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Installing windows in a house, whether it’s new construction or a remodel, can be daunting from a financial standpoint. However, there are so many options available that most homeowners should be able to find something that suits their budget and their tastes.

According to Home Advisor, individual prices for home windows range from $85 to $2,500, while installation can add another $150 to $800 to the total cost. There are many factors influencing the overall price of installing new windows. Outlined below are some of the major factors in determining the cost of window installation.

The Type of Window

One of the biggest factors in window installation cost is the type of window involved:

• Single-hung – In a single-hung window, the top sash is fixed in place while the bottom sash moves up and down. The average cost of installing this type of window is $100 to $400.
• Double-hung – A double-hung window design allows the top and bottom sashes to move up and down, and some can also swing inward to facilitate cleaning. The average installation cost is $150 to $650.
• Bay – A bay window is made up of three windows, with one larger picture unit positioned between two smaller casement or sash-style windows. These cost anywhere from $600 to $2500 installed.
• Sliding – A sliding window can work like a single or double-hung window but can only move horizontally instead of vertically. These cost from $150 to $800.
• Fixed or picture style – Fixed windows, also known as picture windows, have one pane of glass and cannot be opened. The price range of these windows is $65 to $700 installed.
• Casement – A casement window can be opened completely from the left or right using a hand crank, making it especially suitable for places where maximum ventilation is desired. The price range for casement windows is $150 to $1,000.

The Material of the Window’s Frame

In addition to the style, the material of the window has a big influence on the overall price.

• Vinyl – Prized for their low-maintenance nature, durable vinyl windows cost between $250 and $600. They may not be as strong or attractive as wood, but they often come with a strong warranty and can stand up to changes in humidity.
• Aluminum or metal – Suitable for many types of designs and easy to maintain, aluminum windows can range in price between $400 and $1,200. They boast good thermal efficiency and are eco-friendly.
• Wood – Wood frames cost an average of $1,300. They provide a classic look to homes, making them especially suitable for historical neighborhoods. However, if they are not cared for properly, they may become vulnerable to the elements.
• Fiberglass – Weather-resistant and durable, fiberglass windows cost around $750 each on average, including installation.

The Type of Glass

The type of glass used in the window can also influence its price. Some homeowners opt to pay more for double-pane windows because they can provide greater energy savings. Their higher price is offset by lower utility bills and greater comfort levels in the home. Triple-pane windows, meanwhile, cost significantly more but can lead to even greater reductions in heat loss.

Some specialty types of windows can also be very expensive. For example, impact-resistant windows suitable for hurricane-prone areas can cost between $250 and $750 for single-hung varieties.

The Size of the Window

There are many different common sizes available for windows, but the size of the window impacts the price of materials more than installation. An exception are very large and pre-hung styles, such as bay or picture windows. Although major window manufacturers can customize their windows to any dimension, odd sizes tend to cost more than more standard sizes.

The Amount of Labor Involved

Labor costs for window installation are typically $30 to $50 per hour. Although most window contractors provide their bids at a flat rate that includes labor, they typically estimate 1.5 hours for each project. However, more complex work could take as long as six hours to complete.

New Construction Versus Replacement

Another consideration is the status of the home where the windows are being installed. New construction window projects tend to cost less than window replacements, largely because in new construction and remodels, the home’s stud framing is exposed. This makes it easy to attach the windows directly to the studs, which cuts down on labor costs considerably. The average cost of new construction windows is $85 to $1,400.

Replacement windows on existing homes, meanwhile, can cost between $300 and $1,200 depending on the installation requirements, the material and their size. Replacing specialty types of windows like large picture styles may cost $2,500 or more.

Contact The Window Replacement And Installation Contractors

The professional window replacement and installation team at Adelphia Exteriors is known for precise workmanship and excellent customer service. Reach out today by phone, or request a free window installation estimate online.

Windows are one of the most important features of a home, allowing natural light indoors while adding beauty and visual interest. When homeowners are shopping for window replacements or installing windows in new construction, they can choose from a broad variety of options. Today’s windows are more durable and energy-efficient than ever before, and there are attractive options that can suit all budgets. Outlined below are the seven best windows for Virginia homeowners.

1. Vinyl Windows

Vinyl is one of the most popular choices of windows for Virginia homes thanks to their high energy efficiency rating. This makes them suitable for the range of temperatures seen in Virginia and provides homes with good thermal protection throughout the year.

They are available at a variety of price points, but most vinyl windows fall at the lower end of the spectrum compared to other window materials. They also come in an impressive range of stylistic options and require very little in the way of maintenance. However, those living in historical areas of Virginia should check to ensure that vinyl window replacements are permitted.

2. Wood Windows

For homeowners who wish to maintain their home’s historical or architectural integrity, wood is a preferred window material. A high-quality wood window can last for many decades, and it is one of the least thermally conductive materials on the market.

Although wood windows tend to be on the more expensive side, they can dramatically improve a home’s overall look and are available in a broad range of colors. However, it is important to keep in mind that wood windows are subject to termites and rot if they are not maintained properly, which means they require considerably more upkeep than other types of windows.

3. Composite Windows

For homeowners who seek the aesthetic appeal of wood windows without committing to the maintenance involved in their upkeep or their high price tag, composite is an excellent choice. Composite is not the cheapest material on the market, but it is more affordable than wood and provides a similar look.

Many composite windows are made using PVC resin, which provides them with great energy efficiency. However, the durability of these windows does vary depending on the materials that are used, so it is important for homeowners to research the composites used in the specific windows they are considering before they make their choice.

