Average Cost of Window Installation

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Average Cost of Window Installation

The average cost of window installation is $125 per opening for a standard sized casement, double hung or slider. The biggest factor that determines price is the overall condition of your sills and jambs. See prices and descriptions for the different install methods.

When window companies come out to give you a bid on your project, they will first measure each window opening and and examine the condition of the sills and jambs for any damage that must be fixed during the install. Pricing is based on window sizes (for example 24"W x 48"H) - the contractor will write down each measurement and go over the various brands or manufacturers that they carry (Andersen, Marvin, Soft-Lite, Milgard, Alside, etc.) and provide you with a project bid (hopefully several bids based on each manufacturer's price).

Insert Installation

Inserts or pocket installation is a fully assembled unit that comes with its frame attached. This is the least expensive approach and an industry standard price per opening is $50 to $90. In these cases, the existing window is taken out and the replacement is inserted in the sash pocket. The replacement must be leveled and shimmed to make sure it is plumb and square. Inserts are secured with the screws that comes with the replacement windows into predrilled holes. The perimeter is sealed with fiberglass or low expanding foam (if there is enough room) and caulked and sealed.

-- Price Per Opening: $50 to $90 --

Standard Installation

Standard replacement involves each step discussed above, along with removing the stops, sills and jambs and replacing them as needed. This would only be necessary if there is damage to any of these parts of the window. The window is inserted as you would with an insert and a low expanding foam is used to completely seal the unit from any outside air entering. Caulk is then used on the inside and outside to seal the edges. In many cases, some work to the exterior trim such as adding aluminum capping is needed and adds to the per opening cost. There are lots of steps that can either add to or subtract to the cost here so getting multiple estimates is a good way to see what needs to be done on your project.

-- Price Per Opening: $100 to $150 --

Full Frame Installation

With a full frame replacement, the installer takes out the stops, sills and jambs to get to the rough opening of the window. From here they add new jambs and sills and put in a new construction window which differs from the insert because it has a nailing fin or flange attached to it. The flange provides multiple points on the side and head to nail the replacement securely in place. Often times a sill pan is placed on the bottom sill to drain any water which might get in somewhere down the road. The window is checked to make sure it is plumb and square. Low expanding foam is used to completely seal the new unit. Caulk is then used on the inside and outside to seal the edges. Again, in many cases, work to the exterior trim such as adding aluminum capping is needed and adds to the per opening cost. Full frame installation can be quite an involved process to insure the replacements last a lifetime.

-- Price Per Opening: $150 to $250 --