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When it comes to window replacement (and repair), the affair is somewhat more complicated than most homeowners would believe. Normally, properly installed windows (both frame & glass) last a long time—often well over a decade. However, once something goes wrong, especially with the functional aspect of a window, it is time for a replacement.

And here lies the snag. Once you decide to go for a window replacement job, what exactly do you replace? Would re-glazing (i.e., replacing the existing pane with a new one) be enough? Or do you need to go for a retrofit that would involve replacing both the window frame and the glass? Sometimes, repairing parts of the window or glass may fix your problem and you do not need to replace anything at all. It is due to these reasons that one must always contact a professional and reputable window replacement and repair company on such occasions. A company with a good name would not use aggressive sales tactics and won’t make you spend on unnecessary repair or replacements.

Window Replacement: What’s The Average Cost?

Your window replacement cost would typically depend on factors such as material, type of the window, window brand and size, the nature of the job (re-glazing or retrofitting), number of windows to be replaced and last but not the least, labor costs. For window replacement jobs, the national average stands at $500 for each reinstalled window. Typically, you should expect to pay anything between $250 and $1,200 or higher for replacing your window according to this: window replacement cost calculator.

Pricing Information: A Breakdown

As we’ve mentioned, the actual cost of replacing a window would depend on a number of factors. These are:

#1. Window Type: The common choices include the double hung windows, the classic or single hung windows, sliding windows, bay windows as well as casement or awning windows or large rectangular round, picture or half-round windows. The cost will depend on which style you choose but also on the window size and the brand. To give you an idea, the range for double hung windows (the most common type used at both residential and commercial establishments) is $300 to $800 for a single window.

#2. Window Frame: Next comes the question of window frame or window material. By far, wood and vinyl are the most widely used materials for window frames. But other options, such as aluminum, steel or composite frames as well as different variations of them are becoming increasingly popular, too.

#3. Window Pane: When it comes to the glass itself, you have a range of choices as well. Single pane windows are fast becoming a thing of the past and most people these days settle for multi-pane glasses since the latter are more energy efficient and homeowners can benefit by installing these windows by way of lower utility costs. The manufacturers use a variety of methods and technologies to make their products energy-efficient. So, you have choices such as tempered, laminated or annealed glass; glasses with low e-coatings; argon-filled glass on double or triple pane windows; and so on.

Labor Costs

Now comes the big question which is that of the labor cost. Usually, the labor will account for as much as 40% of the overall cost of replacing your window. That being so, the question will normally happen to you: why not do the task myself? Yet, for all the DIY craze out there and for all those online video tutorials, a window replacement job is not something where you want to go the Do-It-Yourself route.

Replacing windows is a professional’s task and is often performed by certified professionals, glaziers, etc. First of all, a replacement professional may find—once a frame or pane is being removed—that there is need for some minor repairs and these repairs are essential for letting your new window enjoy a long age. However, if you are not a pro, you will not be able to recognize these issues.

However, even if there is no need for any repair, fitting a new window still requires a professional’s skill and experience. Keep in mind that installing a new window means a somewhat large investment and you don’t want to spoil it by trying to save on the labor cost.

How to Bargain a Reasonable Labor Cost

Now, when it comes to finding a good bargain on the labor cost (and you always want to do that since labor involves such a high amount of the overall cost), the way to go is to always seek multiple quotations. Typically, you would like to have at least 4 to 5 different quotes.

Keep in mind, though, that it is not always possible for the window professional to provide you with an exact quote. Often, there are potential repair issues that can only be found once the pane or the frame is being removed. Nevertheless, make sure to get precise quotes for all repair issues that may arise during the job.

Finally, the labor cost will also depend on the complexity of the job. For example, expect to pay more on labor if the replacement is done on your first or second floor windows instead of ground floor windows.

Final Words

To cap it up, window replacement is a serious investment and as such, you need to go wisely about it. Sometimes, a replacement is not necessary at all and a repair would do the job. On the other hand, replacement comes with a whole range of benefits as well. New windows of today are more energy-efficient, provide easy upgrading options, are good at reducing outside noise and for good measure, they come with an excellent ROI metric (71%-78%).