Repairing Windows Vs. Replacing Windows – Deciding the Best Option is not Easy

Replacement window prices are very important when deciding to replace the windows in your home. However, with so many options out there and so many companies available to install them, it is important to have an idea about replacement window prices before starting your replacement window project.
There are many factors that influence the replacement window prices of your personal window package:
1. Number of windows
2. Type of windows - Clad wood, fiberglass, vinyl, casement, double hung, curved shapes etc.
3. Size of windows - Larger units vs. standard units vs. smaller units
4. First or second floor installation
5. Exterior wall finish (brick, stucco, siding)
6. Painting options (prefinished interior, painted trim)
7. Finishing options - custom trim, curved trim
Replacement window prices (product estimates)
This is a tough area to determine pricing simply because there is such a wide quality of product available for replacement windows. We will look at three replacement window options for replacement: vinyl, fiberglass, and clad wood. All of these replacement window prices are based off of the following window details:
1. 3' x 6' rectangular double hung window unit.
2. Standard White color
3. Low E glass
4. Full screen
5. Standard hardware
6. No grilles or divided light patterns
This is one of the largest standard size windows you will find in older homes. Keep in mind when you are looking at these estimates, these numbers will be on the higher end of the range of what you might expect for your replacement window project.
Vinyl
You will quickly find when looking at replacement window prices, there will be hundreds of options available in vinyl windows. What makes it difficult about having so many vinyl options is that the replacement window prices for the products will range all over the spectrum as well. For vinyl windows you should expect to pay replacement window prices from $150 for a no-name window up to over $300 for a higher quality more recognized window brand.
Anything lower than $150 for a vinyl window this size and you should really investigate the quality of the product you are being quoted. Expect for additional features such as grilles, gas filled airspace in between the glass, and simulated divided light windows to push up the price 10-20% higher.

Fiberglass
Fiberglass windows command a premium over vinyl windows in pricing due to the improved product performance and limited availability. Replacement window prices for fiberglass windows range from $380 to $450 for a fiberglass window this size. You will have a difficult time finding a wide selection of vendors carrying a fiberglass product today, but as fiberglass gains more popularity and availability in the market, it will be easier to compare replacement window prices for fiberglass windows.
Clad wood/wood windows
Wood windows are the pinnacle of replacement windows for your home. If you are truly concerned about the look of your house or getting the most efficient windows or being environmentally conscious, a wood window should be your choice of replacement window. If you are thinking about wood replacement windows be prepared to pay a premium over an entry level vinyl replacement window. Prices on a wood window will typically run $500 - $600 per window for a window this size. This may seem like a lot for a window, however, when you consider the look, performance, and resale value you gain, it is a wise investment in your home.
When calculating pricing for wood windows, there are also finish costs associated with it that you do not have with a vinyl or fiberglass product: Painting the interior, trimming out around the window opening on the interior, and long term maintenance all add to the bottom line cost of a clad wood window. Window replacement prices on wood windows can range widely due to the number of options available in wood window product lines.
"Other" Costs The information above pertains to the actual costs of the windows themselves. With replacement windows you need to also factor in installation costs. There are a lot of factors that go into determining installation costs so it is often difficult to determine exactly how much the installation will cost. The best way to get a feel for installation costs in your area is to get multiple quotes from different companies and compare.