Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

How do you replace a window?

You may want to replace a window if the glass has been damaged, you’re remodeling a room, or you want to upgrade your energy efficiency as well as your style by getting rid of those drafty single panes that are losing you money. When replacing a window, you can remove and replace the entire window down to the house frame. This method is best if the existing frame is damaged or deteriorating, but requires construction skills and know-how and will take more time and money. An easier and less expensive option is to install an insert replacement window into the existing frame. Insert replacements are only an option if your window frame is in good condition without rot or damage.

When replacing an entire window, first you’ll carefully remove the existing window with a pry bar and other tools. Next, you’ll make any repairs and adjustments needed to the existing frame or header and studs to ensure that the space is perfectly plumb and square, so the new window will sit perfectly within the space. Next, install the new window from the exterior, securing it into place. You’ll need to precisely wrap and insulate the window to ensure it doesn’t leak. Then, install the interior casing and exterior trim (as needed). If you prefer to hire a professional to install a window, consider replacing more than one window at a time, as the pro can work more efficiently.

How much is a custom window?

Choosing custom windows will increase your window installation cost but will provide you with exactly what you want. The average national cost for window installation is $2,650. Your custom window costs will vary based on several factors. The first factor is the type of frame you want. The four most common types of frames are vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum and wood. Wood is typically the most expensive option, followed by aluminum. The type of glass you select will also affect cost. There are single-, double- and triple-pane windows. Most double- and triple-pane windows have gas sealed between the panes that act as insulation. Windows typically cost more the more energy-efficient they are, though this efficiency can save you money on utility bills in the long run. The type of glass used can also affect cost. There are different grades of glass — high-performance glass, low-e coated glass, and more — which all provide you with better insulation. In addition, the number of unified inches (window height x window width) you need will affect cost. The cost of custom windows will also be affected by installation cost and whether any repair or construction work is required to properly fit the new window.

How much would it cost to put in new windows?

The cost to replace a window can vary depending on factors such as window size, type of glass, brand of window, necessary trim repair, and any construction work required for installation. Labor rates and cost to do business in your region will also affect the cost. The national average window installation cost is $2,650 per project. Here are some examples of average trim repair and window replacement costs:

Trim repair:

Line and case a window frame with an MDF product: $400.
Line and case a window frame with raw hemlock wood: $500.

Approximate cost to install five windows at one time: $3,000.
Approximate cost to install one double-hung, energy-efficient 3-foot by 4-foot window: $500-$550.

For the same window size (3-foot by 4-foot) from a different manufacturer made with a specialty fiberglass exterior and all-wood interior, the cost could go up to $1,500.
Pricing can go as high as $5,000 for a bay or bow window with specialty glass and framing.

These examples include removal and disposal of old materials and window.

Samantha A.

Verified review

Jose called and arrived same day with an in home estimate. We requested to do our own roof tear off, which he provided us a few days to take care of. He and one other worker completely re roofed our flat roof into a pitched roof in one and a half days. The quality of work is impeccable, and his Pricing is fair and affordable, no hidden costs, and he never tried to push us out of our budget. He is extremely professional and pleasant to work with. We will definitely be hiring him for future home repairs.

Sarah M.

Very pleased by our experience with Rob and Josh. Rob was the initial contact to have our bedroom door switched out. He was very knowledgeable and approachable. Josh came to complete the project. He was punctual and did a great job. The quote was accurate and the pricing was awesome! My husband and I are looking forward to working with them in the future when we replace our front doors! ~Sarah M.

Elaine B.

So pleased! Eddie's Professional Painting was the first to respond to my ad. I called, we talked, and I hired on Friday. As planned, Mario showed up at 8 a.m. on Sunday and was finished in approx. 7 hours. Mario worked straight through - I don't think he even took a break. His painting was excellent -- and we're talking wood trim around 9 windows and a large patio door, as well as painting repaired stucco adjacent to the trim (different color). I couldn't be more pleased with the results. Thank you very much -- and thanks to Thumbtack as well! Elaine Burroughs

Julie M.

Antonio was outstanding! He not only came to measure my window on a Sunday with his family in the car, but he found the glass which saved me hundreds! I will be putting Antonio on speed dial!

Desiree M.

