cost of single hung windows

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Average Cost of Single Hung Windows Installation

The cost of installing a single-hung window can vary significantly based on the material, size, and special features of the window. Because of the many factors that impact the cost of a single-hung window, the general price range is broad, ranging from $100 to $1,000 for the window alone.

This window replacement cost estimate does not include extra features like impact-resistant glass or customized window sizes and shapes. Upgrades like these can be found within the given price range, but in general, adding special features to your windows will raise the price above the normal range.

Last Updated: Wednesday, January 12, 2022

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Overview of Single-hung Window Installation

Before we go too far into the cost of replacing windows in your home, let’s answer a simple question: What is a single-hung window?

A window being “single-hung” means that the top sash is fixed in place, while the lower sash can slide to open and close. A window “sash” is the term for the window piece that includes both the glass pane and the frame that holds the glass in place. Why choose single-hung windows?

Single-hung windows offer three significant benefits.

First, single-hung windows are one of the most common and budget-friendly window options. They are easy to find anywhere windows are sold, and are available in different colors and sizes to fit any architectural style without breaking the bank.

Second, single-hung windows are energy efficient. Unlike double-hung windows which have lots of moving parts that allow for air leakage, single-hung windows only have one moving sash. This means that single-hung windows provide better insulation for the home, and therefore save more energy.

Third, single-hung windows are secure. Because the upper sash of a single-hung window is stationary, the bottom sash can easily be properly sealed and locked.

Product and Installation Supplies Cost Details

Single Hung Window Cost Factors

How much does a fully installed single-hung window cost? These factors will determine where your price falls on the spectrum:

• Window Size – Just as you would expect, the larger the window, the more it will cost.
• Quality – If your biggest priority is to get windows installed without breaking the bank, you can choose inexpensive materials and simple styles to keep costs low. Likewise, if you’re looking for high-quality windows that will last for decades, be prepared to pay for the quality you want.
• Material – One of the biggest factors in single-hung window costs is the material you choose. Wood is the most expensive material, while some cheaper options are vinyl and aluminum.
• Glass – Another factor in window cost is what kind of glass you choose. There are different levels of impact-resistance, eco-friendliness, and thermo-regulation that are important to know about. If energy efficiency is important to you, look for windows with Energy Star rated glass.
• Location – Second-story windows cost more to install, because of the relative difficulty of reaching the window area. Easily-accessible window locations will have lower installation costs. However, if you choose replacement windows, this factor shouldn’t amount to much since they’re installed from inside.
• New Construction vs. Replacement – If you are installing windows for the first time during a home renovation or a new build, the installation cost will be higher than for replacement windows. This is because replacement windows can be inserted into the old window frame, requiring less labor. In a build that requires new window frames, there are extra expenses for more labor and material costs.
• Off the Shelf or Semi-custom – All the big box stores offer a decent range of in-stock vinyl windows like Pella Thermastar and Andersen 400 Series wood windows. However, when you buy off the shelf, your style, color and hardware options are small. When you order semi-custom windows, the range of styles, shapes, accessories, etc., really opens up. But cost is higher. True custom windows are the most expensive but generally only required for old homes where window openings aren’t uniform.

Single Hung Window Sizes, Priced by Size

As mentioned above, the size of your window is going to affect the price you pay. Below are some of the most common sizes when discussing single-hung windows. The measurements listed are inches, and the stated dimension are the rough opening size for the window to fit. For example, a 24″ x 48″ window actually measures 23 1/2″ wide x 47 1/2 tall”, which is designed to leave a small gap for insulation, flashing, construction irregularities, and adjusting it’s square fit into the 24″x48″ rough opening.

Common Window Sizes and Prices

24 inch wide windows – $75 to $300, Add $120 per window for installation.

• 24″ x 36″ | $75 – $125
• 24″ x 44″ | $85 – $140
• 24″ x 48″ | $90 – $165
• 24″ x 52″ | $110 – $210
• 24″ x 54″ | $125 – $220
• 24″ x 60″ | $140 – $260
• 24″ x 72″ | $165 – $300

28 inch wide windows – $95 to $320, Add $130 per window for installation.

• 28″ x 36″ | $95 – $135
• 28″ x 44″ | $105 – $165
• 28″ x 48″ | $120 – $195
• 28″ x 52″ | $125 – $215
• 28″ x 54″ | $130 – $225
• 28″ x 60″ | $140 – $260
• 28″ x 72″ | $145 – $320

32 inch wide windows – $120 to $330, Add $140 per window for installation.

• 32″ x 36″ | $120 – $165
• 32″ x 44″ | $135 – $170
• 32″ x 48″ | $135 – $185
• 32″ x 52″ | $150 – $200
• 32″ x 54″ | $165 – $230
• 32″ x 60″ | $180 – $235
• 32″ x 72″ | $210 – $330

40 inch wide windows – $160 to $340, Add $150 per window for installation.

