If you are considering replacing the windows in your home the initial cost of the windows are not the only things you need to worry about. You also want to consider the long term costs associated with the having these windows installed. As we speak of installation, that too will cost you in addition to the cost of purchasing the window. How much you pay in all to purchase your windows and to install them is dependent on a number of factors. Things that complicate the calculation include the type of window, the features of the window, the materials used to make the window, the size of the windows and the amount of windows you intend to replace.

  • Installation Costs – In an average sized home the costs of installing new windows in the entire home could run from $7000 – $20,000. If they are custom windows then you should expect to pay extra for installation as well.

 

  • Window Costs – The cost of the window itself varies greatly, if you are choosing a basic vinyl window it could be less than $200 per window and a basic wooden model could cost in excess of $250. The materials used in the frame are not the only factors that affect the price. The type of insulator glass used for the window also affects the price of the window.

 

  • Window Features – Unfinished windows, windows without the frills and ‘off the shelf’ windows are generally the more affordable options. Made to order windows are next going up in price range and then custom made windows are the most expensive. For example a double hung window with insulated glass and a pine frame may cost approximately $270 but if you had a high amount of glazing to this window the cost could go up to an approximate $825. If you were to choose a double hung window with glazing and a mahogany wood frame the cost of just that one window could go as high as $2000.

 

  • Energy Efficient Features – this is one area that can really cause your window costs to add up. There are many different technologies that can make a window energy efficient and the different types of technologies used in a window affect its price. You will find double and triple paned windows, windows with inert gases in between panes, windows with low- coats and windows with foam insulation to name a few. Though these windows can be expensive you can get back some of your money with the help of rebates that are offered by your city or state for installing energy efficient windows. In order to get such rebates the windows you choose must have the Energy Star label.

 

  • Window Frames – windows with vinyl frames are among the most affordable. You will find them for any type, shape or size window. What you may not find are many colors to choose from as the majority of vinyl windows are white. Another affordable option is windows with aluminum frames. To make these types of windows more energy efficient you may need to install thermal breaks along with the window. Next there are windows with wooden frames which offer a lot of versatility. There are also windows with fiberglass frames.  The prices for these types of windows tend to fall between that of vinyl and wood. These do not offer much versatility as they are available in a limited number of styles and sizes.

 

 

When purchasing new windows, if you are getting the best windows then you don’t have to worry about the costs as the best windows will guarantee a return on your money. You don’t have to take our word for it as many leaders in the Home Remodeling industry state that when one adds energy efficient vinyl or wood windows to their home they can recover as much as 75% of the cost of the windows when selling their home.

Determining the cost of new windows is dependent on a number of factors, you have to look at the savings that you will get from saving on your energy bills, saving on maintenance, saving on replacement a couple years down the road and money to be made when you sell your home.