After trying to get quotes Robert Lindstrom Nationwide Secure Inc. was the only company to contact me back promptly (I contacted 3 other construction companies none of which called back!) He was very patient with us as our schedules constantly change. Provided excellent expertise on what needed to be fixed. Even waited for a while before was let onto the property. Have not yet booked anything to be repaired but good business begins with excellent "customer service." Because of that will definitely consider for other work we need to get done for commercial office and home repairs.

Camille P.

Dennis is great! I hired him to install some tile in our kitchen where a previous homeowner had removed the backsplash to put in a window, but never finished the job. He was quick to respond, gave a reasonable quote, gave me some suggestions about where to look for tile to match the rest of the kitchen, and even tried to find the tile himself. Once I found/ordered the tile, he made himself available on a Saturday to install it. He showed up on time, did an excellent job, finished in just a few hours, and cleaned up afterward. I hope to use him again when we remodel our bathroom.

Chan C.

Juan was very easy to work and always replies quickly. He completed our fence project using quality material and he did an excellent job. He completed the job quickly and even text me a picture when he was finished. I would definitely recommend him and use him again for any job inside and outside my home.

Kelly I.

Abraham is such a great person! He met me when promised and quickly scoped my project and gave me a fair quote. I had flooding and needed drywall, baseboard and re-painting done. Abraham matched the color or paint for my home perfectly. He went out of his way to find the unique baseboard in my home and made my house look great again! I was so impressed with Abraham that I also had him replace my garbage disposal which he also executed perfectly. I had written the check for a $100 more on accident and he followed up with me because he noticed my mistake and wanted to return the cash. He is a great person and talented at any home improvement job!

Shannon C.

Hugh helped replace my toilet,calk my shower and installed a new light fixture (which happened to blow out the night before he came luckily). He was willing to dump my old toilet for a few extra $$ and even went to Home Depot to pick up my new toilet and light. Personable guy, I will use his services again.

Thumbtack Customer

Susan was knowledgeable , friendly and did a great job, even working around our schedule. We’ve now scheduled every other week on a going forward basis. She even changed sheets, cleaned sliding glass doors, and was very upfront about her pricing and what was included. Very pleased!

R.J. B.

I heartily recommend Left Coast Windows for vinyl replacement windows. Nick is skilled, professional, experienced, honest, no pressure, prompt, thorough, reasonably priced and willing to spend whatever time necessary to understand what the customer needs and to explain the alternatives. It was a pleasure working with Nick and I'll be seeking his expertise in the future for all my window replacements.

Wendy W.

Robert quoted a bathroom remodel for our Chromatic Coffee Cafe on Thumbtack and then came by to give as a more accurate quote. We were on a tight budget and he was willing to work withing that framework. He encountered dry rot, our sink drain was almost completely clogged, and we couldn´t find the faucet we had bought for the job. He hit all these snags, went back to Home Depot, stayed until 4am to finish the job. We only have one bathroom and we wanted it to reopen as soon as possible. Professional, positive, diligent, and well priced. We will be using them again!!!

Toby E.

Our recent experience with PACIFIC HOMEWORKS involved the replacement of a large wooden patio cover. In short, the sales people, were very thorough in their presentation, explaining in detail, every step in the project. This carried over to the installation portion. The work was handled by two workmen who were very professional, cooperative, industrious, neat, and above all, great mechanics. The project involved installing lights which was handled with no problem and the clean up after job completion was excellent

Brianna A.

The process was very smooth. A sales rep came to our home and gave us a full inspection and estimate for our windows. He went over all of our options and pricing. We signed a contract and within one week we had an installer at our home remeasuring our windows and ordering them. Our windows were installed 3 weeks later all in one day and they look absolutely beautiful. I couldn't be happier!

Carol K.

Nick replaced our master bath tile/shower surround including demo of old surround, raising shower head, replacing fixtures, adding new cement board, and adding new tile surround. We selected a classic white tile with glass inlay since that bathroom is fairly small and it would've been too much to have big tiles all the way to the ceiling. He was very easy to work with, very fair in his estimate, very clean and neat, cleaned up his mess at the end of each workday so we could still use our room, was great at brainstorming with me and flexible to adjust our design as we adjusted some minor things along the way, finished on time, and was very respectful to our family and our time as he worked in our home. I look forward to having Nick help us with other projects in the future. I highly recommend you give him a chance – – I think you will be happy you did.

Yolanda Y.

I can't say enough positives about our experience with Martin and his team. They surpassed our expectations. Doing little extra things that weren't in the original bid. I would highly recommend them for your home projects. I would like to add trustworthy also. We're extremely satisfied

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