• 40″ x 36″ | $160 – $135
• 40″ x 44″ | $175 – $145
• 40″ x 48″ | $175 – $160
• 40″ x 52″ | $190 – $185
• 40″ x 54″ | $200 – $230
• 40″ x 60″ | $215 – $245
• 40″ x 72″ | $240 – $340

44 inch wide windows – $145 to $390, Add $150 per window for installation.

• 44″ x 36″ | $145 – $180
• 44″ x 44″ | $150 – $185
• 44″ x 48″ | $170 – $190
• 44″ x 52″ | $190 – $225
• 44″ x 54″ | $195 – $240
• 44″ x 60″ | $215 – $265
• 44″ x 72″ | $230 – $390

48 inch wide windows – $140 to $480, Add $160 per window for installation.

• 48″ x 36″ | $140 – $170
• 48″ x 44″ | $155 – $185
• 48″ x 48″ | $170 – $200
• 48″ x 52″ | $190 – $260
• 48″ x 54″ | $205 – $390
• 48″ x 60″ | $245 – $435
• 48″ x 72″ | $260 – $480

Retail Single-Hung Window Costs by Type of Material

Below is a list of the materials available for single-hung windows, and the average cost for each material.

• $300 – $3,000 | Wood Windows – Wood is a classic and beautiful material for windows, and can be painted or stained to match any style. These days, almost all wood windows are clad on the exterior with aluminum (preferred) or vinyl. Both are available in 12-30+ colors depending on the window line. An exception to cladding a wood window is often a home in a historic district where regulations are in place. Andersen, Marvin and Pella are top names. But now even brands like Jeld Wen are constructing wood windows.
• $150 – $1,800 | Vinyl Windows – This is one of the most popular window materials because it is durable, inexpensive, and eco-friendly. Your colors are limited from just a few for cheaper vinyl to 8-10 for premium vinyl windows from Pella, Ply Gem and other large manufacturers.
• $200-$2,300 | Fiberglass Windows – This material is sturdy, and can withstand extreme cold and extreme heat without warping. This low-maintenance material is also a good insulator, making it a great option for energy conservation. Look at Pella and Milgard for the best fiberglass windows.
• $250-$1,400 | Composite Windows – A composite window means a material made by combining two or more different materials. One example of a high-quality composite window material is Fibrex, made by Andersen. Fibrex is twice as strong as vinyl, and made out of mostly reclaimed materials.
• $100 – $700 | Aluminum Frame Windows – This is one of the most affordable window materials. It is tough, and won’t dent or scratch easily. But it isn’t recommended for cold climates because it doesn’t insulate well. Aluminum is a good choice for coastal climates where salt spray and harsh elements are hard on other materials. Jeld Wen makes a large number of aluminum window lines.

Permits, Inspection, Related Costs and Installation Time

Permits and Inspection Cost

• $0 – $100 | Whether you need a permit often depends on the size of the patio. Your local officials might want to know you’re improving your home – so they can raise your appraised value and taxes.

Related Costs and Installation Time

• $0 – $200 | Generally, replacing an existing window does not require a permit, but cutting a hole for a new window usually does. Make sure to check your local requirements so you can have the right permit for the job you’re doing. The exact cost for this kind of permit will depend on where you live and the number of windows installed.

Installation Time: The time it takes to install a replacement window will depend on who is installing it. If the person doing the installation is a professional, it will probably only take an hour or two per window at a labor cost of around $50 – $80 per hour. However, it may take a half-day or more to complete the project for an inexperienced DIY homeowner.

Costs of Related Projects

Here are common outdoor projects homeowners also complete along with window replacement.

Siding Replacement – You’ve got plenty of siding options including Vinyl Siding for about $4.30 – $7.65 Per Square Foot, Fiber Cement at an average of $9.35/square foot and Wood or Cedar Siding for around $9.00.

House Painting – If you have wood siding in good condition, expect to pay between $2,800 to $3,600 for most homes in the 2,000 square foot range.

If you live in an area prone to storms, it’s not uncommon to have hurricane shutters installed at the same time you replace windows in your home.

DIY or Hire a Pro?

The answer to this question really depends on your situation. Most experts agree that for a ground-level window replacement, DIY is a fine option. If you’re interested in replacing your own single-hung window, and the window is on the ground level, go for it!

New windows are a huge investment – between $6K and $16K for most homes of around 2,500 square feet with 20 windows, according the HomeGuide, and that’s pretty accurate. Home Depot estimates the cost of 20 single-hung windows installed at closer to $20,000, but that seems too high.

Whether we use low, average or high estimates, the fact remains there is money to be saved doing it yourself. Home Advisor says about $200 per window for installation, and we’ve seen higher, so you’re talking $4,000 minimum for 20 windows.

As with pretty much everything in the home improvement department, if your priorities are to get the job done as soon as possible with no bumps in the road, your best bet is to hire a professional. Doing home improvement projects yourself takes time, and there is always a learning curve, so don’t sweat it if you would rather call in a pro.

With more complicated window situations where safety is a concern, it is always best to hire a professional.