That probably depends on how many windows you have to replace and how experienced you are. I am in the process of replacing 9 windows in an REO. I decided I need to do this before I move in since a few of the windows are broken. It is helpful that this will be a single day job for a crew with the window company. But I am paying over 100 extra per window for the installation.

I would not be surprised if the government tax incentive for energy efficient windows has allowed window companies to increase prices, but I was not pricing windows prior to the tax credit. For companies that don’t separate installation and window cost in the billing, I am told the IRS allows the 30% credit to be applied to 80% of the bill (24% of the total). If true, this implies the IRS believes 20% installation cost is normal (or an 25% of the window cost).

Of course the other option would be to buy the windows, then hire guys with experience to do this on the side for less. For me there is something to be said for the company measuring and installing the windows. That way, any problems or errors would have some recourse.

That probably depends on how many windows you have to replace and how experienced you are. I am in the process of replacing 9 windows in an REO. I decided I need to do this before I move in since a few of the windows are broken. It is helpful that this will be a single day job for a crew with the window company. But I am paying over 100 extra per window for the installation.

I would not be surprised if the government tax incentive for energy efficient windows has allowed window companies to increase prices, but I was not pricing windows prior to the tax credit. For companies that don’t separate installation and window cost in the billing, I am told the IRS allows the 30% credit to be applied to 80% of the bill (24% of the total). If true, this implies the IRS believes 20% installation cost is normal (or an 25% of the window cost).

Of course the other option would be to buy the windows, then hire guys with experience to do this on the side for less. For me there is something to be said for the company measuring and installing the windows. That way, any problems or errors would have some recourse.

[quote=garysears]That probably depends on how many windows you have to replace and how experienced you are. I am in the process of replacing 9 windows in an REO. I decided I need to do this before I move in since a few of the windows are broken. It is helpful that this will be a single day job for a crew with the window company. But I am paying over 100 extra per window for the installation.

I would not be surprised if the government tax incentive for energy efficient windows has allowed window companies to increase prices, but I was not pricing windows prior to the tax credit. For companies that don’t separate installation and window cost in the billing, I am told the IRS allows the 30% credit to be applied to 80% of the bill (24% of the total). If true, this implies the IRS believes 20% installation cost is normal (or an 25% of the window cost).

Of course the other option would be to buy the windows, then hire guys with experience to do this on the side for less. For me there is something to be said for the company measuring and installing the windows. That way, any problems or errors would have some recourse.[/quote]

Great post Gary. $100 each window is what my good buddy in Colorado charges in his window company. Sometimes up to 150 depending on what is existing. A retro fit (leaving metal stucco frame and incapsulating it with new window) is a really fair price to installer at 100 because I can install a normal 4×5 window retro in about 20 minutes.

[quote=garysears]That probably depends on how many windows you have to replace and how experienced you are. I am in the process of replacing 9 windows in an REO. I decided I need to do this before I move in since a few of the windows are broken. It is helpful that this will be a single day job for a crew with the window company. But I am paying over 100 extra per window for the installation.

I would not be surprised if the government tax incentive for energy efficient windows has allowed window companies to increase prices, but I was not pricing windows prior to the tax credit. For companies that don’t separate installation and window cost in the billing, I am told the IRS allows the 30% credit to be applied to 80% of the bill (24% of the total). If true, this implies the IRS believes 20% installation cost is normal (or an 25% of the window cost).

Of course the other option would be to buy the windows, then hire guys with experience to do this on the side for less. For me there is something to be said for the company measuring and installing the windows. That way, any problems or errors would have some recourse.[/quote]

Great post Gary. $100 each window is what my good buddy in Colorado charges in his window company. Sometimes up to 150 depending on what is existing. A retro fit (leaving metal stucco frame and incapsulating it with new window) is a really fair price to installer at 100 because I can install a normal 4×5 window retro in about 20 minutes.

[quote=garysears]That probably depends on how many windows you have to replace and how experienced you are. I am in the process of replacing 9 windows in an REO. I decided I need to do this before I move in since a few of the windows are broken. It is helpful that this will be a single day job for a crew with the window company. But I am paying over 100 extra per window for the installation.

I would not be surprised if the government tax incentive for energy efficient windows has allowed window companies to increase prices, but I was not pricing windows prior to the tax credit. For companies that don’t separate installation and window cost in the billing, I am told the IRS allows the 30% credit to be applied to 80% of the bill (24% of the total). If true, this implies the IRS believes 20% installation cost is normal (or an 25% of the window cost).

Of course the other option would be to buy the windows, then hire guys with experience to do this on the side for less. For me there is something to be said for the company measuring and installing the windows. That way, any problems or errors would have some recourse.[/quote]

Great post Gary. $100 each window is what my good buddy in Colorado charges in his window company. Sometimes up to 150 depending on what is existing. A retro fit (leaving metal stucco frame and incapsulating it with new window) is a really fair price to installer at 100 because I can install a normal 4×5 window retro in about 20 minutes.