How Much Does a Bay Window Cost to Install? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $950 - $7,500
The average cost to install a bay window ranges from $950 to $7,500, with a national average of $2,500. The size, type, and material of your bay window influence total cost.
Introduction: Installing bay windows costs an average of $2,500, but you can pay anywhere between $910 and $9,000. Bay window costs depend on several factors, such as whether the window is new or a replacement, and the size, style, and frame material of the window. Read on for a breakdown of all the factors that can impact the price of bay windows in your home.
- Average
- $2,500
- Low end
- $910
- high end
- $9,000
Bay Window Cost Factors
Break down the cost of new bay windows based on the size, type, style, and material of the window itself, plus labor fees. When perusing any window buying guide, consider these factors to match the style of your home as well as logistical factors like your budget and the wall's structure.
Window Size
Most bay windows are about 4 to 10 feet wide and 3 feet tall, with the average bay window cost at $2,500. A small window at 4 feet wide and 3 feet tall costs around $400 to $1,000, plus about $500 for labor. A large window over 10 feet wide may cost $900 to $4,000, plus up to $2,500 for installation. Labor costs may be lower for smaller windows since they’re lighter and easier to install.
| Bay Window Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| 4 feet by 3 feet | $400–$1,000 |
| 6 feet by 3 feet | $500–$2,000 |
| 8 feet by 3 feet | $550–$2,500 |
| 10 feet by 3 feet | $900–$4,000 |
Type of Bay Window
If you’re just looking for a space to grow fresh herbs in the kitchen, a box bay window is perfect and one of the least expensive bay window options, starting around $750 for the window materials. Standard full bay windows or oriel bay windows, which offer classic decorative elements ideal for Gothic- or Tudor-style homes, are priced around $1,125 to $3,250 per window.
Circle bay windows are a more expensive option, averaging around $2,500 each due to their curved glass panels. Bow windows, which have about four to six glass panels compared to bay windows that have three panels, are more expensive at $1,600 to $4,800 per window.
More complex bay window styles, like Victorian or Tudor styles with extra flourishes and supports, tend to fall in the higher end of the cost range for bay windows. Modern bay windows can also be more expensive since circular bay windows, around $2,500 each, are considered to be a more modern style. Mid-century modern and craftsman bay windows are simple while still adding more living space and plenty of natural light and cost less than some other bay window styles.
| Bay Window Type | Cost Range (Materials and Installation) |
|---|---|
| Box | $750–$1,400 |
| Full | $1,100–$3,300 |
| Oriel | $1,300–$3,800 |
| Circle | $2,500–$6,000 |
| Bow | $1,600–$4,800 |
| Victorian | $1,800–$3,200 |
| Tudor | $1,100–$3,300 |
Material
Bay window prices depend on the type of material, which primarily depends on the type of window frame. If you live in an area that has a mild climate, you can save by installing vinyl or aluminum bay windows, which are lightweight and some of the least expensive materials but aren’t suited to harsh temperatures. More durable and energy-efficient materials, like fiberglass and steel, tend to cost more.
| Material | Price |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $700–$3,500 |
| Aluminum | $500–$2,200 |
| Fiberglass | $900–$4,500 |
| Wood | $1,100–$6,000 |
| Steel | $1,600–$7,000 |
Delivery Fees
Many companies will include delivery fees in the cost of bay window installation. However, if they don’t, fees start out between $50 and $100 for local deliveries, and the cost will often increase with each mile for out-of-town deliveries. This means that if you live outside the city and the workers have to drive several miles to deliver the windows, you may see much higher delivery fees.
Labor and Permits
Even small bay windows can be tricky to install, so hiring a window contractor near you is the best option. It costs $300 to $1,000 per window for labor, depending on the complexity of the project. You may spend more if you need to retrofit your home for a bay window, especially if you’ll be altering the exterior of the house.
In most cities, while you don’t typically need a permit if you’re simply replacing old windows with new ones, you will need a permit if you are adding windows or enlarging them. This will likely be the case if you’re installing a bay window for the first time or replacing a standard window with a bay window.
Building permit costs for windows are about $50 to $200 per window or $400 to $600 if multiple windows are installed at once.
New vs. Replacement Window
New bay window installation costs about $2,500 for labor and materials. If your home isn’t already equipped to support a bay window, you’ll spend another $500 to $3,000 for this project.
Replacing a window costs about $1,800 for bay windows and is easier and less expensive since the wall is already made to support this type of window.
Bay Roof Addition
Bay windows jut out slightly from the home, so the roof needs to extend over the bay windows. Your home’s roof eaves may extend over the bay windows already, but if not, you’ll need to add a bay roof addition, which costs $3 to $30 per square foot, depending on the roof material.
Shingles: $3–$15 per square foot
Metal: $5–$20 per square foot
Copper: $21–$40 per square foot
Structural Repairs
Structural repairs range from $350 to $1,400 for siding repair costs and trip work to between $700 and $3,000 to create a new opening to accommodate a bay window. It’s important to have the window installation team inspect and repair the wall before and after installing a bay window. The wall must support the bay window and prevent leaks during inclement weather.
