Everyone knows windows are expensive, but just how big a bite do they take out of the budget?
Cost
The average cost to replace a typical 36-by-60 double-hung window can range from $550 to $1,150 per window. Thus, with an average cost of about $750 per window replaced, a typical project to replace 10 mid-range double-pane windows could cost around $7,500, when performed by a reputable local installer.
A window’s brand and quality, window features, overall size and difficulty of the job, choice of installer and warranty provided, and the local cost of living/property values will affect the bottom line.
Pella 250 vinyl double-hung windows
Note: The cost of each window can vary significantly based on many factors, such as the window size, frame material (vinyl, wood, fiberglass), glass type (double Low-E vs. tipple Low-E/double-pane vs. triple-pane), finish options, etc.
For these living in or near expensive coastal cities like Washington DC, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami, Boston, New York City, etc., the quoted costs you are likely to encounter will be significantly higher compared to Southern and Midwestern states, and rural areas.
Smaller, fixed windows used as accents or the ones installed in some bathrooms will be significantly less expensive.
Oversized, functional windows offering dramatic views will command a higher price, although large, premium windows aren’t normally found in most residential homes.
Marvin operates in the premium end of the window market, making each product to order, one at a time, customizing windows to the exact specifications of the customer.
Marvin Casement Windows
Milgard primarily focuses on the mid-range window marketplace with its vinyl windows available in four different series.
Milgard Ultra Series single hung windows with colonial grids
The company has spent much less time competing in the high-end slice of the new construction and window replacement markets. Milgard currently offers two high-end lines, the fiberglass Ultra Series and the wood-clad fiberglass Essence Series.
Milgard Windows Cost
Milgard’s bottom-of-the line Style Line series standard 48-inch x 60-inch double pane, double hung vinyl windows run between $300 and $400 per unit (not including the cost of installation), depending on the window-specific options.
Moving up in class, additional series of Milgard vinyl windows are offered in the $550 to $650 price range.
The Essence Series is Milgard’s entry into the premium window market. It is constructed with Douglas fir, pine or primed pine on the interior and fiberglass, with 15 colors, on the exterior. Quotes typically run between $40 and $50 per square foot, or between $800 and $1,000 for a standard double hung window, not including the cost of installation.
Marvin Windows Cost
Marvin’s go-to double hung wood clad window is its contemproary Ultimate G2 Windows series. Prices range from $850 to $1,250 per window installed. This window is available with IZ3 coastal/hurricane certification for hurricane prone areas.
For Marvin’s top-of-the-line Infinity Series classic double hung window in Standard, Cottage or Oriel style, you can expect to pay between $1,250 and $1,650 per window installed, depending on your location.
Marvin Infinity Ultrex fiberglass windows feature color matched and neutral dark components with bronze and ebony interior finishes. An easy tilt finish makes cleaning a breeze.
Note that window pricing can vary considerably as manufacturers often run discounts and incentives on their lines.
Did you know? Final cost can also vary depending on the design options like premium materials, locks and hardware, opening control devices, and the like.
Installation costs depend on whether replacement windows can be installed directly into the existing frames or whether new carpentry is required.
It is not unusual for a new window with options and installation to add many hundreds of dollars to the unit price.
Andersen and Pella, Pella, and Andersen. The two window giants are compared more often than any other two brands, and for a good reason; each company offers an impressive selection of windows ranging from affordable to luxurious, available in multiple materials and all window styles and sizes.
This buying guide is your comprehensive source for window prices for both brands, plus their complete window series and styles information. We start with what’s on every homeowner’s mind:
How much do Pella windows cost?
How much do Andersen windows cost?
This table lists the window series, materials, and pricing details for all Pella and Andersen windows, making it easy to compare new window costs between these top two brands:
Pella Windows
Series
Material
Types
Cost
Architect Series 850
Wood
S, D, C, A
$835-$1,500
Architect Series Reserve
Wood
D, C, A
$1,000-$1,800
Lifestyle (previously Designer 750) Series
Wood
D, C, A
$650-$1,100
450 Series/ProLine (discontinued)
Wood
D, C, A
$170-$365
Impervia
Fiberglass
S, D, C, A, G
$275-$600
350 Series
Vinyl
S, D, C, A, G
$160-$335
250 Series
Vinyl
S, D, C, A, G
$145-$300
Encompass by Pella
Vinyl
S, D, C, A, G
$120-$315
Andersen Windows
Series
Material
Types
Cost
Architectural Collection E-Series
Wood
D, C, A
$900-$1,425
Architectural Collection A-Series
Wood/Fibrex
D, C, A
1,000-$1,650
400 Series
Wood
D, C, A, G
425-$800
200 Series
Wood
D, G
265-$535
100 Series
Fibrex
S, C, A, G
$185-$315
Renewal by Andersen
Fibrex
D, C, A, G
885-$1,750
Notes:
Cost: The Cost column reflects windows of average size and most common features chosen by homeowners. Specific window costs will range slightly lower or higher based on the feature package chosen such as window size, glazing/glass package, extras like exterior cladding, custom grilles, built-in blinds or shades.
