The cost to install replacement windows depends on a few factors. The average replacement window costs between $150 to $750 apiece. This cost refers to the actual window itself and doesn’t include the labor cost to install windows in your home. Other factors like the window frame material, size, and level of energy efficiency will also determine the actual cost of the windows. When you get estimates for your window installation cost, make sure labor is included. An average labor cost of $38 per hour is appropriate for regular-sized windows and most can be installed within one hour each. If a new opening is required, then labor costs will be significantly higher. Larger or more complicated windows like arched decorative windows or bay windows also have a higher total cost.
Standard Services | Quantity | Low | High | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
What you can expect | |||||
Range per window: | $461.81 | $716.16 | |||
Range for this type of project: | $462 | $716 | |||
Estimate: $589 | |||||
Replacement Window Cost | 1 window | $255 | $390 | ||
Complete cost for PVC window with fusion-welded frame. Highly efficient double-pane window with Argon insulation layer, made with low-emissivity glass and 0.35 U factor. Top energy-efficient rating maintains steady indoor temperature. Limited lifetime warranty guarantees excellence. | |||||
Replacement Window Labor, Basic | 3 hours | $188 | $305 | ||
Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete installation. Unit will be set in rough opening and shimmed to achieve level and plumb placement. Jamb edges will be set flush with finished wall surface, and unit secured to framing. Perimeter will be insulated and house wrap secured as needed. Repair of exterior and interior surfaces will incur additional fees. Rate is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of installation site, and meticulous cleanup. | |||||
Replacement Window Job Supplies | 1 window | $19 | $21 | ||
Requisite supplies for the job, including fasteners, shims, flashing, drip cap, perimeter foam insulation, and exterior caulking. | |||||
Replacement Window Debris Disposal | 1 window | $13 | $14 | ||
Responsible disposal of all project debris, including the cost to load and haul old materials, installation waste, and any other refuse. | |||||
Optional Services | |||||
Option: Remove Windows | 1 hour | $84 | $136 | ||
Window frame or casing will be scored along the interior perimeter where bonded to adjacent surfaces. Casing, exterior trim, and siding around perimeter will be removed. Accesible fasteners and window frame will be gently removed, preserving adjacent surfaces, finishes, and hardware. Materials will be removed from premises. |
cost to install replacement windows | |
National Avg. Materials Cost per window | $302.42 |
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 1 window | $552.23 |
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 1 window | $432.99 - $671.47 |
When shopping for new windows, you’ll find plenty of frame material options to choose from. As you research “How much are windows for a house?” keep in mind that window frames vary greatly in terms of price, aesthetics, and durability. Make sure you research each option carefully before deciding which one is the best window frame and window style for your home and your family’s needs.
There are several pros and cons to each type of window frame material available. While wood frames certainly look attractive, they’re also prone to cracking, warping, and peeling over time. Wood is vulnerable to expanding and contracting when it’s exposed to variations in temperature, moisture, and humidity. This could cause your windows to become loose over time, making your home less insulated from the elements and reducing energy efficiency. A perk to choosing wood window frames is that they can be painted to create a customized look.
If you’re looking for something more long-lasting, opt for vinyl, fiberglass, or aluminum window frames. These materials won’t crack, warp, or peel, which makes them a smart investment. They’re also paintable except for vinyl, and fiberglass window frames can mimic the look of a wood-clad interior.
The average labor cost to install windows is $40 per hour, with a range of $30 to $50 per hour. Most contractors charge a flat rate, with a minimum rate of 1.5 hours. Depending on the complexity of the project it might require up to 6 hours.
Installing energy-efficient windows can save you money on your monthly energy costs. Thermally insulated windows can cost from $120 each to $1,200 or more apiece. Add another $200 to $800 for labor to install each window. A good rule of thumb in most cases is the higher the price, the more energy-efficient the windows will be. While you’ll pay more upfront, you’ll also save money in the long-term on your home heating and cooling costs, depending on your local climate.
Keep these tips in mind when you’re shopping for energy-efficient windows:
Your window installation cost will also depend on the type of window itself. There are several different formats of windows to choose from, and each one has a specific design and type of operation. The two most common window types are single-hung and double-hung. Other windows may include bay windows, arched windows, decorative glass block windows, and skylights. Each of these types of windows requires specific installation processes, and they're also made to either open and close a certain way or to add architectural interest to your home. Not only does the format and material of the window factor into the cost, but the price for labor can increase the more complicated it is to install them.
A single-hung window will set you back around $170 to $360, while a double-hung window starts at $300 and may go as high as $850 apiece. Arched windows run around $325 to $500, while a bay window starts at $1,150 and get up to $3,550 or even more. Skylights are a type of window that brings in natural light from above. These windows are around $900 to over $2,000 each before installation. Glass block windows are unique and consist of thick glass, so they're typically around $400 to over $1,000.
The material and labor cost to replace windows depends on a variety of factors, most importantly the actual style of window you want to have installed. Home windows vary in terms of size and shape, material, operation, and level of energy efficiency. Each of these factors will affect your bottom line when installing replacement windows.
The location of the windows, the age of your home, any additional insulation required, and the type of glass itself will also affect the price. For example, double-pane windows use two layers of glass, so they’ll cost more than single-pane windows, which only use one pane.
Any windows at the ground level or in the basement will cost less to install than those that need to be replaced on the upper levels of your home. Special designs like glass block windows, arched decorative windows, skylights, and bay windows will cost more than standard replacement windows. Know exactly which window type you need when getting estimates for your window replacement labor cost.
Below are some of the most popular window types to help you determine what your average expected window installation cost will be:
The area where your windows are located may determine the cost of the replacement. For example, windows located in a foyer, bathroom, or bedroom should cost less since these rooms typically use standard-sized windows. Plan to pay more if you want to replace your current windows with something made of specialty materials that add unique features to spaces like the kitchen or living room.
If you’re replacing basement windows, the cost will depend on what type of windows you choose. The average cost to replace basement windows ranges from $200 to over $1,000 each. Installing egress windows in the basement will cost much more, between $2,000 and $5,000. Egress windows are large enough to escape through in the event of an emergency, and they typically require the expertise of a professional to install them correctly.
The labor cost to install vinyl windows or other window types on the upper floors of your home will cost more, too. The additional price includes the use of special equipment, higher labor costs per hour, and the additional time it takes to complete the installation.
How much can I save with energy-efficient windows?
What's the average window replacement cost based on the number of windows I have?
What about sliding glass doors?
I have an older home. Will that affect my window replacement cost?