Learn About Window Installation Prices

Home : Review Topics : Window Installation Prices

Window Installation Prices

It's difficult to pinpoint window installation prices because each job requires specific requirements and window opening sizes etc. We've put together some window prices to give you an indication on what you can expect to pay. A good example is basic pocket replacements that are quick to swap should only be around $75 for each opening, replacements with sills and stops can be around the $125 per opening mark, while a full frame can cost $200 or more per opening.

When looking at new construction installation, the prices are slightly more - anywhere from $250 to $450 for each opening, this is due to the number of steps involved to ensure the window is installed properly. Your decision should be based on the reputability of the installer, as those charging the current rate are more likely to do a good installation job, saving you time and money in the future.

Price Range - $50 to $450 per opening

Click to read our window installation Q & A.

Insert Window Installation Prices

Insert windows, also called pocket inserts, are the cheapest replacement windows. In most cases these are easy to install, these are usually projects that don't have any problems with the frames, sills or jambs. You can pay anywhere from $50 to $75 per window, $60 is considered a good price. The problem comes in with installation, it's up to you to ensure your installer knows the brand and has experience installing these windows to avoid any problems that can arise.

Related Article: Tips To Hire Window Contractors

Price Range - $50 to $75 per opening

Standard Replacements

Standard installations are when the sills and stops need to be removed, the frame is then inspected to ensure it is in good condition and then the replacement window is installed. This does involve some additional work including leveling and measuring the window, insulating it with foam and securing it in place. Additional work also includes ensuring the window is square and plum. It's advisable to ensure you use a reputable installer and not an inexperienced window installer who can easily do a poor job during the installation process.

Related Article: Replacement Window Warranties

Price Range - $100 to $150 per opening

Historic Homes Window Replacements

Historical home window replacements are more detailed orientated. In most cases the exterior trim needs to be matched and while the steps are very similar to a standard replacement, you need a professional installer that has experience with historical homes, which in turn can increase the installation price.

Related Article: Replacement Windows Design & Performance

Price Range - $175 to $225 per opening

Full Frame Installation

Full frame installations are big jobs that require the jambs, sills and stops being removed and sometimes even some of the exterior cladding is removed, this enables the installer to get to what is called the rough opening. This takes a lot of work and is often recommended in older properties where they have experienced water problems in the past. This type of installation has a nailing flange included, enabling the window to mount to the wall properly.

Related Article: Replacement Window Cost Estimator

Price Range - $175 to $250 per opening

New Construction Installation

New Construction tends to be a more expensive exercise due to the amount of work involved in installing the windows. Generally an installer will follow similar steps as a standard replacement, except that they also have to install a bottom sill, cap and trim and wrap the outside of the window. The extra work involved is what pushes up the prices on these projects.

Related Article: Consumer Reports Windows

Price Range - $250 to $450 per opening

Soft-Lite Installation Options

Had a friend recommend a local contractor for our window project. He is the first person we've spoken to, felt comfortable with him and seemed to be someone easy to work with. I thought I had things together but... I was certain I wanted to go with Soft-Lite although he had never heard of them and would put in whatever I wanted. He has installed Arcadia and VyWinCo which I reviewed and am not interested in.

After he left my husband explained that we were having full frame windows vs insert replacement windows. Well now I'm really confused. Do you have any recommendations /reviews on full frame window replacements. Whatever information you can provide would be great. Hypothetically, if we did choose to go with Soft-Lite would I be able to purchase from a window company, have them delivered and use my own installer?

Thank you and any advice/suggestions is much appreciated!

Sara - Homeowner - from 2020

[Site Editor's Answer]

Sara, Soft-Lite definitely makes their windows available in a full frame option, as well as an insert. Essentially the full frame window just adds the nailing fin around the top and sides. The big difference comes in the installation of the windows. The full frame requires a lot more work and is a lot more expensive. It is necessary if you have lots of wood rot in the surrounding wood of the window frame. Or if you are doing new construction.

Most companies sell both insert and full frame windows. Sometimes, they have different model numbers and series numbers, and sometimes they are sold as either.