Types Code: S=single-hung; D=double-hung; C=casement; A=awning; G=gliding or sliding. Most window series also offer picture/fixed windows and bay/bow window assemblies.
Did you know? New construction windows are different from replacement windows.
All Pella series and all Andersen series except for Renewal series can be used for new construction or as replacement windows. — If they are new construction windows, the frames are manufactured with a nailing fin used to secure the windows to the home’s exterior sheathing.
Replacement windows are secured to the window opening through the side jamb, so the exterior siding doesn’t need to be disrupted.
If you’re doing a complete exterior makeover including siding replacement, then either type can be used.
Installation Costs
Window installation costs below apply to both professional (warrantied) labor and any supplies required for all window types, double-hung, casement, fixed, etc.
New window installation cost: $140-$235 per window
Vinyl or Fiberglass Replacement window installation cost: $195-$350 per window
Wood-frame Replacement window installation cost: $350-$550 per window (more labor to replace wood windows)
Bay/Bow window installation cost: $300-$575 per window assembly
Window installations do cost less for new construction projects for two reasons:
There are no old windows to remove first and windows quickly nail to the exterior sheathing on the home.
Installing replacement windows in older homes can take significantly longer if the window openings have shifted or warped or if they need repair. — These delays will increase installation cost.
Cost-to-Value Return at Resale
National home remodeling and sales data show that window replacement return on investment (value recouped at resale) ranges from about 73% for upscale windows such as Pella Lifestyle (previously Designer 750) series and higher, Andersen 400 Series and higher, plus Renewal by Andersen, and up to 80% cost-to-value return for more affordable Pella and Andersen window lines.
For example, if you spend $10,000 on new windows, the potential sale price of your home in the first 10 years will be $7,300 to $8,000 higher.
The cost-to-value return speaks to the value recouped at the time of selling your home. It does not take into account the commutative value of energy savings and/or other benefits such as the enjoyment homeowners derived from the windows upgrade.
New windows can help a home sell faster, especially when the listing price is near the upper end of a potential buyer’s target price range. The buyer will have the assurance that replacing windows won’t be an expense they will need to worry about for the next 15-25 years.
Pro Tip: If you plan to sell your home in the next few years, replacing the windows isn’t a cost-effective choice unless they are in such poor condition, they’ll turn off buyers.
A better approach is to give potential buyers an allowance sufficient to cover the mid-grade new windows like Pella 350 high-end vinyl/Impervia Fiberglass or Andersen 200/400 Series. — This would cover their costs. The buyers could also use the money toward a premium window series, allowing the buyers to choose the kind of windows they like the best for the price.
Andersen Vs. Pella Window Comparison
Pella makes a broader overall range of window series in different materials compared to Andersen. You can view and buy Andersen windows at Home Depot, while Pella windows can be viewed and purchased at Lowe’s.
Andersen makes four solid wood series and one affordable Fibrex composite series. Pella makes three solid wood series, and one fiberglass Impervia Series windows that compare with the Andersen’s most affordable 100 Series windows made of Fibrex, though at a much higher cost for Pella Impervia. This comparison would be based on the window frame materials only (fiberglass vs. Fibrex) and not a fair series-to-series (Impervia is a mid-tier fiberglass window series line from Pella) comparison.
Andersen 100-Series Windows
Did you know? The primary difference between Pella and Andersen is that Pella also makes three vinyl window lines, and one fiberglass-frame window. Pella Impervia, the fiberglass window series sits right in between the wood and vinyl product lines based on Pella’s pricing tiers.
Andersen, on the other hand, offers windows made from their proprietary composite material called Fibrex, which is made from 40% reclaimed wood fibers by weight (from the production of Andersen wood windows) combined with 60% thermoplastic polymer (PVC vinyl) by weight.
Note: Andersen also has a completely separate line of high-end Fibrex windows called Renewals by Andersen, which is a whole separate business unit/division within Andersen. RBA windows are made for replacement only and are sold through the in-home sales presentations by independent RBA dealers. We cover the Renewals by Andersen offering, right below the main lineup of Andersen windows.
