How much can you expect to spend on replacement windows in Texas?

Replacement windows can enhance the quality of your home by improving curb appeal, raising the value of your home, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing noise intrusion. While all that may sound great it’s important to understand that replacement windows are an investment and your choice of windows and installers should be carefully considered. 

Read on for an extensive overview of the many factors that will affect the cost of your window replacement project.

^{Please note our company specializes in residential window and exterior door replacement. We’ve been in business in the state of Texas since 1979 and work with over 1,000 homeowners each year. Each project is unique and there may be additional factors to consider depending on your location.}

Average Cost of Replacement Windows in Texas

Generally, the typical cost of replacement windows in Texas ranges between $500-$1,700—we’ve seen estimates with windows as high as $4,000 a window. Again, the cost of your window replacement will consider multiple factors including the operational style of the window, the material the frame is made of, as well as additional window features such as “upgrades” to the frame, color, glass, latches, weatherstrips, weepholes, etc.

Cost Estimates by Window Type

In this next section, we’ll discuss the price ranges we see between different windows according to operational style and material. 

Also note that the cost for a replacement window project may differ from the cost of installing windows in new construction applications. 

Price Range for Residential Windows by Operational Style

Below are the price ranges for different types of replacement windows in Texas:

• Single-hung windows: $400-$900+
• Double-hung windows: $400-$1000+
• Casement windows: $600-$1300+
• Picture windows: $300-$1300+
• Sliding windows: $800-$1700+
• Awning windows: $500-$1100+

As you can see the range of price is wide as are the differences in cost between each window style. Picture windows are typically the most cost effective option because they have no operational parts (that also makes them the most energy efficient!). Unfortunately (and fortunately) you can’t use picture windows alone—building standards require that all bedrooms have an operational window for egress. 

You can learn more about each type of window operation style in the video linked here: 17 Types of Home Windows.

Price Range for Residential Windows by Frame Material

The material used for the windows also affects the price. Below are price ranges for single hung windows in each material:

• Vinyl windows: $390-$830+
• Aluminum windows: $400-$850+
• Fiberglass windows: $320-$680+
• Wood windows: $850-$1900+
• Composite: $950-$1800+

Homeowners in Texas can use our window pricing tool for free to get an estimate for vinyl replacement windows. Please understand that Brennan Enterprises offers a wide selection of windows and exterior doors for all budget levels, contact us to schedule a time to discuss your project and get a precise estimate for your window replacement project. 

Energy Efficiency Features

These days, most cities require your windows to meet certain energy ratings to pass local code inspections. Window manufacturers innovate and build with energy efficiency in mind but you’ll still find that not all windows will meet code and there are features that can improve the overall efficiency of the window. 

While energy efficient windows are often promoted as a way to save on your energy bill (and yes, you may see this result as long as there aren’t any major changes with your energy provider) the reality is the more energy efficient your windows are the more expensive they’ll be. Energy savings is just one factor that motivates our clients to replace their windows, often the additional comfort in the home rather than energy savings is what they find most valuable.

For residential windows, no one should be selling single-pane options, at minimum anywhere in the country you should be expecting to buy double-pane windows for your house (if you've purchased replacement windows in the past and they were single-pane or storm windows you can expect a major difference in price). Of course, many window manufacturers also offer triple-pane windows which may definitely be worth the additional expense in colder states. Keep in mind that means more glass and often deeper frames which require additional labor and materials to build and may be heavier to lift. 

Your windows should also have Low-E coatings and an insulating gas to reduce heat transfer. Low-E coatings reflect heat back to the source so it can help keep heat out in the summer and gas-insulated glass creates a buffer making it difficult for hot or cold temperatures to penetrate through the glass. So when it’s really hot outside that gas helps prevent the heat building on the exterior pane to transfer through to the inside and and during the cold winters it prevents that inside heat from escaping to the cold outside. All this helps reduce the amount of work your heating and cooling systems have to do to get your home to the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat. 

