Homeowners often ask us what is the labor cost to install vinyl windows? Darn good question and not always the easiest to answer for a few reasons that I’ll go into below.
For now, let’s just sum up a general range of labor cost for replacement windows – $75 to $550 per window. While this is too big a range to be helpful, it does provide us with a jumping off point.
Beginning the window replacement process – check out our Starter Guide
Questions? We’ve got you covered – Bill – Site Editor
Labor Cost To Install Vinyl Windows
There are four main types of installation, and these include a local handyman, insert or retrofit, new construction, and a historic home installs. Below, we will provide a brief description of what these jobs entail, and how much you can expect to pay. Please note, labor costs depend on quite a bit on where in the country you live. The price points listed below are the average costs in the United States.
Labor Cost Snapshot
All cost estimates below are based on a single medium sized window that does not have significant water or wood rot issues in the frames or sills.
Local Handyman — $75 to $200
Insert / Retrofit — $100 to $250
New Construction — $250 to $500
Historic Home Install — $350 to $600
Local Handyman Costs
We all know what a local handyman is – they are the fix it person that wears many hats (hopefully they wear them well). Certainly, they are going to be the least expensive option when it comes to installing home windows. The downside here is what windows they will have access to. The big box stores like Home Depot and Lowes carry mostly subpar brands – although there are exceptions to this, including Simonton and the Andersen 100 series.
Labor Cost To Install Vinyl Windows | Retrofit
Insert or retrofit installation is the second most affordable option in terms of installing home windows. In this case, the process is relatively simple when compared to new construction. With retrofit, the installer cuts out the old window from the frame using a jig saw or the equivalent tool.
Next, the installer cleans up the interior and places the new window directly into the opening. Then, they secure the window to the frame using pre-drilled holes. Finally, they caulk and seal the opening. As you can see, a relatively easy process that does sacrifice some on the amount of visible glass (that can be a problem for smaller windows).
New Construction Cost
New construction installation is both the most difficult, but also the more secure. With NC, the installer removes the old window, along with everything else until you have an exposed wood frame. The new window (with a nailing flange or fin) is installed in the frame and secured along the header and sides with nails into the fin or flange.
Next, the installer applies flashing to the header and sides to protect from any water or moisture getting in. Finally, they caulk and seal the opening, and reinstall the exterior material to make the window surround look nice. On the whole, quite a lot of work. And thus more expensive. Here is a link to additional information on labor cost to install windows.
Historic Home Install
Historic homes simply refers to homes that either have a historic designation or the homeowner wants to keep the traditional look and feel. So, this often involves using more specific materials that can be quite a bit pricier (or more difficult to locate). Typically, this involves new construction installation and is (often) the most expensive of the four types of installation.
Labor Cost To Install Vinyl Windows
Bill, I would appreciate your opinion on which of these 3 quotes is the better choice. All of the installers are experienced and of good quality. To me, all of the price quotes are close enough to be considered essentially the same value so it comes down to which is the better window and window manufacturer. Thanks for your help. 9 double hung vinyl windows, 2 of which have half rounds attached to their tops. Also what do you think of the install price?
Vytex Fortis: $12,200 (windows only $9,950)
Okna 500: 11,800 (windows only $9,300)
Okna 600: $12,625 (windows only $10,125)
Jeff – Homeowner – from 2024
[Website Editor’s Reply]
Jeff, the better brand between Vytex vs Okna is Okna by quite a bit I would say. I like Vytex, love Okna Windows. The better window series is the 600 over the 500. Both are great, the 600 is exceptional. If this were my home, I would pull the trigger on the Okna 600 deal without question. Fair price and it sounds like the installation will be from a quality shop. You nailed it!
In terms of the install price, it’s pretty fair I would say. $250 per window on the Okna, and $225 on the Vytex. Not cheap, but about what you would expect for a quality installer to come in and do the work.
Bill – Site Editor – from 2024
Related Topics
Window Costs Per Square Foot
Window Prices By Size
Replacement Cost Estimator
