How Much is Replacing My Windows Really Going to Cost?

How Much Do Replacement Windows Cost?

That’s the million-dollar question, friends. This will always be one of the first questions any home owner will ask when researching their window replacement options, and for good reason.

We get it. Price matters (it’s not the only consideration, but it’s pretty important).

Price often dictates what type of windows, and any options and accessories, you might get. You need to develop an initial budget and plan for any long-term ownership costs, and that’s true for any windows, at any size, in any configuration you might want.

It’s tough to answer this question right off the bat. Because windows have so many variables and options, it’s often tough to know the price until you’ve figured out exactly what you want and have had skilled professionals assess your home to figure out if it might need any special approaches or non-standard installation work.

Throughout our years of experience, we have provided answers to this question countless times. Our goal is to educate every potential buyer, even if it means guiding them towards a different window option. We’ll do our level best to offer some realistic price ranges, based on real-world installation and accessory cost estimates. To help us do this, we poured through our own catalog as well as competitors to see what these estimates might be as of 2024.

Please keep in mind that all prices, whether for window installations, accessories, or anything else, are only estimates based on our own industry knowledge and experience, and feedback from installers. Prices listed throughout this article may be higher than others you see as you scour the interwebs for information. We’ve seen a lot of those numbers too, and feel that often they aren’t factoring in all of the intricacies of a window replacement project. So we wanted to bring you a range of numbers that we feel may better reflect what you’ll likely pay if you choose to replace the windows in your home. Prices can (and often) vary drastically based on the product(s) you choose, where you live, your chosen installer, and many other factors.

Now, with all that out of the way, let’s get into the good stuff.

How much does a replacement window cost?

Based on what we’re seeing around the industry these days, most replacement windows seem to be around $500 to $1500 per window on average in 2024 — this price is for what we’d call a “turn-key” project. Basically it includes the window itself, removal and haul away of your existing window, installation of the new window, all required caulking and sealants, and a final clean up.

As with any major home improvement project, this price range can increase as you add more options and more elaborate designs, which might include multiple color options, upgraded frame materials, grid patterns, sound deadening glass packages, and so on.

Basic Install

Although this isn’t intended to be an all inclusive list, you might expect to see the following included in a basic window package.

• White Vinyl Windows
• Single Hung Configuration
• No Grid Pattern
• Standard Screens
• Energy Efficiency that may not meet Energy Star Requirements
• Single Strength Glass
• Limited Warranty of at least 10 years

Most basic packages don’t include other options such as tempered(safety) glass or other configurations, but remember, my friend, base packages differ depending on the window replacement company, so be sure to ask what their base package covers when you inquire with them.

From what we’ve seen and heard, average cost of a base package window ranges from $500 – $800.

Prices for other options

Remember how we mentioned add-ons in an earlier section? Though it may sound like a base package covers a lot, we’ve often found that many homeowners choose to increase their budgets to include popular options. Let’s compare purchasing windows purchasing a car. There are many opportunities for those options, or upgrades that will make your car perfect for you, your style and comfort level.

Windows are often the same – folks really love those add-on features that they feel take their replacement windows to the next level for them. We’ll touch on some of those potential add-ons below.

Again we scoured the market to get a sense for popular add-ons and a general cost range as of 2024.

Color Options: to match the aesthetic of your home

• Almond and Sandstone typically add between $20 – $75 per window
• Exerior color only such as Black outside White Inside $65 – $150 per window
• Black or Bronze inside and out $100 – $200 per window

Grids: open things up with a clear view or style your windows to your liking

• Grids between the glass $20 – $75 per window
• Grids outside the glass $ 100 –  $250 per window

Glass: it makes up most of your window and can be customized to compliment your homes needs

• Energy Star upgrades $30 – $100 per window
• Tempered Glass $60 – $200 per window
• Sound Resistant Glass $ 50 – $200 per window
• Triple Pane $30 – $100 per window
• Glass Breakage Warranty $25 – $75

Frame Material: performance and longevity matters here so know what upgrades are available

• Premium Vinyl $75 – $150 per window
• Composite $200 – $400 per window
• Foam filled frames – $30 – $120 per window

Special Shapes: not every home is made of rectangles, but those special shapes can come at a premium

• Archs $150 -$400
• Triangles $150 – $350

Configurations: windows don’t have to just go up and down

• Double Hung $30 – $75
• Slider $30 – $75
• Casement $75 – $200
• Picture(fixed) could reduce your cost unless it becomes so large that it requires tempered glass

Screens: screens that are almost invisible, watch your pets

• Clearview screens $50 – $100

Second or Third Story installation: windows above the ground floor can require ladders or scaffolding to safely replace

• Above Ground Floor $25 – $100

Trim Work: sometimes rotten or broken window trim needs to be replaced, or new trim added(materials and labor time vary on this one)

• New trim $20 – $175

Not to sound like a broken record, but again, everything here is simply an estimate, and your final price may look much different. We hope you’ve developed a better feel for the potential costs of installing replacement windows in your home, including the overall replacement window pricing range, and what to expect when you start going through the window buying process.