All About Affordable Replacement Windows for Your Home

When it comes to home upgrades and maintenance, projects like replacing your windows or doors can make a huge difference in your home’s appearance. Getting window replacements can increase the value of your home, your experience living in it, and even your utility bills. 

With that being said, it’s also known that home improvement projects can get pricey. 

To help curb the steep prices of home projects, many people look into more affordable window options. Let’s take a closer look at where you can find affordable windows and if they’re a good option for your home.

Evaluate Your Home's Needs

The best way to balance affordable window solutions with value for money – and get a durable finished product – is to choose windows based on your individual needs. Every home will have different needs based on various factors, including:

Location and Weather Factors

One of the things that will greatly vary for each homeowner is their location. For example, if your home is a townhouse in the city, you might be less interested in large picture windows. Instead, a more appealing solution would be something that provides privacy and efficiency. On the other hand, if you live on a secluded, scenic lot, your window wish list probably includes windows that show off the greenery around you.

Weather is another factor that will affect your choice of affordable windows. Weather conditions can impact how efficiently they perform and your home, and even maintenance and upkeep on them.

For instance, in humid climates like Oklahoma and North Texas, durable, maintenance-free materials like PVC or aluminum are usually better than wood.

Aesthetic Purposes

Some windows work with certain styles of home, and some just don’t. So, while you’re choosing affordable home windows, consider the design style of your home.

With so many different options, it can be difficult to figure out why some windows are more affordable than others.

Often, they look the same on the surface, but there are some things that expensive windows will have that affordable windows might not, such as:

• Better insulation
• Reinforced corners
• Better protection against water and bugs getting in
• More hardware finish options
• Protection from dust, smoke, and sound insulation
• Energy-efficiency

Of course, each individual situation will differ on whether or not these features are worth the higher price tag. So, it’s important to make sure you’re considering the needs of your home.

Factors That Affect Window Replacement Costs

Window Location

Where the window is being replaced in the home can impact the price per window. For example, windows being replaced on higher floors will need to utilize scaffolding, thus resulting in a more costly installation.

Home Age

Age also affects window replacement costs. The cost of installing windows in newer homes is typically lower than the replacement of one in older buildings. Often these differences are due to the need for demolition and re-installation in some cases. Pros may have to replace additional parts, for example, broken trims or damaged wood, which increases your overall bill.

Preferred Window Material

Affordable window solutions are available in a wide variety of materials too. Choosing different styles of windows in different materials and finishes means you can find the perfect windows for any home.

Vinyl

Vinyl windows, or PVC windows as they are also known, are lightweight and very durable. They are also a maintenance-free option, so if you don’t want to worry about your windows, this is a great choice.

Aluminum

Aluminum is another great weather-resistant, durable material for window frames. It is more expensive than vinyl though, and if it has been painted or coated, you will need to maintain the finish.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass windows are another durable, lightweight, low-maintenance option for your home.

Wood

Wood is one of the most traditional materials for windows, but it’s not as durable as the other materials on this list, and they will need to be resealed or stained regularly to prolong their lifespan.

Wood-Clad Windows

Wood-clad windows are windows that have a wood frame on the interior and a layer of another material, such as vinyl or aluminum, on the exterior. To learn more about cladded windows, check out this post.

Considering the Window Type

There are many different factors that determine the cost of windows. Factors such as the material, size, and installation costs will all change based on your specific needs. Different companies even charge differently, so don’t be surprised if you see things like UI or united inch on some of your quotes.

However, it’s always worth having a benchmark when you’re shopping for affordable home windows. We’ve collected some general pricing information for different types of windows, so you can tell where the windows you are considering fall on the affordability scale.

Single Hung Windows and Double Hung Windows

Single-hung and double-hung windows are extremely common in North America. With windows starting as low as $260, double-hung and single-hung windows are one of the most affordable options on the market. 

However, prices will increase depending on the size, materials, and other customization features you want. 

Casement Windows

Casement windows open outward like doors, giving homeowners clear views similar to picture windows but with even better ventilation and accessibility due to their crank opening. Casement windows typically start at $440 and will go up depending on several customization ups.

Picture Windows

Picture windows, as the name suggests, are designed to frame a fantastic view. Picture windows do not open. However, they are often accompanied by sidelights or other opening windows.

Picture windows are usually large, so they’re not one of the most affordable windows on the market. You can expect to pay anything from about $350 to over $800, and prices increase based on window size.

Bay Windows

Bay windows are a classic style of three-dimensional windows and are often seen in historic homes. Modern bay windows, like their historical counterparts, are made up of several small windows side by side. Often, they frame a nook or seating area in the home.

Bay windows are more expensive and usually cost between $1,200 or above. While they’re not the most affordable windows, they definitely make a big statement.

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows are very similar to sliding doors. They usually have two or more panels that slide behind each other, and they might have one fixed panel and another that slides or two sliding panels.

The affordability of sliding windows depends on the size of the window, but you can expect to pay between $400 or more for this style of window.

Awning Windows

Awning windows are simple windows that are hinged along the top edge and open vertically, like an awning. They are one of the more affordable window styles, usually costing about $200 per window. And like the others, awning window prices will increase depending on additional factors.

Specialty Shape Windows

Although all window shapes will vary in price, this is particularly true for specialty-shaped windows. Due to the more customized nature of these windows, the price will have too many variables to determine a general price range without project details. So, it’s best to consult with a window expert to get more insight into your desired custom windows.

How to Save Money on Window Costs

One of the first (and best things) you can do to ensure you get the best deal on your window replacement project is to get multiple estimates. It’s typically recommended to get about three estimates on your project to get a good idea of a fair price range for the scope of work.

The other primary way to save money on window costs is to opt for standard options. Whether it is standard window shapes, sizes, colors, glass, hardware and so on that are not custom is a good way to ensure the cost per window stays reasonable.

Talk to a Window Expert

While the information and price ranges in this article are a good place to start your search for affordable window solutions, the only way to get completely accurate pricing and information is to get a quote (or several).

Why Choose Brennan

We’ve been providing competitively priced, high-quality windows and installations to our customers for over 40 years. Our goal is always to ensure that our clients get the right windows, and the best experience during the installation process.

Contact us for a comprehensive quote. We can visit your home, measure your current windows, and assess your needs.