2025 Window Frame Replacement Cost
Window frame replacement costs $380, on average. Most projects total between $184 and $599, depending on the type of repair, window location, and more.
Window frame replacement costs an average of $380, but prices can fall as low as $60 and reach up to $1,105, depending on the size and type of window, the extent of the damage, and a few other key factors. Most homeowners pay between $184 and $599 for window frame replacement.
Size of Window
The size of the window is one of the most important cost factors to consider to get an accurate estimate for your project.
A professional can work alone to remove a standard window that’s 4 feet by 3 feet, replace the frame, and then reinstall the window. Larger windows will require multiple pros, which drives up labor costs and the cost of materials for the frame replacement. Window frame replacement costs can reach up to $1,105 for a large bay window or oversized picture window.
| Window Size (ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1x2 | $200 |
| 2x3 | $250 |
| 2x4 | $300 |
| 3x4 | $380 |
| 4x5 | $600 |
| 4x6 | $650 |
| 5x7 | $750 |
| 6x8 | $850 |
| 6x10 | $950 |
| 8x10 | $1,100 |
Window Specialist Costs
Labor accounts for 70% to 90% of your total window frame replacement cost, or between $270 and $340 per window, on average. Window specialists charge between $50 and $130 per hour, and a full frame replacement will take 2 to 3 hours. A minor repair that doesn’t require window removal can cost as little as $50 in labor and take under an hour.
Cost by Location
With projects where most of your budget will go toward labor—like frame replacement or window cleaning—prices will vary quite a bit based on where you live. Labor charges scale with the cost of living, so you’ll pay more for window frame replacement in more expensive states and major metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living.
| State | Average Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| California | $550 |
| Florida | $390 |
| Georgia | $350 |
| Illinois | $360 |
| Michigan | $350 |
| New York | $470 |
| North Carolina | $370 |
| Ohio | $360 |
| Pennsylvania | $360 |
| Texas | $350 |
Additional Cost Factors
There are some other factors that can play a more minor role in your window frame replacement costs.
Window Frame Material
You can choose from a variety of window frame materials that have different price points and levels of durability and offer varying levels of energy efficiency. Most homeowners will opt to replace the old frame with the same material to match the rest of their windows. As you might guess, the type of window frame material you choose will affect your replacement cost.
| Frame Material | Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $150–$350 |
| Composite | $400–$800 |
| Fiberglass | $300–$600 |
| Vinyl | $150–$500 |
| Wood | $100–$350 |
Type of Repair
The type of repair you need can dictate whether your professional needs to remove your window to access the frame material or just remove the interior trim. Any repairs or full replacements that require removing the window will drive up labor costs, while minor repairs like fixing a small crack or caulking around the frame will push your total closer to the lower end of the cost range, down to $60.
| Type of Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Dry rot repair | $150–$800 |
| Fin repair | $100–$400 |
| Frame replacement | $200–$1,000 |
| Recaulking | $150–$200 |
| Sash replacement | $80–$250 |
| Small crack repair | $20–$100 |
| Small hole repair | $20–$100 |
| Sash repair | $50–$200 |
| Sill replacement | $150–$400 |
Window Accessibility
You should also consider where in your home your window is located, as windows on the second floor or in the roof are less accessible and will cost more when it comes to frame replacement. Your professionals will need extra time and care to use ladders to access your window, remove it, and then reinstall it after replacing the frame.
The average window frame replacement cost for an easily accessible window on the first floor is $380. Replacing the frame around a skylight or a window on the second floor can push your total up to $425 or more.
Extent of the Damage
The extent of the damage to your frame may not be obvious until your professional is on-site, so your total could be higher than you initially expected. If a simple repair will do the trick, you’ll pay closer to $184, but if your expert finds window frame rot or significant water damage, your total could climb to $599 or higher.
Extensive damage to the frame around your window could also mean you need to replace the window itself. Window replacement costs an average of $750 per window, so you may need to add that to your total to complete the repair.
Number of Windows
Replacing a window frame on a single window costs $380, on average, but if you need to replace the frames around multiple windows, your costs will go up. Most window specialists will offer discounts on a per-window basis if you guarantee them more work, so you’ll pay less per window, even though your total will be higher.
| Number of Windows | Cost per Frame |
|---|---|
| 1 | $380 |
| 2 | $350 |
| 3 | $340 |
| 5 | $320 |
| 10 | $300 |
Window Style
The style of the window can affect your frame replacement costs, too, mainly because different styles have different average sizes. A basement hopper window is often 1 foot by 2 feet and will cost as low as $60 for frame replacement. Bay windows are often 5 feet by 6 feet or 6 feet by 8 feet. Not only will they require more new material to replace the frame, but removing the window will require two or three laborers, and your labor costs will increase accordingly.
| Window Style | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Bay or bow | $1,100 |
| Casement | $425 |
| Double-hung | $380 |
| Hopper | $180 |
| Picture | $450 |
| Single-hung | $380 |
| Skylight | $600 |
| Sliding | $400 |
| Transom | $180 |
Permits
In some municipalities, you’ll need a permit before moving forward with window frame replacement, especially for egress windows. Permits for window frame replacement cost between $50 and $150, and the total will depend on your local building department. If you need a permit, your window repair specialist will normally include the cost in their estimate.
