When homeowners start planning a remodel, one of the first upgrades they consider is new windows. Improved energy performance, added curb appeal, and increased resale value make window replacement a smart investment. But how much should you budget? In this guide, CountBricks breaks down every factor that affects the cost to install a window so you can plan with confidence and avoid expensive surprises.
Traditional estimating relies on paper plans, rough allowances, and manual calculations. CountBricks replaces guesswork with precision. Our AI-driven software captures real-time labor rates, material prices, and regional code requirements, then generates voice-verified estimates and invoices on demand. When we say a double-hung vinyl unit in Dallas should cost a certain amount, it is because our platform has analyzed thousands of local data points—updated to the minute.
Explore our full estimating suite at CountBricks.com/services.
Every project is unique, yet most residential window jobs share six major cost categories:
• Window type and material
• Size, shape, and custom features
• Existing opening condition
• Exterior cladding and interior trim
• Labor efficiency and crew rate
• Permit, disposal, and site protection
The biggest single factor is the unit itself. Vinyl remains the most popular choice thanks to its affordability and solid thermal performance, averaging $350–$650 per unit installed. Fiberglass and composite frames jump to $600–$1,000, while premium wood-clad units can exceed $1,400 each. CountBricks catalogues more than 9,000 SKUs across leading manufacturers, so your estimate always reflects the exact profile you select, not a generic allowance.
Standard 3'×5' windows travel well, install quickly, and stay on the lower end of the price spectrum. Add architectural shapes, integrated blinds, or impact-rated glass, and fabrication costs climb 20–50%. CountBricks voice takeoffs let you specify every option during a real-time call, instantly updating the bottom line so clients understand trade-offs before signing.
Retrofit versus full-frame replacement is a critical distinction. If the rough opening, header, and sill are sound, we can install a retrofit insert with minimal disturbance, saving up to 30% on labor. Water damage, rot, or structural changes require full removal, reframing, and exterior patching. CountBricks site notes and AI-generated photos document each opening so you can justify the recommended scope to homeowners and inspectors alike.
Siding material sets the tempo for the crew. Vinyl or fiber-cement panels generally pop off and back on quickly. Brick veneer, stone, or stucco demand careful saw cuts, masonry skills, and extra staging time, potentially doubling labor. Inside, painted drywall returns cost less than stained oak casings or elaborate wainscoting. CountBricks automatically applies localized trade rates for siding crews, finish carpenters, and painters.
Professional installers price by unit or by hour, depending on complexity and local conventions. In most residential markets, CountBricks reports the median labor rate at $48–$62 per hour for a two-person window crew, including small tools. Urban areas with tight logistics or prevailing wage requirements can exceed $80. Our platform tracks crew efficiency metrics—windows installed per day—and flags inefficiencies so you can coach teams or adjust schedules.
• Building permits average $75–$250 per project, varying by jurisdiction
• Dumpster rental or hauling fees add $35–$60 per window
• Dust walls, floor protection, and daily cleanup run $1.10–$1.40 per square foot of affected area
Because CountBricks bundles these soft costs into every estimate automatically, you avoid the common pitfall of underbilling for overhead.
• Single retrofit vinyl window: $420–$690
• Full-frame fiberglass egress unit: $1,150–$1,800
• Whole-house replacement (15 mid-range units): $10,500–$17,800
These numbers include materials, labor, trim, and disposal based on current CountBricks Dallas databases checked at publication. For live pricing in your zip code, start a voice estimate at CountBricks.com/consultation.
1. Speak your scope into our mobile app or web mic.
2. Our NLP engine converts speech to structured line items.
3. Machine vision reads supplied blueprints or field photos.
4. Local market data populates material and labor costs in real time.
5. The platform produces a branded proposal, Gantt schedule, and ready-to-send invoice—often in under five minutes.
This streamlined workflow reduces estimating admin by up to 80% and allows residential contractors to win more bids at higher margins.
• Reduced callbacks: Accurate takeoffs ensure the right unit arrives the first time
• Compressed timelines: AI scheduling allocates labor precisely, shrinking project duration
• Price protection: Live material feeds lock quotes to verified supplier costs, guarding margins even in volatile markets
Energy-efficient windows may qualify for federal tax credits and local utility rebates. CountBricks automatically tags eligible units during estimate creation and prints the credit amount on the homeowner proposal—another powerful closing tool.
Beyond the numbers, successful projects hinge on trust, communication, and craftsmanship. CountBricks pre-screens partner installers, collects quality scores, and tracks warranty claims over time. When you order a crew through CountBricks, you leverage a vetted network that stands behind every caulk bead and shim.
Ready for exact pricing on your next residential window project? Schedule a five-minute discovery call or upload PDFs directly to CountBricks.com/consultation. Our AI will crunch the data while our construction experts walk you through options, timelines, and financing—all before you hang up the phone.
• Prioritize south-facing elevations for the biggest energy savings
• Combine orders to reach supplier volume discounts
• Use Low-E glass with argon fill in humid climates
• Request factory-applied exterior trim colors to cut field painting costs
• Schedule installation outside peak heating or cooling seasons to avoid comfort complaints
The cost to install a window depends on dozens of variables, but with CountBricks AI estimating, you can eliminate uncertainty. From accurate takeoffs to fast invoicing, our platform empowers residential contractors and homeowners alike to make data-driven decisions and keep projects on budget.
A recent homeowner in the Lakewood neighborhood wanted to replace 18 original wood single-pane windows with energy-efficient vinyl. Using CountBricks voice estimation, the contractor captured the scope in 4 minutes. The AI identified:
• 15 standard 3'×5' retrofit units
• 2 tempered bathroom windows
• 1 custom arched transom above the front entry
Total material cost populated at $12,460 with supplier-verified pricing. Labor, trim, permits, and disposal added $8,210. The homeowner received a professionally formatted quote for $20,670—complete with projected tax credits—before the contractor left the driveway.
1. Data-Driven Options: CountBricks presented three window material packages with real-time price deltas, helping the homeowner choose confidently.
2. Instant Scheduling: The platform slotted the project into a two-day window during a mild weather week, reducing climate discomfort and drywall cracking risks.
3. Margin Protection: Because CountBricks locks supplier pricing at the moment of quote generation, the contractor avoided a 6% vinyl price spike that hit two weeks later.
• Template Your Best Assemblies: Save preferred window and trim combinations inside CountBricks for one-click reuse on similar homes.
• Leverage Blueprint Takeoffs: Upload multi-page elevation sets and let the AI auto-count window symbols, slashing manual plan review time.
• Track Crew Performance: Use CountBricks’ field app to record install durations per unit and uncover training opportunities.
Contractors and remodelers across the country trust CountBricks to remove the friction from residential window projects. Visit CountBricks.com/consultation to experience voice-driven estimating that turns scope into a signed contract before your coffee cools.
