Replacing old, drafty windows can brighten and update a home while cutting energy bills by as much as 25 percent.
Typical costs:
Expect to pay an average of $300-$700 per window for replacements placed inside existing (and structurally intact) window frames, but it could go as high as $1,000 per window, for a range of $3,000-$10,000 for a one-story, three-bedroom home with 10 windows. Larger, two-story homes with more windows can run $10,000-$20,000. Double- and triple-glazed windows, or those filled with argon gas increase energy savings but bump the cost to the higher end of the scale.
If the existing window frame is rotted or damaged in any way, the frame must be rebuilt. This are called new construction windows, and can cost as much as 50-100 percent more than replacement windows, or $5,000-$40,000 for completely rebuilding all the windows in a home.
A window installer should remove the existing windows, install the new ones, cleanup and dispose of the old windows, and wash the new windows. Estimates are usually based on united inches, which is equal to the sum of the length and width of each window; a 40x55-inch window is 95 united inches. HomeTime.com[1] gives quick definitions of standard window terms, such as apron, casing, glazing, mullion and more.
Vinyl windows are usually the least expensive; other window framing materials include wood, aluminum, steel and Fiberglas. DoItYourself.com[2] provides an overview.
Better Homes & Gardens[3] lists 25 things to know about windows in general, while DoItYourself.com[4] discusses distinctive window shapes that can add "personality" to a home.
An energy star[5] label means greater savings on heating and air conditioning; the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy[6] explains exactly what's needed for an energy-efficient window and the Efficient Window Collaborative[7] compares different types of windows by state based on climate conditions. Top energy efficiency may mean different types of windows on different sides of the same home, depending on sun and weather exposure.
Additional costs:
Extensive dry rot or other damage around existing windows may require repairs before new windows can be installed; the cost will depend on the amount and type of work needed.
Be sure the estimate includes disposing of the old windows.
Replacing non-standard-sized windows requires either custom windows or enlarging the old opening to accommodate a larger standard size, which can up costs by 50-100 percent per window.
Discounts:
When dealing with non-standard-sized windows, check with many manufacturers; your window might be a nonstandard size for one but standard for another, which saves the cost of enlarging the window opening.
Some people purchase windows through a local home improvement store or other outlet, then save money by hiring a local handyman to install them. Be sure the handyman has the skills and experience needed to do a thorough, well-sealed and leak-proof job.
Installing windows yourself may save $35-$100 or more per window, but be sure you understand all the moisture and weatherproofing requirements; mistakes can lead to dry rot or other problems.
Shopping for replacement windows:
For ideas on what type of windows would look and function best, check the photo galleries provided by manufacturers Pella[8] , Milgard[9] and Andersen[10] . Other companies, large and small, are listed with the Window and Door Manufacturers Association[11] . Manufacturers' websites provide links to local companies who sell and install their products.
Replacement windows with or without professional installation are available through Lowe's[12] .
Get estimates from several companies. Ask for and contact references, and make sure the company is properly bonded and insured. A deposit will be required, but don't pay the full amount until the job is finished to your complete satisfaction, especially when hiring a local handyman to do the installation.
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After a 2.5 hour sales pitch, this was their quote. No way i would take it at >$20 united inch They also quoted gutters at $3800 for a really easy, mostly straight roofline...
Met with Project Manager for estimate, 8 windows & 1 sliding patio door, with double panel, argon gas, and Lo-E 3. Required 10% deposit. Will be 40% deposit when the Measurement Tech arrived. Pay remaining balance upon job completion. Have not measured yet.
Living in Florida, if you're going to replace windows, you have to go with double-pane hurricane rated or you're wasting your money. We received a quote from Window World that was about $2K less, but, they informed me they didn't have a contractor on staff that could fix any issues if they came across them. My house is 52 years old with various patches and multiple owners over the years...of course there was going to be problems. So we went with a licensed Contractor instead and he was able to repair the old brick, stucco, and drywall as the replacement went along.
THEY CAME OUT GAVE ME A PRICE OF 82K AND I TOLD HIM TO GIVE ME SOME OF WHAT HE WAS SMOKING. HELOWERED HIS PRICE TO 55K. I TOLD HIM IF HE COULD DO THAT HE WAS TRYING TO STEAL FROM ME AND TO GET OUT OF MY HOUSE
Got a quote to replace 11 double hung windows (some rather large), 1 slider with 3 sections, and 1 solid panel with frosted glass for bathroom. The quote was not outrageous. Have not purchased the windows yet. Includes installation, lifetime glass breakage and replacement, screens for all appropriate windows. South facing windows will have double coatings of reflective low E glass, while north facing ones will have only one pane covered. They are all double pain glass windows. I was going to retain any unbroken old windows in order to donate them to the Habitat for Humanity store in town.