There are no rules in the window industry from company to company, which is why it's so damn confusing.

Whether a company will sell you their window and let another company install it is also a bit of a grab bag. Typically, they will not because they sell through independent dealers, who make their money selling you the window and doing the install themselves.

The best thing you can do is to call up quality companies in your area and ask them if they are willing to sell you their windows without doing the install. It exists for sure, but it's just not super common.

Tim - Site Editor - from 2020

New Construction or Replacement Installation

Found and like your site and thought I’d send a couple of questions your way. My home was built in 1986 using builder grade, aluminum framed, double glass windows. When I bought the house in 1995 the windows were already fogged but the person I was buying it from owned a wholesale glass business and he delivered new glass for the 28 windows which I replaced myself.

The glass is still ok but the frames leak and I’m thinking about replacing the windows. At the same time I’m considering removing the siding and having the home wrapped and re-sided because in 1986 there was a building boom and many homes in this area were built by poorly trained workers and the build quality is low. The house leaks air like crazy.

So the first question: since I’m considering replacing the siding anyway, would it be better to also take out the window trim as well and therefore replace the windows with new construction rather than ‘replacement’ windows? Is one better than the other? Seems to me the new construction windows often have more glass (thinner frames) than replacement.

Second question: I’ve heard some neighbors say that when they replaced the original aluminum windows with vinyl the thickness was different and created problems with interior trim and existing wood shutters. Is this a common problem?

Any insight you’ve got would be appreciated.

Scott - Homeowner - from 2017

[Site Editor's Answer]

Scott, the answer to question number one is yes go with new construction. The big downside is the cost to remove and replace the exterior cladding, siding in your case. Since you are going to do it anyway, I would definitely take advantage of this and go new construction. The biggest advantage to NC in my mind is the better water moisture protection that it allows with the flashing they should include along the sides and header. NC also is attached without drilling into the frame itself. As to the thinner frame, that will depend on the window you select. You are correct though that replacement windows that was simply cut out will lose a bit of glass on each side. On question number two, this will depend again on how deep the "holes" in your walls are. Typically this is not a problem as the depth can accommodate most windows, but it is certainly a question to ask each of the companies that comes to to give you a bid. By the third one, you should have a very clear understanding of whether there will be an issue with your shutters or trim.

Dane - Site Editor - from 2017

Andersen 400 Series Conversion Kits

Hello, I'm currently in the process of getting bids to replace 27 windows in the Philadelphia area and the price for the job is in the $20,000-$30,000 range depending on the windows which is just a mid grade vinyl window.

My current windows are the a href="http://www.replacementwindowsreviews.co/company/andersen-windows-reviews.html">Andersen Narrow Lines from 1989. One thing I learned today was that Andersen sells a 400 conversion kit for these older windows. I'm basically installing the a href="http://www.replacementwindowsreviews.co/pricing/andersen-window-prices.html">Andersen 400 window for $10,000-$12,000. The cost to convert most of my windows which are single hung would be less then half the cost since I can do it myself. If this a good direction to go or will I regret my decision down the road? Any insights you can provide would be helpful.

Bill - Homeowner - from 2017

[Site Editor's Answer]

Bill, assuming the frames are in good shape, the conversion kits can be a great way to go. Here's the issue though, they can be tricky to install right. Even professional installers who don't often do conversion kits can have issues. I would first get a couple of bids from local companies on replacement, but then ask if they also do conversion kits, what their opinion is as it relates to the condition of your windows, how they would go about the project, etc. Basically get as much professional and free advice as possible. If your openings are out of plumb as can happen over time, you could be asking for more trouble than its worth. I would definitely explore the option, but would solicit at least three good opinions before buying the conversion kits.

