How Much Do New Windows Cost?

It’s so easy to compare prices on the internet. Virtually everything from fast food to fast cars can be price-checked on a smartphone.  Everything, except for home improvements.  Unlike products that go from a factory to our hands, home renovations require on-site labor before the buyer can enjoy their purchase. The condition of the existing home will influence the price a homeowner will pay. So will the quality, style, color and features of the windows selected.

Since every home is different and the needs of every homeowner are not the same, how can we answer the question, “How much do new windows cost?”

One way consumers can begin to anticipate how much they might spend on a variety of home remodeling projects—including new windows—is to consult Remodeling Magazine.

The Cost of Replacing Your Windows

Every year, Remodeling Magazine issues a Cost vs Value report for homeowners to compare the average cost for popular remodeling projects. This report also calculates how much value these projects can add to the resale price when the homeowner sells their home. 100 markets are represented in Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report. Homeowners can find out the average cost of each of these projects for the nation, their region – even the city where they live!Replacing windows still continues to be a good investment for homeowners nationwide, because they retain most of their value when a homeowner decides to sell. According to the 2018 Window Magazine Cost vs Value report:

• The national average cost to replace windows retains 74.3% of its value at resale.
• The average cost of new windows in the Mid-Atlantic Region is $16,546 and adds an average of $11,685 to a home’s resale value
• The average cost of new windows in the Philadelphia area is $16,911 and adds an average of $11,428 to a home’s resale value.

For the 2018 Window Magazine Cost vs. Value report, the data comes from a project that involved:

• Replacing 10 existing 3×5-foot double-hung windows with insulated, low-E, simulated-divided-lite vinyl windows.
• Simulated woodgrain interior finish and a custom-color exterior finish.
• Trimming the exterior to match existing; do not disturb existing interior trim.

Factors That Affect the Cost of New Windows

The Cost vs. Value report from Remodeling Magazine is a great place for homeowners to start getting information about the cost to replace windows, but for specific advice and cost estimates it is always best to consult with a professional. A well-respected, licensed and insured remodeler who offers quality products and local references is the best resource to determine the true cost of this home improvement project.

• Labor costs can vary from house to house, based on existing conditions.
  • For a remodeler to provide accurate prices for any home improvement project the homeowner should invite them to visit their home so they can inspect existing conditions and properly estimate labor costs.
• Homeowners have different tastes and needs. The products they select will influence price.
  • Homeowners who discuss the problems they have with their existing windows allow their contractor to calculate material costs for products that actually solve their problems.
• The remodeler’s labor estimate and the cost of products the homeowner selects will ultimately determine the price the homeowner will actually pay for their remodeling project.

Remember, the cost vs. value of replacing windows does not include money saved on energy and maintenance costs. That means, the earlier windows are replaced, the more money a homeowner may also save on energy and maintenance before they sell. Check out 2 other ways your home may be costing you money.

Also remember that living in a home that looks better, is quieter, more secure and more comfortable because of new windows has value, too! To get started, check out our guide for choosing the windows that best suit your home.