Quote of $62,087 to replace 24 windows and sliding glass door, in two story craftsman style house build in 1928. We listened and appreciated the financing options but the cost is equivalent to one third of the current house value and is $32k more than other quotes. What makes R by A worth it?
Did not purchase, but quote of $19,000 to replace 9 windows in my 1000 square foot ranch. I quickly showed them the door. They proceeded to call constantly for months afterwards, if Anderson comes by, don't waste your time unless you like lighting money on fire.
took out bad old windows. put in new windows and patio doors. now i live in a refridgerator. worst move i made. still fighting with them. went from bad to worst. brrrrrrrrrrr
We found Energy Efficient Replacements located in Granger, In. They offered the Sunrise Windows. We had a previous home with Sunrise Windows and the windows were terrific. We had them replace our 12 double hung windows and also our front door. Was this post helpful to you?
Posted by: more wasted time in St Louis in OFallon, MO.
Posted: July 24th, 2016 11:07AM
Number of Windows: 15
Number Lineal Inches:
Brand: Beechworth
Window Type: Double Hung
Installer: Lakeside Ext.
Would not touch Lakeside with a 10 ft. pole. Mark-up to mark-down gamers. Average $1400/ window AFTER 25% discount. Windows dipped in gold? Maybe Lakeside owner's car or house...or both.
Installed yesterday. Love the windows. They even have a tint. Took about 8 hours for 2 guys. Lifetime warranty and 0% interest financing for 5 years too! I would do it again.
Renewal by Anderson had a buy one get one sale. The price came out $1458 per window on the BOGO. So, the full price is $2916.00 per window..... Still looking.
We bought new windows and an entry door in January. The 3 man crew just finished installing everything in one day. Very impressed. Everything that was promised is exactly what happened. A+ job
Company has been around since 1957. Installers were very efficient. All windows in and trimmed with clean-up in 4 hours. Windows are double panes, Argon gas, ufactor 0.31, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient 0.30, visible transmittance 0.54, airleakage 0.3 according to the NFRC
I own a duplex and replaced 12 windows, both front doors, and added aluminum storm doors to both sides. The windows ran about $7700. The 2 Front Doors and Storm doors $3418.
Great job. This company started as Murray Millwork doing a lot of high end carpentry. We decided to go with them because they offered a different installation than the regular companies. They removed the whole frame and built a whole new one. Then they put in the new window and trimmed it out with all new custom millwork from their sister company. So glad we got rid of our trim and did it the right way.
This project is a big one with more than half of the windows installed. Andersen appears to be a complicated company to do business with as a middle man company for Home Depot as far as the window manufacturing production of our window sizes and measurements goes. The windows seem to be what we needed for a better quality of life. It is a costly decision to make. W did get a quote and measurements from Renewal By Andesen prior to going to HD. Renewals quote was 50,000.00.
I selected VHI Builders as one of the contractors to bid on my window replacement project based upon comments by Waterlili81 and am thankful for that that posting. Dave, the owner of VHI, was very helpful in our selection of a window manufacturer, model and various cost saving options. We met with him a total of 3 times before signing the contract. His work was meticulous, neat and speedy. Additionally we contracted for some new construction that involved removing exterior french doors and replacing with 2 new matching replacement windows. I have no reservations in recommending him for this type of work in our area.
purchased 11 sunrise windows with grids from EER Windows in Granger, IN. The sunrise product seems to be a better choice over the local pella and Anderson dealers. Their warranties and energy ratings are much stronger.
For a bay window 87 x 57 asked for 5000 dollars .we re told 3 interest no penalty ,got paperwork ,the first 5 payments were all intreats!! Talk about feeling scammed ,so am going back in with eyes wide open!!! Any help ,would be great
This is my second purchase with Window World - I bought from Rockford 10 years ago and from Joliet this year. (Same owners) They are locally owned and operated and wonderful, honest people. The windows are high quality. There's a little wait for their windows, but it was worth it. We called several others and they were very pushy, expensive and two wouldn't leave their brochures for comparison. Call them for your windows - their LIFETIME Warranty can't be beat and we've put that to the test!
Any one comment on if it is reasonable to pay $9,300 dollars (include installation n tax) to replace 13 windows with Milgard Tuscany Vinyl w D3max low e glass? 3/13 are casement windows. Others double hung. I have until Aug 1, 2014 to back out. Thanks.
Installer: Energy Efficient Replacements of Granger
I had one of the owners (Randy) out for an estimate. He was very thorough on the project we were interested in. The knowledge of Randy and how he explained the entire process is the reason we chose to do business with Energy Efficient Replacements. Randy and his business partner Jason were out here on the day of installation and we're very hands on with the entire process. Our new bay windows are perfect.
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