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How much does it cost to install or replace picture windows?
Picture windows are made of various materials and are usually exterior facing and so must provide the desired level of security, appearance, and weather sealing properties including the window glass.
Average picture window 1 costs vary by material, size, labor rate, and decorative quality of the window frame finish.
Cost breakdown
The Labor Cost figures in the following table are what the DIY person could save by performing the work.
Picture window 1 replacement: to remove and dispose of a window and replace it with a picture window 1. Include costs for insulating glass, equipment, miscellaneous material, waste, hardware, all trim and sealing, and final touch-up.
| Item | Unit Cost | Quantity | Line Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl 2 window: 48" wide x 48" tall, no-paint surfaces. | $450 | each | 1 | $450 |
| Upgrade: additional cost for a wood window; top grade 48" wide x 48" tall, pre-finished natural interior, no-paint exterior clad. | $140 | each | 1 | $140 |
| Remove and dispose: existing window; include transport and non-hazardous dump fees. | $40 | per CY | 1 | $40 |
| Material Cost | $630 | each | 1 | $630 |
| + Labor Cost (remove) | $30 | per hour | 2 | $60 |
| + Labor Cost (replace) | $38 | per hour | 5 | $190 |
| Total Cost | $880 | each | 1 | $880 |
Enhancement and improvement costs
- Upgrade: additional cost for a medium-duty fixed panel exterior awning; aluminum frame and white painted panel; rain gutter front edge - $230 plus 3 hours of labor cost $110, for a total cost of $340.
Additional considerations and costs
- Picture windows 1 do not open and so have the benefit of no air-leaking; however cleaning must be done from the outside.
- The prices here are for provider service in their immediate area.
- Not included are taxes or permit fees.
- If neccesary, the opening of a wood-framed exterior wall will cost around $55 to $75 per square foot.
- The homeowner should be informed during provider inspection of any repair or structural modification issues.
- The replacement of 3 or more windows should result in a reduction of these unit prices.
- In some localities a subsidy for efficiency upgrade may be available.
Do it yourself (DIY)?
- Window replacement may not be suitable for DIY as it requires high carpentry skills, and typically comes with a critical closure deadline.
References
- Craftsman Estimator Costbook, 2015.
- Vendor Web sites of the Home Improvement sector.
- Popular DIY Web sites.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Picture window: An opening in the wall consisting of one large pane of glass that does not open
2 Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others
How much does it cost to install or replace picture windows in my city?
Cost to install or replace picture windows varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
Labor cost by city and zip code
Compared to national average+2%
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+24%
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0%
+38%
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-6%
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+40%
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-7%
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+31%
+24%
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-1%
-35%
+7%
+26%
+11%
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+25%
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+77%
+36%
+15%
-6%
+40%
0%
+9%
+11%
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+1%
-4%
Labor cost in your zip code
