I am putting on addition and am obviously putting in new windows. But I have 7 windows to be installed on my existing house and this is a separate issue not included in my contract. 4 of them are full frame replacements. They are being replaced with the same manufacturer windows (Andersen) so I would think pretty simple swap with the rough openings being correctly sized. 1 has correct width rough opening, but the bottom will need to be padded up since the new window is about 8" shorter. 1 is going where a door was located, but there was not a proper header so a paralam LVL will need to be placed for this one. The last is Octagon window going into an existing square opening so will need some modification. I got the change order from my contractor. The cost of windows was reasonable, but when I subtracted the window cost out, the labor cost blew me away. I am thinking of just having them do the LVL header and installing myself or having done by someone else. Can anyone give me an idea of what this should cost? I am getting Andersen 200 series (except the octagon is 400 series and two others will also be 400 series, but the openings for these two will be correct)

 

hammerash,

There is a HUGE difference between installing windows in new construction (your addition) and replacing or retrofitting them in existing construction. Given the amount of reframing and altering that you have mentioned, I would suspect that the contractor gave you a fair price.

The only way to find out would be to get 2 or 3 bids for the same job from different contractors.

As has been said before, there is simply no way that anybody in this forum can give you any sort of a dollar figure, or even a rough ballpark guess as to how much it should cost. We have no clue how labor rates in Baltimore compare to those in other areas. I pay my crew a decent rate for Redding, but if I were 200 miles south I would have to double it!!

 

well lefty, no one else responded. You said that there is huge difference between new construction and old, but once old Anderson windows are removed ( which I could easily do) and they are removing all the siding, at that point aren't you doing the same as new? I am getting full frame windows and I would be down to bare studs in the rough openings. Most are getting replaced with same size anderson windows. the one window needs padded up on bottom ( which is something that I could do in probably an hour or so, so it shouldn't be that much) The same with the octagon-some simple padding taking an hour or two. The only big cost is the one that requires parallam install for header. If that is the reason cost is so much I will put in smaller window that doesn't require header work.

anyway, the cost I got to install 7 windows was 3774. Thats $539/window. That seems pretty hefty to me. I am a pretty good DIY and have read everything that I could on Andersen site and it really doesn't seem like rocket science. Am I missing something? Is it more difficult than it seems?

 

We used to replace windows (over 15 years). We hired finish carpenters because they really attended to detail and both the inside and outside came out really looking professional. The good ones did not come cheap. We also were competing with a bunch of hacks. They were cheaper but the results were typically pretty rough.

If your $539/window includes the window I would say that that sounds reasonable. If you feel that the windows vary a lot in price, ask for a more detailed bid. Then you can make a better choice. Also ask for references get a bunch and choose a couple randomly.

We used to have people who section there houses out and have us replace windows. Every year they would call us up and have us replace a zone until they finished their house. They chose Marvin windows and ended up with a very nice remodel in the process. Windows can make a big difference.

I remember being beat out on a real cheap bid. The contractor took a down payment and then left town. Many other cases I would see people who would tell me that they wish they had gone with us.

Jim

 

unfortunately, this is just installation. The windows themselves are andersen and they cost about 2400. this is reasonable based on the prices I got at homedepot for exact same windows. it just seems steep on install price.

 

Does this include inside and outside trim out? I would ask the fellow to break down the costs more. Trims and surrounds can add up in price. Putting a new header can be time consuming. You might also take the easier windows yourself and hire the more extensive ones done.

Jim

 

This only is for install and exterior trim. nothing on interior.

 

Hey hammerash, butting in here...definitely no pro, but as lefty stated, did you ever get 2 or 3 bids on the same job, different contractors? Is this from a contractor or a sub contractor? Get some bids! Then...go from there.

If you've never installed/replaced a window before, it "could" be more difficult than you think. I've questioned the installation of doors before b/c I was interested in DIY'ing it myself but backed out b/c I've never done nor seen a door installed before (french doors). Now that I've actually helped and seen how much work was done I'm glad I didn't do it myself. I would've been left w/a wide opening to my house w/no door! It may be simple for them b/c they're "pros" at it but if you haven't done it before...

 

this is from my general contractor. he is doing the windows in the addition, but we want to replace the windows in old house too. they were not part of our contract, see he did a change order. it is somewhat time sensitive, since he will be finishing up the addition and we are having the whole house sided. Is it best to have the windows done BEFORE the siding? Remember, I am doing full frame replacements-don't want to lose window space as these are bedroom windows and although just below egress size, I don't want to make smaller. getting multiple bids may be hard if I want to get them done before siding. Do you think I could find someone to just install the windows? Or would they want to order them also? I could get them ordered at home depot and then worry about install later. they have internal grills so are special order and need to be ordered NOW if I want to have done before siding.

 

Absolutely. Well...here in CA I know you can. It's done ALL the time b/c homeowners love finding the best prices they think they could get or find some for cheaper or find some for free or have an extra or 2 and hire out the installation part. And...around here the business is lacking but seems to be picking up so there are lots of people looking for jobs...side jobs...if it's in their line of work. Honestly, it doesn't hurt to call around and ask.