy what the best vinyl window they carry is and get the price. Get a low-e glass and a reinforced meeting rail if possible (this is an upgrade that they should be able to order). I don't see you paying more than $350 a window for normal sizes for a decent window -- Milgard Tuscany, Andersen 100...(most of the windows they sell in these big box stores are crappy so if you are going this route, you need to be selective.)
The $100 per window is the average industry cost for a normal install. So this makes sense. Make SURE that the installer has good reviews and knows what he's doing.
Again, we're at the $450 to $500 per window cost in this scenario with a local installer ordering the windows and bringing them to your house. That's $8500 if my math is right.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2017
Replacement Window Cost Estimate
Your site and others have estimated my project (8 double-hung, high-end, vinyl replacements, using existing wood and casings) to be approx. $3500. However, the local quotes I've gotten are nearly twice that. Are the features I'm being shown, as included, actually optional upgrades? Is geography a factor (Chicago)?
Joanne - Homeowner - from 2016
[Site Editor's Response]
Joanne, the window cost estimator used on my site is not perfect due to how many factors can come into play. For instance, the size of a window has a huge affect on price, but it becomes too cumbersome to include this on the website. $425 per window (the approximate cost you mentioned) is usually what I estimate for a mid grade, standard sized vinyl window with standard installation. You are in the $850 per window price, which is admittedly a tad high for a high end, standard sized vinyl window with standard installation (but not out of bounds by any means).
The windows you are getting quotes on might be large in size, the upgrades you?ve selected may be expensive, or the manufacturer you are getting quotes from may price out their windows at the high end.
There are some geographical issues, for instance you live in an urban city where the cost of maintaining a business and servicing customers is higher than in other more rural areas. So yes, this can affect price.
Maybe get a couple more bids and see if those are more in line with what you were thinking. What brand of windows have you gotten quotes for? How big are the windows?
Dane - Site Editor - from 2016
Average Replacement Window Prices
Are the prices (listed in your pricing sheet) current to 2015?
Eden - Homeowner - from 2015
[Site Editor's Response]
Eden, in terms of pricing, windows are all over the board. The prices we list are for an average sized window with average components and features and average installation requirements.
There are so many variables that move the price up or down that it's nearly impossible to give an accurate answer. I think the best way to determine the fair market price of your project is by your getting 3 or 4 bids. Toss out the highest and lowest and the mid range price is probably where it should be. That's not to say that the middle bid is the best one, but it is probably a fair indication of the going rate in your area.
Tim - Site Editor - from 2015
Cost Of Vinyl Windows
Hey - checking in on cost of vinyl windows; particularly double pane, white vinyl, double hung, with simulated divided light. Would assume these would have to be custom made / not off the shelf, so pricing is especially difficult because the big boxes like HD and Lowe's only share prices online for off-the-shelf windows which gives an unrealistically low price.
Rough opening is 32" x 52". Any help that can be provided would be awesome - looking at the Pella 250 series but feel like the Lowe's salesperson spoke to has narrowed my options for me without discussing everything that is available. Want to make sure I'm looking at all of my options.
Morgan - Homeowner - from 2016
[Site Editor's Response]
Morgan, the big box stores are only going to sell 3 or 4 brands, but they should be able to provide you with an exact price quote on that opening for each of the brands and models they carry. All windows are more or less custom ordered on the 1/4" or 1/8" for each opening.
I find the Pella's to be more pricey than they ought to be given the quality of vinyl window you are getting. You tend to pay for the name when it comes to Pella, more than the quality. (They make very nice wood clad windows, but don't have the best reputation when it comes to vinyl. The 250 and 350 series are much better than their previous efforts however.)
In my hometown, they sell the Andersen 100 Series, which is a good window. I think it runs around $275 there. They also sell the Simonton Daylight Max, which is a decent offering, probably on par with the Pella 250, but I would imagine considerably less expensive. I think the Simonton Daylight Max runs around $350. I would choose the Andersen 100 series if it were me.
