The cost is a must-consider factor, whether you are adding finishing to your new house or just replacing old living room windows. Of course, with the many options in the market today, you’ll want to choose windows that fit your decor and style.
But it all begins with the cost.
A single living room window of basic design will cost you about $200 to $850 or higher. High-end windows like a garden, bay, bow, slider, or Double-Hung may cost about $1150 to $4000 or higher in price. This price includes the estimated installation fee, which may go higher depending on your supplier.
However, other factors such as location, shipping costs, and the extent of labor required, among others, come into play in determining the exact price you pay in the long run.
When thinking of installing a new living room window, there are several factors you should consider: The price, type, quality, and installation costs.
Let’s dive deeper into the factors to consider before choosing a new living room window. We’ll also look at when to change your living room windows and the types you should consider. Read on.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Living Room Window
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Besides price, there are other things to consider when buying living room windows. The following factors should come to mind:
1. Type of the Window
After you identify the amount of money you’re willing to spend on a living room window, it’s time to identify the type that you want.
If you are replacing one window, you must buy one that matches the others. If the rest of the windows are slide windows, don’t get a picture window as a replacement, even if it’s your new admiration. It will look out of place.
It is also essential to choose high-quality window frames for consistency. If the rest of the windows are aluminum, don’t buy a wooden frame window. It will make your living room look weird.
2. Size of Window
Just like shoe size, window size matters a lot. You don’t want to buy a window only to find out it’s as small as a bathroom window. To be safe, get your hands dirty and do some measurements. A standard tape measure should give you exact figures.
Write the figures down and show them to your window supplier or installation expert. From there, you can be sure to get the right fit.
3. Quality of Construction Material
When choosing living room windows, you want the best quality. If you are like most people, the living room is the centerpiece of your home. It is the first and mostly the only room people see when they visit you.
You want it to be fancy. That is why you should get the best quality windows for it. People will know quality when they spot it.
4. Installation Costs
Depending on the complexity of the window, installation can take up to six hours. The average rate is approximately $40 per hour. The price can, however, increase or decrease depending on the worker’s experience.
Before deciding the type of window, determine the amount of work it will need. Will it be a complex project or not? It will help you know the approximate amount you will need for the installation labor.
When do you need to Install a New Living Room Window?
The following scenarios may necessitate new window installation:
- You have a broken window
- The windows are too old
- The windows are out of fashion
- When you are renovating your house
- The windows let in cold
- When building a new house
Since you know the factors to consider when purchasing new windows and when to change them, it will be easy to change them.
The Best Types of Living Room Windows and their Costs
Now that you know when to change your windows, here are some of the best living room windows and their prices.
Picture Windows
The window is named picture because it allows you to have an extensive view of the outside. It looks like a large picture on the wall.
It’s one of the most common living room windows. Most people prefer it because of its expansive view.
The cheapest picture windows range from $200 to $600, depending on the material. The expensive ones range from $750 to $1900. The installation cost is approximately $150, depending on the contractor’s hours to complete the job.
Double-hung Windows
They have two sashes and slide vertically to allow ventilation. They are cheap, with their prices ranging from 250 to 600 dollars. They are popular, seeing a lot of people use them.
If you are looking to install these windows, you should be prepared to spend an extra 100 to 150 dollars on installation.
Casement Windows
A casement window is made of one sash or several sashes side to side. These sashes move either outward or inward to create a clear view.
Casement windows range from $150 to $600, and the installation cost is approximately $38 per hour. These windows are highly valued for the clear view, and they help preserve energy.
Awning Windows
These windows are made of a single sash. To open them, you push the sash at the bottom. They are perfect because you don’t have to close them when it’s raining. They repel rain, thus continuing to ventilate the living room.
Awning windows cost from $200 to $600. You have to be prepared to have an extra 100 to 150 dollars for the installation costs.
Transom Windows
Transom windows gained their name from their location. They are usually located on top of a window or door transom.
In the old past days, transom windows served as ventilators. They were handy when the owners wanted to maintain privacy but still ventilate their house.
Nowadays, you can install transom windows for aeration or lighting the room. You can, however, just install them as a form of decoration.
Transom windows range from 100 to 400 dollars, with installation costs ranging approximately $38 per hour.
Bay Windows
A bay window has three sashes, One central sash surrounded by two side sashes. Bay windows are pretty expensive.
However, the price depends on the materials used to make the windows and the complexity of the installation.
If you are replacing a bay window, you can pay $1400 to $3500. This price includes the installation fee.
Types of Window Frames Worth Knowing?
The type of window frame you choose for your window will be crucial in how long your window will last. There are four known types of window frames. Different kinds of window frames have their pros and cons.
Wooden Window Frames
Wooden window frames are made of wood, as the name suggests. These windows come in both ancient and modern models. There are excellent designs of wood frames that can make your living room look fabulous.
Wood frames require a lot of maintenance than the other types. If you take good care of them, they can last you decades.
Vinyl Window Frames
They are relatively cheap; hence they are widely used. These windows do not pill and have air cavities that help insulate your living room.
Since they are made of PVC, they absorb UV rays to avoid degradation.
They might not last as long as wood or aluminum, but they are a decent choice since they are cheaper. They are flexible and can make different designs of your choice.
Aluminum Window Frames
Aluminum window frames last for a long time. As you may know, aluminum does not rust or crack and are known for their quality. They are cheaper than wood frames but more expensive than vinyl frames.
These windows require low maintenance. They are resistant to weather and sound. They give your living room a modern and sleek look.
Though they are poor insulators, they are a good option because they cannot rot.
Fiberglass Window Frames
Fibreglass window frames are highly durable, for they can resist any weather. They require little maintenance.
Since they are partly made of PVC, they contain pockets of air that prevent heat from leaving the house. They, therefore, are excellent insulators.
If you find that the fiberglass frame is too dull for your liking, you can give them a brighter color. This is a massive pro, as you can color them to match your entire living room.