Insulation
Insulating the bay window can add $450 to $3,000, but this added step makes your window more energy-efficient, meaning you’ll spend less on utility bills. You can improve your bay window’s insulation by investing in high-quality material, like fiberglass or steel, that is more energy-efficient and has insulative properties.
Waterproofing
Similar to insulation, waterproofing costs $450 to $3,000 but pays off by minimizing the risks and cost of water damage. Waterproof bay windows may help prevent leaks during rainy or snowy weather.
Energy-Efficient Windows
Even if you don’t purchase a window frame made with an insulative material, you can boost the energy efficiency of your bay windows for a 25% higher cost with triple-pane or gas-filled glass. You can find energy-efficient bay windows with low-E glass coatings for about $800 to $3,700.
Cleanup and Disposal Fees
If you’re replacing an old bay window or opening a wall to add a new bay window, the installers will dispose of the old window and clean up after the construction process for an additional $55 to $65 per hour for extra labor.
Bay Window Cost by Type
Depending on the type of window you want, the cost will vary. Box bay windows are the least expensive option but offer just enough space for a small herb garden or a place for your cat to nap. Circle bay windows and bow windows, which are slightly different from traditional bay windows, tend to be the most expensive options. Here’s a look at how much each type of window will cost before labor fees.
Ongoing Bay Window Costs
The time and money spent to care for bay windows depends on their design. Some bay window materials are more efficient and durable, while other types—such as wood bay windows—require more frequent repairs.
Maintenance
Since some bay windows do not open, they can be a bit tricky to clean. Professional window cleaning costs an average of $200 per visit or about $28 per bay window. It's best to have your bay windows cleaned at least twice a year, particularly since they play such a vital role in lighting up your home.
Other common window maintenance tasks include cleaning the window tracks, sealing wood frames, and replacing the weatherstripping along the edges before the winter. Each of these tasks is easy and low-cost DIY, adding up to no more than $20 for cleaning supplies and weather stripping.
Repairs
Window repair costs should be expected, and bay windows are no exception. Bay window repairs cost between $600 and $1,100 for major fixes, but small repairs are more common. For example, fixing a broken seal costs about $120, patching a cracked pane costs about $70, and fixing hardware costs around $75. Larger fixes, like replacing the window glass, fall between $500 and $3,800 for a bay window.
Winterizing
Depending on the type of glass you choose, bay windows can affect your home's temperature. Before the winter, consider winterizing your window by adding weatherstripping, addressing cracked panes, or adding insulation film. On average, insulation film can cost as little as $10 to $20.
Cost To Install a Bay Window Yourself
Installing a bay window yourself costs about $900 to $7,100, depending on the size and type of bay window. You can save about 10% to 15% of the cost of installing a bay window by DIYing, but keep in mind that this can be a massive project. You’ll need several sets of hands to help out. Plus, improper installation can lead to sticker shock on your utility bills if the window isn’t insulated well, costly water damage if there are leaks, or an expensive bay window replacement if the window collapses.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a bay window on your own can save $300 to $1,000 of the project total, but hiring a bay window installation professional is worth the investment. Bay windows are large and heavy, and if you’re adding one to your home for the first time, a lot of structural construction and possibly electrical work needs to be done.
You may be able to help with prep work or cleanup to save some of the cost of installation, but only DIY if you have extensive construction experience. It's often best to throw your design energy into more DIY-friendly decisions, such as choosing your favorite bay window treatments.
How to Save Money While Installing a Bay Window
Installing a bay window is a smart investment that not only enhances your satisfaction with your home but also adds value if you ever decide to sell. But don't worry about breaking the bank. There are some clever ways to trim down project costs and still enjoy all the benefits of a beautiful bay window.
Go with a simpler design: Opt for a standard or even a box bay window if your goals for the space allow.
Choose a smaller size: The larger the bay window, the higher the cost will be. If you want to keep the budget lower, go with a smaller size.
Go without the extras: Add-ons like specialized window coatings or ornate decorations will add to the final price. Consider a more minimalist design to save on installation costs.
Get multiple quotes: When researching bay window installation companies, talk to multiple providers and get at least three quotes to find the best price. Don’t instantly opt for the lowest price, though. Double-check what each installation service includes in the rate to get the best value.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
A bay window can be a fantastic addition that boosts both the aesthetic appeal and the value of your home. Its charm and versatility create a cozy nook and bring in more natural light, making your space feel more open and inviting. Whether you plan to stay or sell, a bay window is a delightful investment that adds value and enhances your living experience.
Bay windows consist of three window panels, which will take about 30 minutes each, or 1.5 hours total, to install, but this can depend on whether you're replacing or installing a new window. Replacing a standard window with a bay window will take a full workday for the installation crew. Opening a wall is more intensive, and it can take several days to open the wall before installation and repair the siding after installation.
Most of the time, you can take out a normal window and replace it with a bay window. Keep in mind this project may involve expanding the wall opening to make the window bigger and making changes to the structure of the home. This is a bigger project than a simple window replacement and will involve a more hefty price tag.