Window installation costs can bump up the price tag on window replacement a serious bit. But there are a few ways homeowners can reduce the sum total costs of replacing outdated windows inside their homes.
What Plays a role in the Cost of Installing Windows?
Window contractors make profit 1 of 2 ways: marking up the windows they sell to you and charging you for window installation. Window installation cost vary greatly, depending on the form of window you order. For instance, vinyl and aluminum framed windows are less expensive than wood windows. Also, if you replace the entire window package, including the window frame, the window contractor must remove exterior trim, siding, vapor barrier, and interior casings--a significant and costly task for each window. This is especially true for stucco homes, because the surface stucco should be cut and then patched after extracting and replacing the old window.
Trimming the Cost of Window Installation
Three ways to save lots of money on window installation:
What Plays a role in the Cost of Installing Windows?
Window contractors make profit 1 of 2 ways: marking up the windows they sell to you and charging you for window installation. Window installation cost vary greatly, depending on the form of window you order. For instance, vinyl and aluminum framed windows are less expensive than wood windows. Also, if you replace the entire window package, including the window frame, the window contractor must remove exterior trim, siding, vapor barrier, and interior casings--a significant and costly task for each window. This is especially true for stucco homes, because the surface stucco should be cut and then patched after extracting and replacing the old window.
Trimming the Cost of Window Installation
Three ways to save lots of money on window installation:
- Window inserts. Inserts fit inside the existing window frame and have recognition for window replacement because there's just a fraction of the labor involved. By re-using the old frame, window installation costs are much less.
- Self-perform labor. Another way to defer cost of window installation would be to expose the old window yourself by removing exterior trim and siding. An excellent window contractor should be able to cut removal costs out of his bid. Since waterproofing is so crucial in just about any climate, it might be best to let the contractor re-install the vapor barrier, trim, and siding, however.
- Tax credit for new windows. Through December 31, 2010, homeowners may be reimbursed for 30 percent of costs around $1,500 if they purchase new energy-efficient windows. This tax reimbursement, provided underneath the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will help defer the cost of buying and installing new windows. The federal tax credit does not cover window installation costs, but alternatively the windows themselves.