Are you considering doing a home renovation and want to start by replacing your old drafty windows? That would be a great idea! New windows not only boost your house value but also bring additional comfort, safety and peace of mind.
Window replacement, however, is not the cheapest renovation you can do and so it is vital to consider many details to choose the best units that will complement your house. And the first step here is probably analyzing the price since new windows won’t be a cheap endeavour. But how do you know your new units are reasonably priced? We have got in touch with different window and door installation experts and prepared this guide for you to make everything clear. Interested? Keep reading!
Table of Contents
So what drives the price of new windows?
Generally speaking, many aspects impact the final price tag of your new windows, but the most important ones are:
- Window style
- Number of windows
- Window Sizes
- Window glazing (double or triple pane)
- Frame Material (wood, Vinyl, aluminum – in short)
- Custom features
So let’s briefly analyze each point so you can better understand what to expect when shopping for new windows and customize them as per your liking.
Windows Style
Well, everything is quite straightforward here – window style is always the first stop you make when looking for windows since new units should match your house design, be comfortable to operate, energy-efficient and look terrific. The most common window styles are casement, picture, sliding and hung windows, and you will get different pros and cons when installing each of these windows. But when it comes to the price tag – picture windows would generally be the most expensive due to their impeccable energy efficiency properties, unobstructed views and huge glass area. If you want to understand better how much you should expect to pay for different window styles, look at the table below with approximate prices for the most popular styles.
| Location | Casement Window | Sliding Window | Single-Hung Window | Picture Window |
| Basement | $535 – $1,022 | $394 – $1057 | n\a | $315 – $1518 |
| Bathroom | $446 – $1,032 | $394 – $1033 | $95 – $1500 | $388 – $1242 |
| Bedroom | $444 – $1193 | $437 – $1521 | $587 – $2115 | $226 – $2324 |
| Bonus room | $676 – $1134 | $820 – $1248 | $634 – $1374 | $420 – $2305 |
| Dining room | $550 – $1348 | $669 – $1957 | $529 – $1466 | $316 – $2072 |
| Family room | $605 – $1999 | $490 – $1131 | $569 – $1155 | $354 – $2661 |
| Foyer | $858 – $1999 | $465 – $778 | $500 – $854 | $338 – $1552 |
| Front | $583 – $1014 | $785 – $968 | $510 – $925 | $359 – $2933 |
| Garage | n\a | $391 – $1085 | $588 – $732 | $334 – $1536 |
| Kitchen | $329 – $1356 | $394 – $1595 | $445 – $1595 | $202 – $2179 |
| Living room | $484 – $1614 | $433 – $2327 | $429 – $1614 | $226 – $2898 |
| Master bedroom | $545 – $1304 | $452 – $1810 | n\a | $335 – $2370 |
| Nook | $549 – $1149 | $658 – $1142 | $473 – $1186 | $337 – $2440 |
Source: https://www.ecolinewindows.ca/
Number of windows
Do you need just one window replaced? Or maybe you are going through a complete house renovation and want all your old units replaced? That will directly impact the final quote. Moreover, when doing a complete house makeover, you may need different window styles for different locations within your house, driving the final price tag.
Window Sizes
Every house may have different rough openings for windows installation, so it will affect the sizes of your new units. Obviously, the bigger window you need, the higher the price will be. But what you need to keep in mind here is your local building code if you want to change the sizes (especially for egress). Ensure you have a reliable window company that will elaborate on that, consulting you and installing everything right and according to the law. The table below elaborates on how different window size affects the price tag of new units.
| small | medium | large | XL |
| $449 – $1,454 | $621 – $2,840 | $1,153 – $2,432 | $1,950 – $3,960 |
| min-max | min-max | min-max | min-max |
Source: https://www.ecolinewindows.ca/
Window glazing
Do you need double or triple-pane windows? Would you like to cut down on your energy bills? What is your current overall thermal performance of the house? These are vital questions to analyze when choosing what window glazing you need for your new units. While triple-pane windows ensure better energy efficiency, they are usually 15% more expensive than double-pane windows. And in the long-term 3-le glazing might save you some extra, but be sure to analyze your current bills, climate and house conditions since you might not need to get that extra layer of glass and pay more if double glazing covers all your energy-efficiency needs.
Frame material
Frame material directly impacts not only the energy efficiency of your windows but also the final price. While wood frames look amazing and provide a traditional touch, they are the most expensive. Moreover, expect frequent maintenance and painting that just adds to the spendings. If you need something in between, choose Vinyl – the go-to option for many Canadian homeowners. The material is much cheaper than wood and alternatives, but the energy efficiency properties are superb. Moreover, it does not require much maintenance and looks modern, matching almost any house design.
Custom features
Are you looking for elite handles? Or maybe you strive to get exclusive painting and window treatments? All this adds up to the price but makes your windows unique and special. Want your neighbours to say wow while passing by your home? Consider special custom features to make your windows stand out.
The Bottom Line
Window replacement is not an easy task. And it is not cheap, that’s for sure. But knowing what makes the window price will definitely help you decide what you need when shopping for new units and what can be avoided.
