Replacing windows in your home is no small task, and can be even more daunting if you have a two-story home. The cost of replacing a window will depend on the type of window you are replacing, the material of the frame, and the location of the window. Most estimates include labor costs, as some windows require more labor than others. Homeowners are unlikely to save money by replacing windows themselves, unless they are professional window installers.
Inhaling mold spores can cause serious respiratory illness, and the best way to avoid this is to replace the entire window. Large, complicated window styles, such as a bay window or decorative arched window, will generally cost more per hour to install. However, in older homes, you're more likely to have additional problems during the replacement that you'll need to repair. More complicated installations (including oversized and special windows) will increase labor costs.
These additional window treatments can cost a lot upfront, but they can save you energy costs in the long run. The opening will need to be dismantled to the studs by cutting the drywall into the inner wall, replacing the studs around the window and finishing the drywall once the new window has been installed. For example, the cost of replacing a window in Austin, Texas, may be more expensive in terms of labor compared to a small Texas town with many local window installers offering affordable rates. While many professional contractors include the price of removing and cleaning old windows in the cost of the entire project, some may charge an additional fee.
Replacing your windows will add a fresh look to your home and should also pay you back in the form of reducing your energy costs. But not replacing old, drafty windows can similarly undermine your attempts to keep the house at a comfortable temperature. While replacing windows in spring or summer will certainly mean you won't have to deal with cold drafts during the project, there's also likely to be a longer waiting list and you may end up paying more. Window locations can affect the total cost of replacing windows, as replacement in some areas will result in additional costs per window. Homeowners should consider all these factors when deciding whether or not to replace their windows.
