How Long Does It Take to Replace a Window?
Don’t let the unpredictable timeline of window replacement shatter you
Highlights
It can take four to 15 weeks total to replace a window.
The actual labor time to replace a window can take as little as 30 to 60 minutes.
A skilled contractor can replace 10 to 15 windows per day.
Labor for replacement windows generally costs $40 per hour.
The window replacement timeline is affected by things like accessibility, complexity, and materials.
Windows are an essential component of every home. After all, how else will you know when the Amazon delivery driver is arriving? But sometimes, things go wrong with your windows, and you may need to have new ones installed. So what happens when you need a replacement window? How long does it take to replace a window in your home? Learn what timeline you can expect for this beneficial home improvement project and what things may drag it out (or speed it up).
How Long Does It Take to Install a Replacement Window?
Replacing an old window with a new window isn’t always a complicated job. It can take as little as 30 to 60 minutes for a basic window replacement. That number can jump to one or two days if you’re replacing numerous large custom windows. Skilled window installers will be able to replace 10 to 15 windows per day.
Despite the ease of the job, the timeline for a window replacement is actually pretty long. This is because your contractor will have to order the replacement windows and wait for a manufacturer to make them or ship them. Custom windows take longer because they’re specially manufactured. But in general, it can take anywhere from four weeks to 15 weeks to complete the job from the time you hire a window replacement contractor and get your initial evaluation to the moment everything is complete.
Don’t let the timeline discourage you. Most people find the wait well worth it. Fixing a drafty window and adding insulation (like double-glazing) can reduce your energy costs year-round. In this case, your savings will last a lot longer than your wait.
Factors That Impact Window Installation Time
The answer to “How long does it take to replace a window?” isn’t always cut-and-dry. Though the basic replacement can take under an hour, other factors influence the overall timeline.
Complexity of the Job
Sometimes, you only need to replace a single pane of broken glass. Other times, you’ll need to install a whole home’s worth of double-glazed windows. The more windows you need replaced, the more panes of glass they have, and the bigger the size of your window, the longer it will take your local window installation company to complete the job. This is especially true if your windows are custom and have to be specially ordered and made.
Retrofit vs. Full-Frame Installation
There are two types of window replacements: retrofit installation and full-frame installation. Retrofit installation is faster and less expensive. The window installer will replace your window by fitting it into an existing window opening. They won’t have to remove part of your home’s exterior.
Full-frame installation is more involved. It takes much longer and is usually only used for old windows that are severely deteriorating (though it can also be a great way to improve your home’s energy efficiency). This involves replacing every part of the window, including materials in and around the window like studs, brock molding, and frame.
Accessibility
It takes more time to install windows that aren’t readily accessible—whether they’re blocked by plants or heavy furniture or are a few stories up. A contractor will have to spend a lot of extra time maintaining safety protocols in this instance.
Material
Your glass type, window frame type, and the type of siding on your home’s exterior can influence your project's timeline. For example, wood windows may take longer to install than vinyl windows because they need to be sanded, primed, and painted. Similarly, the mortar between bricks needs time to dry.
Manufacturer
Is your manufacturer local, or do they have to ship your windows? This can add a significant amount of time to the project. Depending on where your manufacturer is located and their chain of supply, which may be impacted by any number of events, you might see wait times as long as 15 weeks.
Homeowners Association Rules
While window repairs likely need a permit, you may also have to get permission from your local homeowners association. It can take months for a particularly slow homeowners association to approve a job, so put in a request as soon as you possibly can
Should I Replace My Windows?
You only really need to replace windows when they break, start to rot, or lose their insulation value. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t replace your windows for other reasons.
You might want to consider a window replacement for the following reasons:
Better insulation: Better insulation (whether it’s through low-E coatings, double panes, or other means) increases your energy efficiency and saves you money on utility bills.
A different opening style: Options like fixed or awning-style windows increase energy efficiency by reducing air leakage, but sliders are more common.
A new type of frame: Vinyl and wood are the most popular options for homes, but wood requires more maintenance. Metal frames are the strongest but provide less insulation.
Additional window glazing: Older homes typically have windows made out of a single pane of glass. Replacing those with double—or even triple—panes of glass can increase thermal performance and provide some level of soundproofing.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Window?
Time is money, and the longer a window replacement takes, the more you’ll pay in labor costs. On average, people pay $40 per hour for an installer, with most window replacement costs landing at around $850 per window on average. That price can quickly increase as the job gets more complex (think swapping out a retrofitted bungalow window versus adding numerous new windows in a penthouse) or takes more time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Window replacement is typically always worth the cost, both from a money-saving standpoint and a comfort standpoint. If your windows are older and significantly damaged, a window replacement can actually save you money in the long term by improving energy efficiency. If your windows aren’t up to code, you may not really have a choice.
In some cases, you might need a permit for a window replacement, which is hard to get if you’re not a professional contractor. You should probably just hire a window replacement company in the first place because the job is complicated and can be dangerous for the average DIYer. You may not even save any money doing it yourself because contractors purchase materials wholesale.
Replacing a glass pane is much less expensive than replacing your entire window. The average person will pay between $180 and $400 to replace a glass window pane. This price can vary based on a ton of factors, including labor costs in your area, special window treatments, and the number of panes on your window.