Replacement window costs vary significantly depending on the brand, quality, and size of windows you want to purchase. The price of replacement windows can range from a few hundred dollars for a cheaper window to more than $6,000 for the more expensive higher-quality versions like those made by Andersen Windows. Sometimes it’s better to go with a less expensive option than going with something that retails for twice as much as your budget allows because it might not last as long or look quite as nice. On the other hand, you may want to double or even triple your budget in order to buy enough windows so that you have replacements available until they break down completely and need replacing again.
It’s usually a good idea to try to get cheaper windows but not the cheapest possible windows. If you’re looking for a balance between quality and price that will last for years without failure, then you probably want to consider average or even above-average replacement window prices rather than the very cheapest ones you can find. For example, buying cheap vinyl replacement windows is never a good idea because they tend to fall apart within just a few years of use. On the other hand, buying expensive replacement windows may be completely unnecessary if all you really need are some basic single-hung wood sashes that meet your basic needs for light and weather protection.
Shop around for the best prices on replacement windows if you’re in the market. Make sure that you know what you want to buy and how much it will cost before you make your final decision. If you aren’t careful, your budget may end up costing more in the long run because of poor pricing choices at stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. You’ll probably save money when you repair or replace windows that have already begun to fall apart; however, this doesn’t mean that it will always be possible to find replacement window prices that are cheaper than regular window prices and then move on to saving money in the future by repairing them instead of replacing them with new windows.
The average cost of replacing a wood window in the United States is about $600, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Replacement window costs can vary widely depending on the type of window that you want to buy, but most replacement windows will probably cost at least $300 for a single-hung vinyl replacement window and at least $400 for a double-pane wood replacement window. For example, Andersen Windows sells its windows by the hour or by the number of units that you order. The quote I found was for installing two Andersen windows with one hour of labor each (plus hanging them), which would run you about $550 per pair or about $460 per single unit. If you have a larger order, you can get a discount for large orders of replacement windows.
On the other hand, if you are replacing double-pane wood windows, then as noted earlier, it’s generally better to go with Andersen Windows because you are paying less for better quality. An average price for single-pane wood replacement windows is about $2,300 per unit. This cost is based on the estimate I got from my local salesperson at Lowe’s in my town. As noted earlier, Andersen windows would be at least slightly more expensive than vinyl replacement windows if they have only one set of sheeting installed in each window.
Bottom line
Replacement window costs and prices are generally higher than if you buy new windows because you will still have to pay for and install the replacement windows, which is not the case if you were to buy new windows. However, buying replacement windows instead of new ones does give you a chance to save money by purchasing used or slightly damaged replacement windows that are in good condition.
You’ll probably want to do your best research before making a final decision on whether or not it’s better to purchase new or used replacement windows because they can be quite different in some ways. Purchasing used replacement window units such as Andersen Windows allows you to save money while possibly adding some character and nostalgia to an old home where vinyl replacements aren’t available.
