| Scope | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| Per opening (insert) | $250 – $550 |
| Per opening (full-frame) | $450 – $950 |
| Second story add | +$75 – $200 / opening |
| Lead-safe add | +$50 – $150 / opening |
| Trim rebuild | $60 – $180 / opening |
Ranges reflect installed cost including materials and labor for typical residential work. The low end of each range corresponds to a basic vinyl configuration; the high end reflects premium frames, upgraded glazing, and larger units. Last reviewed 2026-11-12.
Base install labor is per opening. Ladders, scaffolding, second-story work, and interior trim removal add on top. A ground-floor bedroom window is the cheapest possible install; a second-story window over a roof valley is the most expensive.
Insert replacement fits a new unit into the existing frame in under an hour per window. Full-frame replacement requires removing the frame to the rough opening, re-flashing, re-insulating, and rebuilding interior and exterior trim.
Pre-1978 homes require lead-safe practices under EPA RRP rules, adding $50-150 per opening. Historic districts may require wood-frame retention or specific profiles, which can double labor.
An experienced two-person crew typically completes 6-10 insert replacements or 3-5 full-frame replacements per day. Weather, access, and trim condition are the main variables.
Insert replacement is within reach for a confident DIYer on a single-story home. Full-frame replacement involves flashing, air sealing, and structural attachment; mistakes show up as water intrusion years later, which is why most homeowners do not self-install.
Quotes differ because of what is included: disposal, permit, trim, paint, screen, and warranty length. Two quotes $2,000 apart are usually not the same scope.