Replacement Window Cost

What Will it Cost to Replace My Windows with New Energy Efficient Windows?

As you consider window replacement of the old windows in your home, possibly with new energy efficient windows, chances are you interested in knowing what the cost may be for new windows. Many homeowners contact us here at Texas Home Exteriors about replacement windows estimates and of course one of the big questions is this, “how much they are going to cost?”  Below I provide some information for homeowners to help them understand more about what to look for when considering new replacement windows and what to expect in an estimate.

When our local Houston Texas metro homeowners specifically ask the question “what will it cost to replace my my windows”,  I always offer the best answer I can but with the reminder they keep in mind there are many variables that will need to be considered in determining the cost of replacement windows. Here we’ll share some helpful information get you on your way to understanding what to expect and how much this type of home improvement may cost you.

What Price Range Should I Expect to Pay for Replacement Windows?

A very quick and general answer to this question is that replacement windows can cost on average anywhere between $350-$985 (and up) per window opening for new energy efficient replacement windows. This is what we have found here in the Houston Texas metro area market. It is highly recommended that homeowners request bids from several of the local window contractors for comparison, to meet the companies and find out what they have to offer and how their window replacement process works. Below is a list of factors to consider as they will directly affect the cost of your window replacements.

Five Factors Directly Affecting Replacement Window Cost:

1 – Size of the Windows

When receiving replacement window estimates for your home, the estimator should be measuring your existing window openings. This is to determine the total united inches (ui) of each window as this is how a window cost is priced out.

The measurement calculates as follows per window: width + height = united inches (ui). For instance, let’s say that an existing window you are considering replacing measures 30″ wide x 60″ high. Take and add those two numbers together 30 + 90 to get the total united inches which in this case equals 90 total united inches or 90 ui.

Next, the estimator will take the total united inches, in this case 90 united inches (ui) and multiply it by the cost of the window materials and installation (in this example I will use $6.00 per ui). So the cost of to replace this window is 90 iu x 6 = $540. This same method will be repeated for each window you are considering replacing in your home. Once all the windows have been calculated, add them together for a total cost to replace all of the windows.

2 – Window Shape Affects Cost

The shape of the window you are considering replacing will most certainly affect the cost. Standard square-edge windows are simple enough to manufacture, however, when you get into different window shapes, such as an eyebrow is an entirely different story.  The cost of the new window will increase due to the higher cost to manufacture for windows such as the following types and custom shaped windows:

• octagon
• trapezoid
• pentagon
• quarter round
• triangle circle
• circle top
• circle top with extended legs
• eyebrow
• eyebrow with extended legs

It will also cost more to installation these types of custom windows as they are more difficult to install and require more skill. It should also be noted that custom shaped windows will take a longer build-time as well, so expect to wait at least 30% longer for the windows due to higher possibility of manufacturing complications and increased tolerances.

3 – Window Options
Grids Glass & Color Choices

There are several replacement window options that will affect the overall cost of the windows you choose including options such as: color, locks, grids, number of panes and any designer glass.

Your new replacement windows can come with a variety of exterior color options for the jambs (frames) such as white, tan, bronze and brown.

Interior options can be a bit more extensive with the same colors offered as for the exterior as well as additional options such as: woodgrain finishes (like pine, oak, cherry and pecan). If you were to choose a different color for the outside than what is selected for the inside, this will also increase the cost of the window price due to a more extensive manufacturing process of producing a two color window jamb (frame).

Window locks/latches are often color coded to match the color of the window jamb selected. If you were to select a color that is different or an special finish such as  bronze, nickel or brass, this again would increase cost of the window as the standard locks will now be replaced with a custom finish “specialty” lock/latch.

Grids are yet another factor that can increase the cost of the replacement windows. Some of the grid options and patterns available are as follows:

• colonial
• diamond
• perimeter
• prairie
• standard light

For the most part, white on white windows with no grids or grids in the front of the home only are the most popular due in order to lower cost. Also keep in mind that some Homeowners Associations (HOAs and POAs) may require on not allow windows with grids for the front of the home. Be sure to check with them first before making a window grid selection.

Rain glass and or frosted obscure glass are some selections to consider for your privacy. They are fun attractive and offer a nice upgraded look that is most appealing. These options also will affect your replacement window cost as well.

4 – Quantity of Windows

From time to time, we receive calls from homeowners who would like to replace just a few of their home windows due to various reasons often due to their available budget. Keep in mind, the fewer windows replaced, the more you will pay per window.

This is partially due to the window installation company sending out the crew to replace just a few windows vs a larger job thus driving up the cost per window.
For instance, 5 windows at a cost of $700 each will end up costing you $3,500 compared to 15 windows at a cost of $600 each will cost $9,000 so by replacing all the windows at once, you will save $1,500. The more windows you purchase at one time the lower the cost per window. This is typical of most anything, cheaper in higher quantity.

5 – Other Window Installation Related Work

At the time of replacing windows, there are other aspects to the job homeowners may not consider right off that may have a direct affect on the overall cost of replacing their windows.  For instance, other related work may be involved in a project like considering what type of siding the windows will be installed into, this is an important factor as well for measuring purposes. This is another reason why it is important to have a representative look at the job in person to evaluate the project to provide you with an accurate estimate.

Another thing to consider is that when the old windows are being replaced, there is often a 1″x4″ trim around the windows. This window trim will need to be taken down before the old windows can be removed to prepare for installation of the new windows in their place. Additionally, if the home is need of siding repair, this is the best time to take care of this as well as the two go hand-in-hand. In reality, it is much easier to install a new window when the siding is also being installed as the trim and siding will have already been removed.

 Some Helpful Replacement Window Cost links

Simonton Windows – How Much Do Home Replacement Windows Cost

Angie’s List – How Much Does It Cost To Replace Windows

Home Advisor – Doors and Windows Install Cost

Anderson Windows – Window Replacement Cost

Fixr – Cost Window Replacement 

Window Price Guides – Anderson Window Prices Cost

Remodeling HW – Windows Cost vs. Value Project

Getting What You Pay For

One you have done your due diligence acquiring several replacement window estimates, you will certainly notice a big difference in quoted prices (cost) for your window replacement project. By now you will have had the opportunity to meet and research each company to get a better idea who they are, their reputation and professionalism. Do beware that the low bid on windows is not necessarily the best bid. There are a few competitors in the market who offer windows for low, low prices but then cut corners and/or install a low quality or cheaply-made window then disguise it as a good deal. We have heard many stories of homeowners in disappointment at the results or performance of their new windows in the near future.

Our research and knowledge in the industry has found that companies like this also pay their workers less in addition to taking shortcuts for lower pricing that ends up costing homeowners more in the end. Some of the higher quality replacement windows we here at Texas Home Exteriors recommend are Texas-built NT Windows or  Simonton windows, because they are good quality and at a reasonable price.

So here we have shared some important details for homeowners to be aware of when considering new energy efficient replacement windows for their homes. Click around on the links above for even more information about windows and here is a link to learn about energy efficient window ratings..

We hope you found this article helpful in providing more insight into determining your replacement window cost. As you can now see, there are several variables to consider as you move forward with choosing your windows and the contractor to trust in helping you along the way. Please feel free to post your comments and any questions below or give us a call at 281.919.6999, we are Texas Home Exteriors and we are here to help, always happy to give Houston Texas area homeowners free estimates for new energy efficient replacement windows!

We are looking forward to viewing your comments below..

Best Regards, Greg Kapitan