4. Fiberglass Windows

Another good window option that provides the appearance of wood without its high price tag and maintenance demands is fiberglass. Fiberglass windows offer good thermal performance and can be painted in a variety of colors after being installed to suit the aesthetics of the home.

5. Aluminum Windows

Aluminum windows give ultra-modern homes an industrial and streamlined look that cannot be achieved by other materials. Simple yet elegant, they are strong enough to hold up to all types of weather. They are often cheaper than other types of window frames, and they are incredibly easy to maintain. They are also resistant to warping and rotting and can last for as long as 30 years. Environmentally conscious homeowners often opt for aluminum because it is sustainable, recyclable and non-toxic.

6. Bay And Bow Windows

Bay and bow windows are composed of three or more double or single-hung, picture or casement windows to add dimension and a stunning focal point to the home. They also provide extra light and depth, making them ideal for family rooms, kitchens, or anywhere else in the home that needs some extra visual interest.

They are highly durable against wind and other inclement weather, and modern bay windows have an energy-efficient design that keeps the home comfortable and can lead to a reduction in energy expenses.

7. Energy Star Windows

Regardless of the material, homeowners in Virginia should look for windows that are Energy Star qualified. This is a certification that a glass company can achieve following successful testing from the National Fenestration Rating Council, or NRFC.

The NRFC tests windows for five factors related to efficiency: condensation resistance, air leakage, solar heat gain coefficient, U factor and visible transmittance. There is a minimal rating that applies to each of these factors to gain Energy Star certification. Check with the contractor to ensure that all of the windows that will be used in the window replacement are Energy Star certified as this means they are far more likely to reduce energy bills and help the home stay warm in winter and cool in summer.

Get In Touch With The Experienced Window Replacement Contractors

Although most types of windows will work well in Virginia’s relatively mild climate, it is best to get advice from local experts about which options will meet your goals. Get in touch with the Northern Virginia window replacement and installation contractors at family-run Adelphia Exteriors to discuss your residential window project or request a free estimate today.

For many homeowners, there will come a time when the windows in the home need to be replaced. Whether the windows are broken or showing signs of age, or the homeowner wishes to upgrade to a more energy-efficient variety or modernize their appearance, a home window replacement can increase a home’s value and curb appeal.

Factors That Determine Window Replacement Cost

Here are some of the variables that determine the cost of replacing windows.

Window Material

Vinyl windows are currently the most popular type of window in the U.S., and their average price is between $100 and $900 per window. These are considered an affordable, energy-efficient and sturdy option.

Fiberglass window frames cost around 15% to 30% more than vinyl frames, with the national average cost sitting between $500 to $1,500 per window. However, they are more durable than vinyl and boast a similar insulation capability.

Wood frames cost, on average, between $150 and $1300. They provide a classic and elegant architectural appearance. Homes that are situated in historic districts may be required to opt for wood frames.

Composite windows are considered the most durable type of windows on the market and are made using a mix of wood fiber and PVC polymers. They are also maintenance-free. They cost between $300 and $1200 per window.

Aluminum frames can cost between $75 and $400 per window to replace. Larger or higher-end windows may even cost in excess of $1,200.

The Type Of Window

The type of window in question also impacts its overall window replacement cost. Larger windows tend to cost more to replace than smaller ones. In addition, varieties such as single-hung, double-hung, casement, storm, bay, picture and other types of windows will each come with their own price points.

The Location Of The Window

Replacing windows in some areas of the home involves additional costs. For example, a basement egress window can cost thousands of dollars to replace, while bathroom or bedroom windows tend to run between $300 and $700 each. In some areas of the home, such as living rooms and dining rooms, there may be a large bow, bay or picture window that can cost twice or even three times as much as normal windows to replace.

In addition, it can be more expensive to replace windows that are situated on the upper floors of a home because it requires the use of additional equipment and labor.

Type Of Glass

Energy-efficient windows often cost more than standard windows, but they can result in energy savings for homeowners. When considering the cost versus value of energy-efficient windows, homeowners should keep in mind that the same qualities that make these windows more energy-efficient also contribute to making the climate within the home more comfortable by preventing hot and cold spots.

A Low-E coating on the window can add 10% to 15% onto the price, but energy-efficient styles can save homeowners anywhere from 7% to 15% on their home energy bills. Depending on the cost of the windows, however, it may take several years to make up the extra expense.

Number Of Glass Panes

In general, windows that contain multiple glass panes will cost more to replace than windows with single panes.

Window Replacements And Home Value

According to HomeAdvisor, homeowners can expect to get a 70% return on their investment from window replacements when they sell their home. Depending on how long a person continues living in their home following the replacement, the energy savings that the windows bring can provide even more of a return on their investment.

Signs That Windows Need To Be Replaced

• The window has visible damage – One of the most obvious signs that a window needs to be replaced is visible damage to the glass or frame. Windows that are broken or damaged need to be fixed or replaced before the problem gets worse, so it is important to act quickly at the first sign of damage.
• The window does not open and close smoothly – When windows become difficult to open and close, it may be because the house has settled around the frame, the frames have warped or rotted, or the windows were not installed correctly. When windows do not close properly, it may mean that they are unable to lock, which can also pose a safety issue.
• The window is leaky – If windows fail to create a tight seal against leaks, they need to be replaced. Leaky windows can foster mold growth, which can cause respiratory illnesses in the home’s inhabitants. Therefore, windows that leak have signs of water damage should be replaced as soon as possible.

Contact The Experienced Window Replacement Contractors

If you are considering replacing the windows in your Northern Virginia home, get in touch with the experienced window replacement and installation team at Adelphia Exteriors. We will work with you to determine the best windows to meet your specifications and budget and install them with minimal disruption so you can enjoy all the benefits of new windows as soon as possible.