Portland’s wet winters and warm, light-filled summers make window performance a critical factor for every home. Homeowners increasingly ask one question: What is the cost to install energy efficient windows, and how can I be sure the number is accurate? At CountBricks, we answer that question daily through AI-powered estimates, live material pricing, and instant blueprint takeoffs. This guide unpacks the components of cost, shares current Portland price ranges, and shows how CountBricks keeps your project on time and on budget.
Windows that open differently require different labor approaches and hardware.
• Double-hung and sliders are the most economical because they install quickly
• Casements, awnings, and garden windows add 10-20 % labor time
• Specialty shapes and fixed picture units cost more to manufacture and to trim out
The frame material influences both energy efficiency and price.
• Vinyl: Lowest upfront cost, solid performance, wide color range
• Fiberglass: Mid-range cost, excellent thermal stability, paintable
• Wood-clad: Highest material cost, premium appearance, requires maintenance
Energy Star–qualified double-pane low-E glass is the Portland baseline, but performance upgrades change the budget.
• Argon-filled double-pane adds about $25–$40 per window
• Triple-pane with krypton gas can add $120+ per unit but boosts U-factor performance by 30 %
Labor is not one-size-fits-all.
• Retrofit into existing frames: Faster, less invasive, generally $200–$300 labor per opening
• Full-frame replacement: Includes trim removal, possible sheathing repairs, averages $350–$500 labor per opening
• Second-story or difficult access: Expect an additional 8-12 % labor premium for scaffolding or lift rental
Portland requires permits when structural framing is modified. Permit fees range from $150–$250 and inspection re-visits can add $100 each. CountBricks automatically factors these items into your estimate so there are no surprises.
Because CountBricks syncs with live supplier feeds, we see updated numbers every day. The following price ranges combine material, labor, standard trim, disposal, and expected permits as of this month:
• Vinyl retrofit double-pane: $575–$700 per opening
• Vinyl retrofit triple-pane: $650–$850 per opening
• Fiberglass full-frame double-pane: $750–$1,050 per opening
• Wood-clad full-frame triple-pane: $1,150–$1,500 per opening
Your exact figure depends on window count, dimensions, and site conditions. CountBricks captures these variables in real time during a voice call and immediately reflects them in your estimate.
CountBricks isn’t traditional estimating software. It’s an end-to-end platform built for residential contractors and homeowners who need accuracy without delay.
1. Voice Conversation: Describe your project and desired performance level by phone or tablet.
2. Instant Blueprint Takeoff: Upload floorplans or snapshots—our AI locates every window opening in seconds.
3. Live Material Pricing: CountBricks pulls today’s supplier costs, not yesterday’s averages.
4. Automated Labor Mapping: The platform applies Portland’s prevailing wage tables and jobsite difficulty factors.
5. One-Click Quote: A branded PDF estimate, ready for homeowner review, lands in your inbox in under five minutes.
6. Seamless Invoicing: Convert the approved quote to an invoice and collect digital payment through CountBricks.com/services.
• Mix window types: Use double-hung on less visible façades and reserve premium casements for the view wall.
• Phase the project: Replace south- and west-facing windows first to capture immediate energy savings.
• Opt for foam-filled vinyl frames: Slight cost increase, major boost in thermal resistance.
• Coordinate with insulation upgrades: Combining window replacement with attic air sealing can yield an additional 8-10 % heating cost reduction.
Energy efficient windows pay back through lower bills, but Portland homeowners also enjoy quieter interiors, condensation control, and a resale premium. National data shows a 67-72 % recoup rate on project costs at sale; CountBricks’ local portfolio often tracks even higher due to buyer demand for sustainable homes. Explore real projects at CountBricks.com/portfolio.
If you are planning a full window replacement or considering a phased approach, a ballpark figure is not enough. Start a live voice session with a CountBricks estimator, upload a quick video walkthrough, and receive a line-item proposal while the conversation is still fresh. Schedule your consultation at CountBricks.com/consultation and experience accurate, transparent pricing—today.
A 1960s split-level in the Hillsdale neighborhood struggled with single-pane aluminum sliders, condensation, and winter drafts. The homeowner’s goals were straightforward: improve comfort, lower energy bills, and update curb appeal. Here’s how CountBricks delivered.
• 18 window openings, mix of bedroom double-hung, living-room picture, and kitchen garden window
• Selected fiberglass full-frame double-pane low-E3 with argon fill
• Exterior received new cedar trim and color-matched flashing
1. Digital Takeoff: The client emailed a PDF of the original blueprint. CountBricks AI identified every window in 14 seconds and populated dimensions automatically.
2. Real-Time Pricing: Supplier feeds showed a week-only promotion on the chosen fiberglass line, saving $1,040 when the contract was signed the same day.
3. Labor Optimization: Because the home had open lawn access and a driveway large enough for staging, CountBricks reduced the default labor factor by 6 %, passing another $720 in savings to the homeowner.
• Total project cost: $19,860, or $1,103 per opening
• Estimated annual energy savings: $460
• Projected ROI at resale (per local comps): 78 %
• Timing Matters: Live material pricing can uncover limited-time promotions—CountBricks flags them automatically.
• Access Drives Labor: Simple site logistics reduce installation hours; documenting clear access during your voice walkthrough helps the AI adjust labor accurately.
• Bundling Upgrades Pays: The client added attic air sealing during the same mobilization, leveraging existing scaffolding and saving 15 % on combined labor fees.
Whether you need a single picture window or a whole-house upgrade, CountBricks provides clarity, speed, and cost control. Upload your plans at CountBricks.com/consultation and see why Portland homeowners trust us for transparent, data-driven estimates.
