Replacing windows can seem like a daunting project, as it can be both costly and time-consuming. Between taking all the factors into consideration and the price calculations, you might be signing up for a fun yet hectic ride. Once you know what to look for in a good window and have a better idea of what to expect in terms of costs, you can save yourself a lot of time and confusion. A new set of windows can easily give your home a much-needed revamp and make it a safer space, but how much could this kind of revamp cost you? On average, replacing a single window would cost you $650, or to be more exact, anywhere between $200 and $1,800. The precise price depends on a long list of factors and preferences. To know exactly how much your new windows will cost you, you have to take the type of window, frame material, size, and the energy efficiency of the glass into consideration. Better yet, you might want to contact your licensed contractor for a better understanding of all the factors and brands.
Factors To Consider When Calculating Window Replacement Costs
There is a long list of things to take into consideration when replacing a window, including everything from window material and type to window location and labor costs. Every window has qualities of its own, and one window can never exactly cost the same as another. To break the cost of a new window down, make sure to go over all of the factors that make a good and resilient window.
Window Frame
When it comes to replacing windows, you’ll have many frame options to choose from. Your choice clearly depends on your taste, the feel and interior of your home, durability, local weather, and cost. The most popular window frame materials are vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and wood. Naturally, prices vary widely between one option and the other.
Vinyl Frames:
The most popular and in-demand frames are the vinyl ones. They are built with one of the most affordable materials, they’re energy-efficient and durable. On average, the price of a vinyl window goes anywhere from $100 to $900 per window.
Aluminum Frames:
Even though they don’t insulate as well as other frame materials, aluminum frames, when installed right, can be one of the most durable. The average cost of an aluminum frame is anywhere from $75 to $400. Larger, high-end aluminum windows might cost up to $1,200.
Fiberglass Frames:
Fiberglass windows have similar insulation properties as vinyl ones, but can cost up to 30 percent more, mainly thanks to their extreme durability. Usually, you can expect to spend between $500 and $1,500 on a single fiberglass window.
Wood Frames:
It is safe to say that wood frames are the most aesthetically pleasing of all other frames. The pricing of a single window made of wood can range from $150 to $1,300, and sometimes even more.
Window Type
The type of window you plan on installing massively affects the amount of money you’ll pay for it. Single-hung, double-hung, picture, casement, sliding, and storm are a few of the most popular window types, and each one of them serves a specific purpose in the house. As one would expect, the larger and more complicated the style of the window is, the higher its cost will be.
Glass Type
In an age of climate action, energy efficiency has become of utmost importance when taking household decisions. The type of glass used in your new windows plays a major role in how efficient your window is. If you’re aiming for green energy windows, you should opt for double-pane, triple-pane, or Low-E windows, all of which control the temperature inside your house and protect you from harmful rays and noise. As an example, a bay window made of triple-pane glass can cost $1,800. Prices vary depending on how many layers of glass are included, the type of gas, and the microscopic metal sheets inside.
Window Location
Where your window is located can play a major role in how much installing it will cost. First-floor windows normally cost less than second-floor windows, because the higher you go the more labor and equipment you require. The same can be said about the location of the window within the house. An egress window for basement-level bedrooms can cost between $2,500 and $5,000, while a regular bedroom window would cost from $300 to $700.
Age of Your House
If your home is 70 years or older, you usually have to double or even triple the projected price, as older homes come with unforeseen challenges. Older homes have certain architectural challenges, related to the size of windows and the design. You might also face problems with rotting trims and current building codes. In all cases, it's best to take all of the extra work into account that will go into window replacement and all the additional costs that come with it.
Labor Costs
Depending on where you live in the U.S., labor could cost anywhere between $30 to $65 an hour, with the median being $40. Urban areas entail increased labor costs, mainly because the living expenses in cities are naturally higher. Additionally, the cost of labor has to do with the number of windows you’re replacing as well. If you go all out and decide to replace a big number of windows at once, you’re likely to save quite a bit.
Replacement Costs by Window Type
Window prices vary hugely depending on the type of window you choose to install, and it's fair to say that the options are countless. Whether you choose to go with a standard single-hung window or a more sophisticated arched window, you should always keep in mind that this particular choice will play a major role in the final price.
Single Hung
Single-hung windows are among the most popular window types and one of the most installed. The classic and somehow old-fashioned window has a stationary upper sash, and an operable lower one, which slides open vertically. These types of windows cost between $100 and $400 on average and are preferably installed on the bottom floors, because cleaning them can be difficult.
Double Hung
Even though double-hung windows look almost identical to their single-hung siblings, their functionality and benefits are very different. Unlike single-hung windows, both the upper and lower sashes of a double-hung window are operable. With this added function, these types of windows allow for better air circulation and are much easier to clean, as both sashes tilt inward. A double-hung window could cost anywhere from $150 to $650.
Picture
A picture window is a standard window that can be molded into a variety of shapes. For that reason, they come in a little more pricey than other forms of windows. Expect to pay anywhere between $300 and $800 to replace your picture window.
Arched
Arched windows add an aesthetic charm your interior deserves. They’re usually added to the top part of regular windows, and their rounded shape can easily add to the beauty of your house. On average, replacing an arched window costs between $325 and $500.
Awning
If you live in an area where rain is common, you could consider awning windows. This type of window is perfect for rainy climates as it creates a water-resistant awning shape when opened. Because of its effectiveness in harsher weather, awning windows can cost anything from $420 all the way up to $760.
Casement
Casement windows are a popular choice, with side-swinging panels as you open them. Normally, casement windows come with one pane on the left and another to the right and can open either to the left or the right, depending on the model. The price of casement windows can vary widely depending on the type of material used; it can cost as low as $150 or as high as $1,000 per window.
Sliding
Sliding windows are very similar to single and double-hung windows, except that they slide horizontally instead of opening vertically. Some designs allow only one side of the window to open, while others allow for both sides to move. On average sliding windows cost between $150 to $800.
Bay
The least that can be said about bay windows is that they are dreamy and aesthetically pleasing. Bay windows come through the exterior wall to create a small shelflike space inside; they have a flat centerpiece and two side pieces that are set at 30 or 40-degree angles. Replacing a bay window doesn’t come cheap, and can average upwards of $1,800 due to its ideal window size and design — it takes skilled window installers to get the job done right. The great part is that, due to its design which naturally increases the square footage of your home, it also adds value to your home.
Bow
Similar to bay windows, bow windows create extra space in your house, but instead of three panes of glass, they have a minimum of five. Bow windows are more circular and less angular. Due to the number of panels and their overall large sizes, replacing a bow window can cost anywhere from $1,000 all the way up to $4,500, considering window prices change by size.
Storm
Storm windows are a protective layer of window, mounted on the inside or the outside of the original glass window. Being a secondary layer, they increase the energy efficiency of a window and help protect the trim, increasing the value of the house. Storm windows can cost anywhere from $50 to $300.