While the big box stores do offer the best prices around, they don't always offer the best installation, I would suggest finding a well reputed local installer to do the work for you.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2016
Morgan's Response
We've got a bid for $7,000, includes 9 windows. Sunrise mid-range series (has foam on both outer and inner pieces) + the 12 coat glaze low e, etc etc. No SDLs or between the glass dividers. Includes install + tax. Seems about right - installers are well know in Atlanta. Lifetime warranty on glass break, fog between panes, vinyl cracking/yellowing etc. And its transferrable.
But b/c feel like you really know your stuff - wife and I saw a lot of info last night that mentioned we should just be getting our windows repaired? We have original windows from when house was built in 1945 - single pane, single-hung, SDLs that look sharp except that wood needs repair or replacement in parts for bits of rot and the window casing/pocket itself needs repair for water/rot in places, nothing major but still needs repair. Heard a lot that said repair would net a return on investment much quicker than brand new replacement vinyl windows - and would keep character/charm of old home.
My luck though, the repair/restoration cost would be anywhere from 5k - 7k which would make cost substantially similar to just replacing with Sunrise vinyl. Haven't received bids, but just an uneducated guess. Thoughts on that?
Morgan - Homeowner - from 2016
[Site Editor's Response]
Morgan, often it isn't THAT much less to use a sah replacement kit, but it makes sense in certain cases. In your case, I think it doesn't because the new replacement windows are going to be soooo much more energy efficient than your old windows. The big thing you mentioned is keeping the charm of the home, which let's face it, is a big consideration for many homeowners (I have no idea where you guys are on that front).
Have you talked to the Sunrise rep about using one of their interior wood grain laminates? The Sunrise window laminates are made from vinyl but do a very good job of looking like actual wood, which is pretty nice because you are getting a very durable and energy efficient solution and you get the overall look of wood. Not all wood grain laminates are equal, but Sunrise makes a good one.
You may want to get one more bid - I like the Sunrise a lot, but I think if you took another bid and it was lower, you could take it back to the Sunrise rep and see if he can come down off that price, I'll bet there's some wiggle room there....
See if any companies in your area sell any of these quality window brands.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2016
Replacement Windows Cost Calculator
In using the replacement window cost calculator, does triple casement with a center picture and a vent on each side count as one or three windows?
Paul - Homeowner - from 2016
[Site Editor's Response]
Paul, the windows cost calculator won't get you an answer to this. Honestly, most window companies who come out to give you a bid will price out by the linear foot. The vents are going to priced out at whatever the specific company charges to make them. I can't exactly give you a price on this off the cuff.
What I would suggest is getting a few bids from some quality local companies and asking each one for the specific cost breakdown of the casement with the vents for that measurement or that sized "hole." They might be a bit hesitant to price out an individual window, but with a little prodding, they''ll usually let it slip (sometimes they're very forthcoming about the product cost).
Dane - Site Editor - from 2016
Window Cost Sheet Question
Dane, Do the window prices listed in the cost sheet you sent include the cost of screens, and between window grid patterns, and if not, how much do those generally add per window?
Pat - Homeowner - from 2015
[Site Editor's Response]
Pat, the cost sheet is completely generic - it assumes a standard sized window, standard installation and whatever comes standard on a window. Unfortunately, different window companies offer different standard features and components, some include half screens, others full screens. Most do provide a selection of grids at no extra cost, although certain configurations and designs will add to the price. I would say you can assume an additional $75 to $100 for screens and grids if they don't include them standard.
The cost sheet is really meant as a primer more than a strict guide. I do wish I could provide more accurate pricing, but unfortunately the industry is a bit all over the board. Let me know if you have any additional questions and I'll do my best to anser them!
Dane - Site Editor - from 2015
Average Cost Of Installation
What is the average price to install a vinyl window?
