Having trouble finding replacement window prices?

After determining how many windows you need in your home, the next thing you need to do is figure out how much you want to spend.  Every one that searches online for window pricing realizes quickly how hard it is to get a price to replace their own windows.  


There is a reason very few contractors and remodeling companies publish their prices.  I have listed some of those reasons below:

1. The base price for a window comes from what we in the industry call United Inches (UI for short)  and that number comes from adding the height of the window and the width of the window.  Depending on the overall size, or UI, of each window the price can vary quite dramatically between 3 or 4 inches.  To give a price without measuring each window would be like calling Dell and asking how much a computer costs.  
2. Different lines  or models of windows have very different prices.  Depending on your particular needs you will have a different priced window.
3. Every window has different upgrades and options that each homeowner needs to consider before making a purchase.  Things like grid patterns and colors, to have grids or clear glass, argon gas filled windows, layers of low-e coatings, interior and exterior frame colors, grid colors, hardware colors, exterior capping colors, tempered glass, etc.  As you can see there is a lot that goes into the pricing for a window.  There are offers out there for windows installed for around $200 but that is the stripped down economy version of a replacement window.  Most people will not want that product in their home, but for some it is the right fit.
4. Other factors affecting the price include what kind of blinds or shutters you have installed that need to be removed and replaced, any rotted wood that needs to be replaced (be sure your contractor checks for this and does not install over rotted wood!), condition of the current wood or metal windows and any other special circumstances unique to your home

As you can see there are many variables that contribute to each project's price quote.  Some sales reps and contractors can come in and just look at your home and determine a price without measuring.  This is not always a bad thing as some of these guys have been around for years and are just that good.  Other times these guys know their margins so well and throw out a price they know will cover any issues that may come up.