(replacing a bow window of 4-foot, 8-inches by 4-foot, 6-inches)
(new box window plus roof, eave interior window seat, and energy efficient glass —same size)
Cost to install or replace bay windows varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from window installers in your city.
The average cost of installing a bay window is $3,060.
Bay windows dress up any part of the home they are installed in. They are defined as any type of window that protrudes from the exterior of the house, while forming a “bay” inside. Bay windows are usually made in angles of 90, 130, and 150 degrees, and can also include a seat or storage on the interior beneath the glass.
These types of windows make a stunning presentation on both the interior and exterior of the home. Because they offer a greater range of positioning and angles, they allow more light to enter the home, and give you a larger view into the outdoors.
For this discussion, we will consider the cost of installing a new full bay window of 4-foot, 8-inches by 4-foot, 6-inches, which averages $3,060. However, there are a number of different types and sizes of bay windows, which can affect the final cost of installation. The size of the window, the angle at which it protrudes, whether or not you include a window seat, the material the window is made of, and whether this is an existing window that you are replacing or new construction can all impact the final cost as well.
Bay windows 1 extend outward from the house, which means that they need additional support. When considering the location for your bay window 1, you need to look not only at where you want it aesthetically, but also where it will fit functionally. The area you install your bay window 1 in must have an eave 2 or an overhang from the roof directly above it. If you do not have this eave 2 already there, it will need to be built, which can dramatically increase costs of the final installation, by as much as $2000. The size of the eave 2 will dictate what angle your window can protrude to. An eave 2 measuring 12-14 inches can support a 30 degree bay, while an eave 2 that is 16-22 inches can support a 45 degree bay; anything larger will require an eave 2 at least 18-24 inches deep.
For aesthetic reasons, you’ll want to choose a location that offers the best views, not only from the interior as you sit and read the paper on the ledge, but also from the exterior. Bay windows 1 can dramatically increase the curb appeal of your home, so you’ll want to ensure they can be seen from the street. Common rooms to add them to include:
While it’s become commonplace to call any type of window that curves or extends outward from the house a “bay” there are actually different types:
A bow window is three or more windows that curve outward from the house in a smooth line. They may or may not include any seat or ledge below them, and there is usually space or support between each of the windows. This type of window can be installed in more places than a traditional bay, because it requires less support. Bow windows cost between $1,500 and $3,500.
A box bay window 1 extends outward like a traditional bay or bow, but does not curve or create an angle to do so. Instead, a “box” or square addition is put onto the home with three flat windows installed in a row at the front. A box bay extends the living space of the room slightly, and will usually have its own roof or eave 2 installed above it. Expect to pay around $2,500 to $3,200 for a box bay window 1.
A full bay window 1 involves three or more windows that extend outward, usually with a ledge or seat indoors. The windows on the side are generally set at an angle to the center window, which is installed parallel to the house. Full bay windows 1 don’t increase living space, but do give you more use of the window area by including a seat or storage. Expect to pay $1,200 to $3,000 for a standard full bay.
The type of material your bay window 1 is made from can affect its cost, its appearance, and its longevity. There are four basic materials that are used for bay window 1 construction:
Most window installers can make the necessary arrangements to install a bay window 1 on your home. Depending on the existing area, labor can be as simple as exchanging the windows, or as complex as cutting and reframing the walls of your home and building a new roof over the area. If you are also adding eaves 2 or a roof to the area above the window, you may need to hire a roofer to finish the area as well. Expect to pay $500 to $700 for window installation if you have an existing bay or bow window you are replacing, and $1000 to $2000 for installation if this is a new bay window 1, which requires support, framing, and finish work to complete. If you need to hire a roofer to complete the job, expect to pay $45 to $75 an hour for the work.
While you can convert any existing window into a bay window 1, keep in mind that the more labor that needs to be done, the greater the final cost. Exchanging an existing bay window 1 for a newer version with better insulated glass and frame will be the lowest cost and labor, while building out a new box window and roof will be the most costly. Expect new installation to take 2 to 3 days to complete; replacements can generally be done in 4 to 6 hours.
Depending on the extent of the project, you may need to factor in removal of old windows, construction debris, and cleanup of the property. For many replacement window jobs, this is included in the cost of installation. For larger jobs, such as the opening of a wall and the building out of a box, you may need to pay additional removal and disposal fees of $200 or more. Check with your installer to find out what may be included.
If you are converting a single window to a bay window 1, keep in mind that more serious construction will be necessary on your home. This will include locating studs and load bearing walls, relocating these if necessary, and opening up the existing wall to make way for the new window. Your home may be open to the elements for one to two days during this time, although plastic sheeting may be used to cover the area until the new window is installed. This type of work can increase costs by $500 to $1500.
If you live in a cold climate, you may want to consider triple insulated glass with a low-e coating to help improve the energy efficiency of your home by 15 to 25%. Most windows are available with this option, at an additional cost of 25 to 30% - or between $300 and $600 more.
If you do not already have an existing bay window 1 you are replacing, you may want to trim and finish out the interior to complete the look. This includes things like building a window seat or storage bench, adding window frames, or ledges. You may need to hire a carpenter to do this work at a cost of $70 an hour, or $840 to $1680 to build a window seat.
Cost to install or replace bay windows varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.