Replacement windows are a big undertaking. If you’ve never done it before, this is a good place to start. We have put together a replacement window guide, taking you through the key questions you will have to answer before undertaking this home improvement project.
1. Styles Of Replacement Windows
While there are over 50 styles of home windows, there are really only 2 main types; movable and non-movable. Movable means they open out, slide down, slide horizontally, etc. Non-movable means they are fixed in place and you can’t open them in any way.
Analyze where your replacement windows are going. Do you want them to provide ventilation? Will they be in a location where cleaning could be a real problem like a second story? If the answer is yes to either of these, then you should consider a movable window like a single-hung, double-hung, awning or casement window. If not, stick with a fixed frame window and save yourself some money.
2. Type Of Window Frame
There are lots of choices here, so let’s focus on the two most popular materials; vinyl and wood. Vinyl windows are in the lower to mid price range, require very little maintenance and look nice (but not great). Wood frames are in the higher price range, require some maintenance to insure they don’t rot or warp and look amazing.
Spend some time in our replacement windows cost section to see some price ranges for the different materials. One thing to be aware of – the window company or manufacturer will play a huge role in whether you buy a vinyl or wood window frame that holds up over time or begins showing its age in 4 years. Frame is important, but manufacturer and contractor are most important.
3. Window Manufacturer
The company that makes your window should have a solid reputation. If you spend a bunch of money to replace your windows and in 3 years, the seals are cracking you will not be happy. Spend some time in our replacement windows reviews to see what other customers say about the different window companies. Also, make sure the past customers like your particular product line — certain companies make certain product lines well, and others have problems. At the end of the day, go with a window company who stands behind their products and their work with good warranties.
4. Replacement Window Costs & Budget
There are huge variations in cost so let’s keep it simple with 3 basic scenarios; economy level, mid range and high end projects.
Economy Level Prices: $150 – $250 per window. $75 – $100 per window for installation.
Mid Range Or Standard Pricing: $250 – $500 per window. $100 – $150 per window for installation.
High End Prices: $500 – $750 per window. $150 – $250 per window for installation.
Again, these for completely ballpark figures for normal homes with fairly standard window sizes.
Installation Prices (per window)
Do-It-Yourself Installation – $25
Economy Level Installation – $100 to $150
Mid Range Or Standard Installation – $150 – $200
High End Installation – $200 – $250
Budget
At the outset you need to come up with a budget — which can be tough if you have no idea on pricing. First, sit down and figure out how many windows you will need to replace. Then figure out the type of windows you are considering. For some good general pricing on a range of different styles and frame type, use our window replacement cost estimator.
See our window replacement costs or window installation cost for additional information.
5. Hiring Companies Or Contractors
Hiring a quality contractor to install your windows or purchasing through a well reputed distributor that will install your new windows is the most important step to get right (along with buying a quality product). If you don’t believe us, browse through some online forums and read dissatisfied window reviews from other homeowners – you will be amazed at the high percentage of problems that can be attributed to poor installation.
Make sure that the installer understands the product they are installing (not unlike finding a surgeon who specializes in a particular procedure). This way you you make sure that the product is being put in correctly. Please read our 12 Step Guide Hiring Replacement Window Contractors for a step by step tutorial on how to hire the best contractors.
Related Topics
Buying Window Replacements
Hiring Window Contractors
Best Replacement Windows Consumer Reports
Window Warranty
