Window replacement, especially when you’re doing an entire home, can be a big investment. However, it’s an outlay that will pay benefits for many years to come, in the form of curb appeal, energy savings, convenience, and comfort. It’s helpful to have a budget in mind and know what to expect during the window replacement process. Here’s a look into the costs of replacing your windows.
Many Factors Contribute to Cost
Just like with any home improvement project, there are many factors that determine your final window replacement cost. Those factors can include:
- Number of windows
- Style and material
- Condition of home
- Labor costs
- Time of year (peak season vs. slow)
- Contractor
- Installation location
- Window brand
Let’s take a deeper look at some of the above considerations.
Material
As part of the window selection process, you will be asked to choose a window frame material, with the most common being vinyl, composite, wood, fiberglass, and aluminum.
- Fiberglass window frames can cost slightly more than vinyl frames at installation, but deliver greater durability than vinyl, with superior insulation properties and a longer service life. Best value.
- Wood frames provide a classic architectural look best for historical homes. But they can be expensive to install and require additional maintenance over time.
- Vinyl is a popular low-cost frame choice that comes in a variety of styles, but the material is not as durable as some other frames and the window’s service life may be shorter.
- Aluminum frames can be had for a low initial cost per window, but they are nowhere near as effective at insulating your home as other materials.
- Composite windows are made of wood fibers and PVC polymers and, while durable, are typically the most expensive option.
Type
Think about the size, look and function you want for each window. The most common are double-hung, bay, bow, picture and casement, but there are also arched, awning, garden, pocket, skylight, and sliding window options to choose from. The larger your window, the higher the cost will be.
Location
Where the windows will be located will also dictate price.
- Basement windows mostly follow typical window pricing, but you will pay more for “egress windows” that include a dugout sump to offer additional escape routes from your house in an emergency.
- Bathroom or bedroom windows range are almost always found at an average cost.
- Dining room or foyer windows are in an average range, but costs are understandably higher for large bay, bow or picture windows.
- Kitchen windows costs are typical, but installation may be higher depending on access for the installation team.
You will generally pay more for window replacement on upper floors of a home due to the increased time of window installation, additional equipment and labor, and accessibility issues.
Glass Size and Type
Window tinting to reduce UV rays as well as impact-resistant glass will increase your cost. If tempered or safety glass is required by law, you will pay more for that. If you’re replacing awkward shaped windows in a historic home, the frame may have to be removed and a new hole cut, which increases cost greatly.
Labor
Labor costs for window replacement depend on the contractor and the access available to existing windows. You can often save on labor costs by installing multiple windows at one time.
Age of Home
If you have a home older than 70 years, you may pay extra. That’s because old and historic homes often have unique challenges, including unusual window sizes, the need to match historical architecture, removal of counterweights, upgrades to current building codes, and additional insulation.
Contact Amazing Exteriors for the Best Value in Window Replacement
The easiest way to find how much you should budget for your window replacement project is to call us for a FREE in-person consultation and quote. Please contact us today at 512-428-8417 to learn more.
