Window Installation Cost Calculator
Explore our window installation cost calculator for ballpark pricing on labor costs for your next window replacement project. Please note: this is going to be per window pricing. As a rule of thumb, installation will account for roughly 35% of the project total, although this is for standard installation work. Bay or bow windows (where the opening is much bigger) will typically involve quite a bit more work and our percent breakdown doesn't necessarily apply in these cases. However, in the majority of residential projects, our window installation cost calculator will provide accurate labor cost info. As with all of our window calculators, we encourage users to play around with the inputs. We think you'll get a good sense of what you can expect in terms of installation pricing.
John M. - Site Editor - Updated In June, 2025
Window Installation Methods
As you can see, the first question on our window installation cost calculator asks about the type of installation you'll require. The options include retrofit (sometimes called insert and other times simply as replacement), full frame (sometimes called new construction), and historic home.
We will break each one of these down with their own section. How important is it to know the differences here? Probably not hugely important, but a basic understanding of the different installation methods should serve you well during the window replacement process.
Which is right for you? Here is where a knowledgeable window company comes in handy. If you do have any questions, or specific bids that you would like us to take a look at, drop our site editor a note at john@replacementwindowsprices.com.
Retrofit / Insert Installation
This is the easiest and least expensive installation option. Here, the existing window is literally cut out of the opening. Once out, the installer preps the area for the new window. Then, they insert the next window into the hole and attached it to the wood frame using pre-drilled screw holes in the window frame. Next, the installer caulks and seals the inside and outside of the window. Lastly, the installer(s) does any necessary finish work to make the window look good. All in all, pretty easy.
The pro here is cost as retrofit installation is much easier than full frame (which we will explain in the next section). The con is loss of glass area. Typically, you will lose 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch on all four sides of the window with an insert window. Often, this isn't a huge deal with larger openings, but this might not be the case with smaller opening.
Full Frame Installation
Full frame or new construction is the often much more expensive option. With full frame, the installer pulls out the existing window with the nailing fin (and anything else), including a 6 inch surround on the outside (which then has to be built back). They essentially want to get down the wood frame. Then they install new flashing along the head and sides to protect from any water damage. Next, they install a new construction window, which differs from a replacement in that it contains a nailing fin along the top and sides.
From here they caulk and seal. Lastly, they have to finish the window, which means quite a bit of work on the outside as they rebuild, re-stucco, or re-side the 6 inch surround. The con to full frame installation is that the expense is considerably more than with retrofit. Conversely, the pro here is both a watertight window and more glass area in the opening.
Window Installation Cost Calculator: Historic
Historic home installation can be tricky to price out because there tend to be specific requirements based on the type of home. Typically, the homeowner will have to replace wood windows with wood windows. Often, the surrounds will have to stay the same, meaning that the installer will have to buy real wood casing, cut and install them, and often stain them to maximize longevity. All of this can be very time consuming. Typically, not as time consuming as full frame or new construction, but not far off. While we estimate new construction installation at $400 per window, we calculate a historic home window installation at $325 per window.
Exterior Window Capping Cost
The second real question that our What exactly is exterior window capping? So, this is the process of protecting the exterior wood casings around a window. So, in this process, the installer installs either vinyl or aluminum trim around the exterior casings. The installer cuts and snips the vinyl or aluminum pieces to build or create a watertight perimeter around the window. Effectively, no water can enter and erode or rot the wood casings over time.
So, what does exterior window capping cost? Pricewise, this is going to vary (as all projects do), but we have priced out exterior capping at $75 per window.
Window Installation Cost Calculator Questions
Below, you'll find homeowner questions related to our window installation cost calculator. Additionally, we've consumer provided price quotes that are labor costs only - they do not include the cost of the windows themselves.
PGT 5500 Impact Series
28 Single Hungs
Full Frame
Quote: $12.7K
Installation Costs Only
Location: Florida
Project Year: 2022
Amsco Series
22 Double Hungs
Full Frame Install
Quote: $7.5K
Installation Cost Only
Location: Texas
Project Year: 2022
Related Topic: Double Pane Window Cost Calculator
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