When talking about energy-efficient options here are some options you have (depending on the window manufacturer):

• Low-E glass coatings: there are multiple variations.
• Multiple glass panes: at minimum you'll want a double-pane or double-glazed unit but you may also be offered a triple-pane.
• Insulating gas: Argon gas is the most common but some manufacturers offer krypton as well. Krypton works well in smaller spaces so it may be more common in triple-pane windows but it’s also more expensive.

Most window companies won’t want to sell you a window that’s not energy efficient so the prices ranges in the initial part of this post already account for the most common options of double-pane with argon gas and Low-E glass but more efficient options will push you to the higher end of the range provided or even over it. 

Window Size and Customization

The bigger a window is the more it will cost, for replacement services it will also cost more to install. Bigger windows are more difficult to carry because of the size and also because of the weight—glass can get really heavy. Depending on where you live, what you might consider an “average” size window will vary. 

From what we’ve seen in the houses around North Texas the windows in our area are typically larger than those around other parts of the country. We commonly see windows in 3x5 or 3x6 and in some cities like Plano or McKinney the homes commonly have windows that are about 3x7. 

In new construction projects, builders typically order standard size windows but in replacement most companies use custom size windows so that they are able to properly fit the window into the existing opening. You might be wondering why this is a concern or why you can’t just order a window the same size as the existing window. The reality is you can but it will add to the cost of labor per opening as more time, tools, material, and skills may be required. Custom size windows allow installers to easily and properly fit the window into the opening while adjusting for added layers of sheetrock, brick, or foundational issues that may have shifted the opening out of square or caused bowing around the opening.

In sum, when you consider window size you can expect costs to increase for:

• Larger windows which require more materials and cost of labor
• The type of installation methods used (standard replacement vs complex replacement)
• Standard size windows vs custom size windows

We briefly mentioned glass in this section and that’s a major component that affects energy efficiency, we’ll discuss energy efficiency features and cost next.

Additional Features and Upgrades

When window companies talk about custom windows, we’re talking about more than the size—well some of us are. In addition to choosing the window operation style, shape, and glass package, you may have additional customization options including the following:

• Color (do you want the window all one color or do you want a dual color window with the inside one and the outside another)
• Type of finish (is a powder coated paint an option or is the window made of wood and does it come factory finished or will you need to hire a painter to seal the wood with a paint or stain)
• Hardware options (cadlock vs autolock, plastic vs metal, color, etc.)

Do you want the window option that has tilt sashes or the one without? Some windows have night latches which are small mechanisms located on the top sash that can pop open to limit how much the lower sash is able to be lifted open. Some windows offer all these features and some only offer a single package with no customization options and others offer some features and not others, there are lots of details to watch for that can help you figure out why some windows might cost more than others but you’ll need to start with some quotes in order to decide. This is why we don’t use the high-pressure sales tactics that many in the home improvement industry do. This is a big decision and you have lots of things to consider, you should feel free to take as much time as you need to decide so you feel as confident as possible with your choice.

Getting accurate quotes for replacement windows in Texas allows you to plan accordingly. In this next part let's look at how you can get the right quotes.

Moving on, let's now look at some extra costs to keep in mind as you replace windows in Texas.

Additional Costs to Consider

One of the hardest things to account for for window replacement projects are the additional factors that come into play such as permits, inspections, materials needed with complex replacement projects. Here are some possible expenses you can expect to incur*:

*Pro Tip: If you are comparing estimates make sure to ask whether these factors are already figured into the cost of the project or if you will be expected to pay for these separately, some companies will give you a low bid and then surprise you with the bills for these additional costs.

Labor and Installation Costs

Labor is an important factor to keep in mind when replacing windows in Texas. The average window installation in Texas is about $200-$500 and above per window. This is why sometimes, people will opt to break up their window replacement projects into phases to help alleviate expenses at once. It’s better to wait on the project than it is to skimp out on labor. The installation phase is the most important part of your project—a poor window installation job can be extremely costly.

So what are the factors affecting labor costs?

Installation complexity will affect the cost of your window replacement service: 

A standard window replacement will cost less in labor compared to when applying new construction methods on a remodel. Additional fees may apply if the windows are not on the first level of a house or if any interior or exterior trim work is required, don’t forget the removal of window bars or storm windows. In the current labor market (2024) the cost of window installation can start as low as $200 per window from a full service window company. It may be lower from an independent contractor but you may not have as many options for recourse should something go wrong with the installation. 