Keep in mind that permits for this type of work aren’t necessary in all areas, so check with your local building department or your window specialist first to see if you need to budget for one.
Warranties
Some window companies will offer a warranty for their work, which guarantees that their labor won’t damage your window or lead to water intrusion down the road. Window specialists don’t charge separately for labor warranties, but you can reasonably expect to pay 5% to 10% more for a specialist who includes one with their work.
It’s always worthwhile to hire a professional who provides a warranty, as windows are your home’s first line of defense against the elements. A warranty will give you peace of mind that the work is done properly and won’t lead to expensive water damage in the near future.
DIY Window Frame Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro
DIYing window frame replacement is possible for avid DIYers, as the work doesn’t require any specialized tools. Doing the work yourself will save you between $270 and $340 in labor charges.
However, a full window frame replacement requires removing your window, removing the frame, and reinstalling both. Any mistakes you make during the process could be very costly, potentially leading to water damage and the need for a full window replacement, which will cost far more than you’d save on labor.
If you need a simple repair, like caulking around the window frame to improve energy efficiency, you can safely do the work yourself to save some money. If you need a full window frame replacement, it’s best to contact a window company near you to get the job done properly, especially if the window is located on the second floor or in the roof.
Window Frame Replacement vs. Repair
Window frame replacement costs $380, on average, while window frame repair—which often doesn’t require removing the window to access the frame—costs an average of $200 per window and can total as little as $60. As such, a repair will almost always be a more affordable option than a replacement.
However, you should also consider the long-term cost implications. In most cases, if the window repair cost is 50% or more of the replacement cost, it makes more sense to pay more now for a full replacement. The new material will last longer than repairing the old material, so you’ll see more long-term value from a replacement than a repair.
How to Save Money On Window Frame Replacement
Window frame replacement can be an expensive project, sometimes costing up to $1,105. Fortunately, you can do a few things to save money in the process.
Choose your frame material carefully. It’s best for curb appeal to match your frame to the existing window and to your other windows. If you have an option, consider more affordable materials, like aluminum or vinyl, over fiberglass or composite. Alternatively, choose one that will require less window maintenance if you see a lot of extreme weather.
Hire in the off-season. Window specialists are often busiest in the spring and fall. If your issue can wait, try to hire in the summer or winter, as you may get a discount during times of lower demand.
Hire a professional for replacement. While you’ll save around $300 on average tackling window frame repair yourself, it’s worthwhile to hire a pro to ensure your window won’t leak water or create drafts in your home down the road.
Consider DIYing simple repairs. On the other hand, simple repairs like caulking around a frame, painting the window frame, or sealing a small crack are relatively easy to DIY. Consider doing the work yourself to save on labor costs. You can also DIY the disposal of the old frame to save on dumping costs. Consider donating it to a local charity organization or bringing it to the dump yourself.
Get estimates from at least three experts. Finally, get estimates from a few professionals to compare based on cost and value. Take any warranties the companies offer into consideration, as well.
Does Window Frame Replacement Increase Home Value?
Window frame replacement can have an impact on curb appeal, which means the project can add to your home’s value. If your old frame is visibly damaged from the exterior, replacing it could grant a return on investment (ROI) of up to 80% of the total. If the damage isn’t visible from the exterior, you’re likely to see a more modest return, as low as 50%, provided you let a potential buyer know that you’ve had a professional complete the repair.
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’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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
Yes, you can replace the frame around a window by completing either a partial replacement or a full replacement. With a partial replacement, your window specialist will remove the trim around the window and replace or repair just the damaged portion. For a full replacement, your tech will need to remove the window, replace the frame, and then reinstall the window.
The material around a window is simply called the window frame, but the individual pieces also have different names. The top portion of the frame is called the head, the side pieces are called jambs, and the bottom portion is called the sill. If you have multiple windows next to each other, you’ll also have a mullion, which is the frame piece that separates the individual windows. Windows stacked on top of each other are separated by a horizontal frame piece, which is called a transom.
Replacing a window frame will improve your home’s energy efficiency if the old frame is cracked or damaged in a way that allows unconditioned air from the outside into your living space or if you upgrade to a more energy-efficient window frame material. Aluminum is the least energy-efficient window frame material, followed by vinyl and wood. Fiberglass and composite frames are the most energy-efficient.