Dane - Site Editor - from 2017

Window Installation Bid

TIM, I NEED SOME ADVICE AND I NEED IT QUICK. MY PROJECT CONSIST OF 2 WINDOW INSTALLS INCLUDING THE CUT OUTS. WHAT I HAVE IS A SOLID NONBEARING WALL THAT IS 13 FEET LONG. NEAR ONE END OF THE WALL IS A WINDOW THAT MATCHES ALL OF THE OTHER WINDOWS IN THE HOME (ALL ANDERSEN ORIGINAL TO THE 1985 BUILD) THAT IS 34X44 IN SIZE. I WOULD LIKE TO REMOVE THAT WINDOW AND REPLACE IT WITH A 28X72 PICTURE WINDOW, TWO OF THEM. THERE IS ENOUGH SPACE FOR THE WINDOWS TO HAVE 40 INCHS BETWEEN AND LOOK APPROPRIATE IN THE SPACE. THERE ARE NO PIPELINES ARE ELECTRICAL WIRING TO INTERFERE OR HAVE TO BE MOVED. THE HOME HAS A BRICK VENEER ON THE FRONT ONLY AND THE REMAINDER OF THE HOUSE IS WOOD FRAME WITH VINYL SIDING. I REALIZE THAT THE OPENING FOR THE WINDOW THAT IS THERE NOW WILL HAVE TO BE MADE SMALLER. OK, THE “WINDOW REP” PRESENTED ME WITH A PRICE FOR THIS PROJECT AT $4457.00. 2 WINDOWS/ 2 CUT OUTS. HE DID’NT LEAVE THE PAPER HE WAS WRITING ON FOR ME TO SEE THE BREAK DOWN OF THE PRICING FOR EACH WINDOW OR THE LABOR COST AND MATERIALS….NOTHING. BUT HE DID TELL ME THAT I COULD FINANCE THIS PROJECT FOR $63.00 A MONTH AT 5.99% FOR 60 MONTHS. I DON’T GET IT…….IT DOES’NT ADD UP AND I DON’T WANT TO FINANCE 2 WINDOWS FOR FIVE YEARS. THIS TO ME WAS THE MOST RIDICULES AND OVER BLOWN PRICE FOR A JOB LIKE THIS. I NEED A HONEST ANSWER FROM SOMEONE WHO IS TRUST WORTHY AND CAN SPEACK HONESTLY ABOUT A PRODUCT. WILL YOU PLEASE RESPOND TO MY CONCERN.

Julia - Homeowner - from 2016

[Site Editor's Answer]

Julia, on the face of it, it does seem like a ridiculous price. However, I was having a hard time understanding how complex the project. Here is my advice -- get a few more free bids and see what other contractors bid out the project at. Windows are a total pain because there is so much disinformation out there and contractors are free to bid out projects however they see fit. On the other hand, nearly all contractors offer free bids so get as many as you can bear -- the only thing it costs you is your time. You will be amazed at the different price bids you receive. Take your time and do it right -- with a competitive bid -- Feel free to send me the bids and window brands they suggest and I can give you my opinion.

Dane - Site Editor - from 2016

Replacement vs Full Frame Installation

I have received quotes from two installers for full-frame replacement of 16 windows at our home. One installer says that the old window, frame, etc. will all come out, down to the studs, as will the interior trim (which will be replaced by new unpainted trim). The other installer says he will take out everything except the interior trim. My question is whether the second approach is sufficient, and will it be able to reveal all the potential damage that might have occurred in the interior, or can that be seen from the outside? The first option will cost about $1200 more than the second ($800 vs. $2000). Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Ed - Homeowner - from 2016

[Site Editor's Answer]

Ed, I can't say which approach is more appropriate, but I can make two recommendations. Get two more bids and get a consensus -- basically with the home improvement bid process, you have free professional advice that comes to your home -- you only have to deal with the time and annoyance of the visits :)

If you don't want to go this route and think both the installers are equal in terms of quality, I would absolutely spend the $1200 extra to make sure I removed any wood rot and replaced it (if the $1200 includes the cost of the wood, this is an even better deal) -- assuming they do a good job with the flashing and installation, you can then have piece of mind for the next couple of decades that no water (or as close to no water as possible) is getting behind there and causing damage to the walls of your home.

Dane - Site Editor - from 2016