Whether your cooling or heating costs have skyrocketed or your home needs a fresh look, you’re probably going to consider window installation as your first option. However, not knowing the cost to install new windows could prove to be very catastrophic. With the market prices fluctuating throughout the year, it can be very difficult for homeowners to determine the average cost of window replacement. This is why our experts at Northwestern Exteriors Inc. have come up with a comprehensive guide to help you out.
The Ultimate Guide To Window Installation Costs
With windows being such a crucial part of your home, you’re going to need an expert and up-to-date opinion whenever you’re considering replacing your windows or installing new ones. When looking for the average custom window installation cost or a window installation cost calculator, you will need to consider several factors that will impact your final bill.
Let’s look at some factors that will affect your window installation cost:
How many windows are you installing?
The window installation cost per window usually gets lower with larger projects, so if all your windows are subject to wear and tear, it may be the right time to start a full-scale project. We’ve created an average cost range sample that would apply to most homes unless you have larger windows with more premium material, but it does not include the labor cost to replace windows.
| Number of windows | Average cost range |
| 1 | $250 – $2,000 |
| 2-5 | $1,400 – $3,800 |
| 6-10 | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| 11-15 | $6,000 – $11,000 |
| 16-20 | $10,000 – $15,000 |
What’s your window like?
From an awning to a bow design, each type of window comes with its unique characteristics that make it suitable for some homes but not others, and the type you choose will highly affect your final window installation cost, too.
Let’s analyze different types of windows along with their key characteristic:
| Window Type | Key features | Average installation cost |
| Awning | Rectangular and provides good ventilation | $550 |
| Bow | Has 4 panels with a subtle curve outward | $2,500 |
| Bay | Large and complex with 3 panels | $2,000 |
| Double-hung | Slides open from the top and bottom | $600 |
| Fixed | Doesn’t move and stays in place | $500 |
| Glass block | Panels with glass squares that look like a brick wall | $750 |
| Casement | Hinged on one side and swings open on the other | $800 |
| Single-hung | One fixed pane at the top and one operable pane at the bottom | $500 |
| Skylight | Fixed or operable roof that lets light in | $2,000 |
| Sliding | Sideways version of a double-hung window | $1,000 |
| Transom | Small panel above a door or window | $500 |
How does the frame look?
Another key element that can impact your installation costs is the material you choose for your window frame. So, if you’ve been looking up ‘vinyl window installation costs,’ you’re in the right place.
| Frame material | Average cost per window | Noticeable features |
| Aluminum | $400 – $700 | Heats up rapidly, not energy-efficient |
| Vinyl | $450 – $900 | Energy-efficient, easy maintenance, and can handle extreme temperatures. |
| Composite | $600 – $2,500 | Much more sturdy than vinyl or wood |
| Steel | $850 – $3,000 | Not energy-efficient, but durable and customizable |
| Wood | $550 – $1,950 | Visually appealing, not easy to maintain |
| Fiberglass | $450 – $1,100 | Durable and energy-efficient |
Let’s talk labor
The more complicated the job, the higher the installation cost. Some contractors charge by the hour, while others charge for an individual window. Some installers even charge a day rate. But the usual estimate of a window installation cost per window is around $150 – $300.
| Did you know? The heat gain and loss through your windows is responsible for 25%–30% of heating and cooling energy use in your house. |
Don’t forget the permits
On average, you’ll need to pay around $50 – $100 per window to get a permit for the installation or replacement. Different locations have different standards for the permit fee, with some even offering to reduce the per-window cost if multiple windows are being installed.
Some loose ends
Some other factors can play a major role in determining your final cost for window installation. Ignoring them could result in a much more costly installation project. If you’ve been looking up ’cheap window installation near me,’ this section is just for you.
- Remember that an older house would cost you more during window installation because it wouldn’t have a standard window size.
- Getting a window installation for your third floor would cost more than a ground-floor window, as additional equipment like a crane or boom lift would be needed.
- Window installation projects are very common during summer and spring, so they cost more.
- Custom window installation costs are generally higher because many companies ask for more money when you want a color that isn’t available in their standard offerings.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the average window installation cost would be somewhere around $800, with its lower range at $300 and its upper range at $3,000, depending on the type of your window, frame material, and the number of window installations you want.
FAQs
- Is it cheaper to replace all windows at once?
It depends on the contractor you’re choosing because some companies reduce the per-window rate for multiple window installations. - What is the cheapest type of window?
Fixed-frame Vinyl windows cost the least. - Does window installation increase your home value?
Yes, windows often have a high ROI (return on investment). - Can you replace windows without replacing the frame?
Yes, if your frame isn’t damaged. - Is it expensive to put in new windows?
It depends on the type of frame, glazing option, labor expense, and size of your window.