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Windows
Window replacement is one of the most-overcharged home improvement categories. Learn fair per-window pricing, what 'lifetime warranty' really means, and how to compare bids apples-to-apples.
Window pricing is wildly inconsistent across providers. The same vinyl double-hung window can be installed for $550 by a local glazier or $1,800 by a national pitch-and-close company. The numbers below reflect mid-market, properly installed pricing.
Regional cost comparison
Figures are widely cited industry averages compiled from contractor surveys, trade publications, and consumer-reporting databases. Your real quote will vary by home size, materials, accessibility, permits, and local labor rates.
| Service | Northeast | South | Midwest | West | National avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl double-hung replacement (per window) | $650–$1,400 | $500–$1,100 | $550–$1,200 | $650–$1,500 | $550–$1,300 |
| Fiberglass replacement (per window) | $950–$1,900 | $750–$1,500 | $800–$1,650 | $950–$2,000 | $800–$1,750 |
| Wood/clad replacement (Andersen/Pella, per window) | $1,400–$2,800 | $1,100–$2,200 | $1,200–$2,400 | $1,400–$2,900 | $1,200–$2,600 |
| Egress basement window install | $3,800–$6,500 | $2,800–$5,000 | $3,000–$5,400 | $3,800–$6,800 | $3,000–$5,800 |
| Sliding patio door replacement | $2,400–$4,800 | $1,800–$3,800 | $2,000–$4,200 | $2,400–$5,000 | $2,000–$4,500 |
When to hire a pro
- Any full-frame replacement
- Egress window installs in bedrooms or basements
- Historic window restoration (specialized work)
- Anything requiring lead paint abatement (pre-1978 homes)
When DIY is OK
- Re-caulking exterior frames
- Replacing window screens and screen mesh
- Adding interior storm panels for winter insulation
- Lubricating sash channels and weatherstripping
Windows guides
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Per-window pricing by material, the upcharges that double quotes, and why national chain estimates can be 2x local pros.
Read guideAre Replacement Windows Actually Worth It?
Energy savings vs. install cost, the real payback period, and when air sealing beats new windows entirely.
Read guideWindow Warranties Explained: Lifetime Isn't What It Sounds Like
What manufacturer warranties cover, transferability, and the labor costs they exclude.
Coming soonVinyl vs. Fiberglass Windows: A Full Comparison
Strength, longevity, paintability, and real-world durability.
Coming soonEgress Window Requirements: Code, Cost, and Resale
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