Alterations to the window opening will affect the cost of your window installation service: 

Alterations may include increasing or decreasing the rough opening, changing the shape of the opening, or creating an entire new opening. Even modifications as simple as drywall cutbacks will incur additional costs. At the end of the day, the hope is to hire a craftsman that can make any changes to the opening look as if they had always existed. Alterations to the opening can add anywhere from $50-$1500 to the project. 

Consider that the high end of that range would be for the most complex alterations like creating a new opening or changing the shape of an opening. For the complex projects we highly recommend speaking with a consultant and getting a quote, we understand that it takes time to do so but if you don’t already have a budget getting a quote (or multiple) will help give you an idea of what the going rate is in your area.

Now that we’ve covered labor and installation let's look at how window size and customization affect window replacement costs in Texas.

Permits and Inspections

Permitting processes vary from city to city, make sure to check your local government’s website for the most up-to-date information on permit requirements. In Texas, most cities require permits to replace windows but many won’t require the permit as long as the shape and size of the window opening are not changing. 

Helpful Resource: Permitting Requirements by City - North Texas

Most cities in North Texas charge between $50 to $200 to apply for a permit although some are more expensive—University Park for example charges $250 and the windows need to be signed off on by a certified energy plan reviewer. Many homeowners complete their window replacement projects in phases, if that is your plan keep in mind that permits need to be pulled for each phase of your project.

Removal and Disposal of Old Windows

The window replacement process can be a messy one. In order to install your new windows the existing windows need to be replaced and the opening needs to be cleaned up, that’s going to result in a lot of garbage as windows are removed. The cost of removal will already be included in the replacement cost with most companies, however, smaller companies may have the homeowner pick up this cost separately. The cost of removal should be part of the replacement cost but the disposal will likely be an additional line item ranging from $150-$300 or more depending on the project.

If recycling is important to you there are a couple of things you can do to reduce waste on this project:

• If you are having wood windows removed and they are in good condition you can ask your replacement company if they’ll leave the windows and you can try to find a new home for the wood windows. 

• Ask your window replacement company if they do anything to recycle parts of the window such as the glass, you may not have a say on what they do with the windows once they leave your property but it would be nice to know you’re working with a company that makes an effort to recycle.

How to Get Accurate Quotes

The best way to get accurate quotes for replacement windows in Texas is to choose a reputable window replacement contractor. I think that’s easier said than done—unless you start with us! In all seriousness, yes, we’d love for you to give us a try and we invite you to do so, however we understand this is a big decision and you may feel more comfortable if you get at least a few quotes to compare your options. 

We think these in-home consultations are a good opportunity for you to learn more about each company. The people who provide you with a quote are representatives of the company who will be completing your installation. In addition to the product and price, you should feel confident that the company you hire will treat you with respect and will stand by their work. 

We’ve noticed there is a lot more competition in this industry but what we’ve found to be problematic is that there are lots of companies who are creating websites to collect your information and connect you with a third party contractor. These websites often collect your information and sell it to the actual contractors which results in you receiving lots of unexpected calls. Some of these websites only list contractors with the means to pay to be listed, many respectable companies are often overlooked because they’d rather not pay-to-play.

So, how do you find a reliable window replacement company?

There are a few things you can do. Start with a map search, whether it’s Google, Bing, Apple Maps, etc. Do a search for window companies in your area and surrounding areas, most companies have one home base but travel. Our team for example is based in Arlington, Texas but we work with homeowners all over the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex as well as homeowners near Texas’s other larger metros. 