Larry - Homeowner - from 2015
[Site Editor's Response]
Larry, the long answer is that it completely depends on the installation requirements. If the windows are new construction, meaning they have a nailing flange or fin around the top and sides, then removing and replacing them can require more work (especially with say a stucco exterior because a decent swatch of the stucco has to be removed and them repathed and color matched).
The other big cost consideration is if the sills and/or frames are rotten or in such bad shape that they must be replaced. This can add significant cost to the per window installation cost.
So, to finally get to your question, simply swapping out a new replacement window can run as little as $50 per window. Full frame replacement windows can be as much as $350 plus per window. The standard cost for window installation would be somewhere in the $125 per window range. But again, it completely depends on the specific project. This is where getting your three free bids comes in nicely, it gives you a fair market estimate for not only the windows you are considering, but also for the installation portion of the project.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2015
Windows Industry Pricing
Do you know how the windows sales industry works? like how much a company generally tries to make in profit, how salesmen are compensated etc? i was trying to work up to my quote based on the pricing sheet but couldn't only do it successfully when i used a huuuge markup.
Michael - Homeowner - from 2016
[Site Editor's Response]
The window companies definitely make money, but I'm not sure there's a standard percentage mark up. For instance, Renewal By Andersen prices for a standard sized double hung would be around $1200 a window! Can you imagine the markup on that, it's essentially an Andersen 100 series that I can go down and buy at Home Depot for $250...however you can't just take the list price because there are all these add ons...low-e glass (3 or 4 options), grids, hardware, warranty upgrades, screens, etc. Then there is the installation and there can be all sorts of issues here; sill rot, stucco work to pull out new construction, patch work, exterior wrapping, trim work...
I have seen lots of price sheets in the past and I agree that on first glance it looks like someone is making a mint. I think when you break it down, everyone in the process is adding their 30% to the production cost (or to their cost). This would be my general industry estimate.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2016
Bay Window Costs
I have a 74"x53" bay window on the front of my house. It is sagging and the Windows do not close properly. There is water/condensation in between the panes of glass. A local company that soecializes in doors Windows and such has priced me a sunrise replacement (stationery Windows) for $2,000 due to it having to be a custom size (that's what I was told). I have been reading on your site that your contractors like Sunrise Windows, which is great news. Now on the other side, my contractor (who has done other work for me and therefore I trust the results of his work & his reputation in the community) has quoted me $2,000 to tear out the old unit and install the new. My question is about the pricing.
Bryan - Homeowner - from 2016
[Site Editor's Response]
Bryan, Bay windows can be tricky business, not to mention expensive. The $2K for the Bay window itself does not seem out of line for a good Sunrise Bay window. The $2K installation costs also does not seem out of line, although you might want to ask your contractor to break the bid down a bit to make sure all of his math adds up. What does the removal portion of the project entail, what's it cost to dispove of and haul away the old Bay window, what's he charging you to install the new one (how many guys does it require). In all likelihood, he won't move on his price, but the simply fact that you are asking and taking interest in the cost of the install may make him come down on his price.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2016
Cost To Remove Lead Paint
What is the cost I can expect to remove lead paint from my painted windows?
George - Homeowner - from 2016
[Site Editor's Response]
George, lead paint is still a problem on homes built before 1960, with more homes using the lead paint than not. Home built between say 1960 and 1980 probably have a roughly 25% of having lead paint. After 1980, this problem is basically not an issue due to the EPA laws put into effect. There are a number of factors that determine cost to remove the paint, including the size of the project, how much containment is required and the size and structure of the company doing the removal.
On average, I would say that $75 would a standard rate per window to remove the lead paint, but it can vary anywhere from say $50 to $150 per window depending on the circumstances. As always, I recommend getting three bids to see how local companies bid out the job. This is going to give you the best replacement window cost for lead removal for your specific project.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2016
Related Topics: Window Replacement Prices By Size