In sum, to find a reliable window replacement company in your area try these tips:

1. Run a map search on Google, Bing, Apple Maps or something similar
2. Try an established home improvement list like Angi, Yelp, or The Good Contractor’s List (DFW)
3. Search on the BBB, while they do advertise for companies on their list it’s a nonprofit organization that you can use to search for reputable small businesses
4. Reach out to your friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors, it’s possible they can give you a recommendation
5. Look for recommendations on social media websites like Facebook, Nextdoor, and even Reddit

Well-established companies and new companies should be able to get listed on most if not all of these websites at little to no cost and these websites accept reviews or recommendations for the companies. Always take reviews with a grain of salt, some companies pay or offer discounts for reviews even if they don’t land a client and everyone has different tolerances of what they find acceptable or exceptional work. Window replacement projects are essentially a remodeling project, as with any remodeling project you should take your time deciding on who you want to “interview” and hire.

Summary of items to look for on your window estimate or contract

• Window replacement company’s name and your representative
• Name of the window brand and/or series
• Quantity of windows and window details: operational style, shape, color, glass package
• Cost of labor
• Miscellaneous costs: permits, disposal fees, travel fees, fees for installing on higher levels, specialty installation fees
• Estimated timeline: what are the lead times for the windows, what should you expect for installation process
• Financing terms: what is the payment structure and how will you pay (cash, credit, or financing)

Financing Options and Incentives

Once you have a quote the next item is to figure out how to pay for the project. If you already have the funds then you can jump right into it. Also, you could take advantage of financing options available to replace windows in Texas

Financing Plans

You can pay for your replacement windows in Texas as follows:

Financing Through the Installer

The most common way people pay for their replacement windows in Texas is to finance them, as most window installation companies will offer some financing options. Be sure to look at the payment period terms, loan limit provided and whether the amount meets your window replacement budget. A long-term financing loan will be more expensive than a short-term loan which will require less time as it does not stretch your interest that much.

Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit 

If you have equity built up in your home, you may be able to take out a home equity loan or line of credit to cover the cost of new windows. This allows you to use the equity in your home as collateral to secure financing at potentially lower interest rates than other loan options.

Cash-Out Refinance

Another option is to refinance your existing mortgage and take out more than you currently owe, allowing you to use the extra funds for the window replacement project. This can be a good option if interest rates have dropped since you first got your mortgage.

FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation Loan

The FHA 203(k) loan program allows you to finance both the home purchase and the cost of renovations, including window replacements, into a single mortgage. This can be helpful if you're buying a new home that needs new windows.

Personal Loan

For homeowners who don't have enough equity built up, a personal loan can be used to finance window replacements. Personal loans often have fixed interest rates and flexible repayment terms.

The best financing option will depend on your specific financial situation, the cost of the window replacement project, and your home's equity. It's a good idea to shop around and compare offers from multiple lenders to find the most favorable terms.

While contemplating replacing your home windows, there are some things you can take advantage of to save on the cost of paying for your window replacements in Texas in the name of tax credits and rebates.

Tax Credits and Rebates

Through an Act of Congress, the Inflation Reduction Act can help you save money on home improvement projects that are going to energy-efficient upgrades.

All you need to benefit from this tax rebate and incentive is to get an Energy Star standard. Some window types that will allow benefit from this state and local tax rebate programs are egress, casement, double-hung, and skylight windows. Therefore, seek a top supplier of Energy Star Rated replacement windows to make sure benefit hugely in incentives and tax rebates.

I ran the conclusion through ChatGPT and asked for it to be rewritten for clarity and the result was redundant with the previous section so I removed it as well:

Understanding Quotes and Estimates

Depending on who you meet with, the estimates you receive can range from anything like a number scratched onto a piece of paper to one with line items for each window and associated products or labor costs. When comparing multiple estimates the more detailed the better. We’ve basically discussed all of this above but you should expect to find the following items on your estimate and if it’s not there you should make a point to get clarification:

• How many windows are you ordering
• What are the window details (operational style, material, shape, brand, color, glass package, does it need to be tempered, etc.)
• Labor costs for installation
• Cost of permits
• Disposal fees
• Timeline
• Financing options

Conclusion

We commonly hear that it’s difficult to get pricing over the phone and we understand the frustration in that, we’re working to make that process easier for our clients, but we hope you’ll have a greater understanding of why costs can vary and why it’s difficult to get an estimate over the phone. More importantly, we hope this overview gives you a good general idea of the wide range of prices for replacement windows.