Cost of Window Replacement In Chicago, IL
Window Replacement Cost Estimator
Factors Affecting Window Replacement Cost in Chicago, IL
Type of windows
Windows come with different prices depending on the type. Standard single-hung or double-hung windows are generally more affordable, while specialty options like bay, bow, and garden windows come at a higher price due to their size, design, and installation complexity.
The window’s build and material also affect the price. Triple-pane double-hung windows are a lot more expensive than single-pane or double-pane options because they offer better insulation and noise reduction, which is especially valuable in Chicago’s harsh winters and busy urban areas.
Window size and style
Larger windows are naturally more expensive than smaller windows because they require more materials and labor to build and install. Price usually scales linearly with glass area and the complexity of the sash grid.
Similarly, stylistic features like decorative grilles, unique shapes, or custom finishes add to the overall cost because they require additional craftsmanship and custom work. Even the color or finish of the frame can affect the price, especially if you use premium coatings or wood stains.
Number of windows being replaced
The more windows you replace, the higher the total expense will be.
It’s usually more cost-effective to replace windows in bulk than to do them one at a time, as many window providers offer discounts for larger projects.
Also, completing the work all at once reduces labor costs and repeated service fees, making it a more economical option overall.
Labor and installation costs in the Chicago area
The cost of a window replacement in the Chicago area varies depending on the complexity of the job, the type of windows being installed, and the condition of the existing window frames.
A window replacement that takes less than an hour to install is going to be a lot cheaper than a specialized window that requires custom fitting, additional insulation, or modifications to the wall opening.
Each extra step adds man-hours, so the simpler the access and the cleaner the opening, the cheaper the labor and installation cost.
Average Cost Of Window Replacement in Chicago, IL
In Chicago, a window replacement usually falls between $2,700 and $9,100, with the average hovering around $5,500.
If you’re only swapping one unit, expect quotes to start near $550 and up to $1,300. Vinyl windows are more budget-friendly ($400 to $900), while wood or fiberglass windows and custom shapes tend to cost $1,000 and up, sometimes exceeding $2,000 per window.
If you’re planning to replace one or two windows, set aside at least $5,000. For those looking to replace multiple windows at once, prepare to spend at least $15,000 or more, depending on the number of windows to be replaced and the scope of the project.
Luckily, reputable home improvement companies like Evergreen Window offer financing options that help make window replacement more affordable.
Through our partnership with GreenSky Financing, you can access credit limits of up to $65,000, giving you the flexibility to complete your project now and pay over time.
Types of Windows & Their Costs
Awning windows are hinged at the top and swing open outwards and up using a fold-down crank handle. They’re a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements because they let in ventilation even during light rain.
On average, a standard replacement may cost $1,100 to $2,100 for vinyl windows and $1,450 to $2,600 for composite windows.
Bay windows are composed of three or more individual window panes that project outward from the exterior wall of the building, creating a functional nook within the home for sitting, reading, or displaying.
In Chicago, a standard 5-foot-wide vinyl bay costs around $2,400, while wood-clad or larger 7-foot copper-roof models can cost $4,500 to $6,000.
Bow windows are similar to bay windows except they use four or more individual panes set at smaller angles, creating a curved bow-like appearance that extends outward from the home.
The curved design lets in more natural light and provides a panoramic view of the outside world.
Bow windows are slightly more expensive than bay windows, with average prices ranging from $5,000 to $7,000.
Casement windows are among the most popular types of windows in Chicago. These windows open outward on side hinges, similar to a door. They provide excellent ventilation because the entire sash can swing open.
A full replacement falls between $600 and $1,000 per window, though larger or custom sizes with energy-efficient upgrades can push the price higher.
Double-hung windows are another common window style found in Chicago homes. They feature two operable sashes that slide vertically within the frame, allowing you to open the window from either the top or the bottom.
Prices range between $450 and $1,200 per window, with vinyl units at the lower end and wood or composite frames at the higher.
Garden windows stick out from your home like bay or bow windows, except they’re usually smaller and have a box-like design with glass on all sides.
Garden windows are often installed in kitchens or living rooms, where they bring in both natural light and a touch of greenery indoors. Depending on the size, replacing a garden window typically costs between $1,000 and $4,000.
The cost for replacement windows depends on the type, complexity of installation, and size.
Standard replacements for awning, double-hung, and casement windows usually cost around $450 to $2,000, while specialty windows like bay, bow, and garden windows can cost upwards of $5,000 or more.
Specialty windows are custom-designed options that don’t follow the standard rectangular or square shape and pre-fit sizes. These windows can be circular, triangular, octagonal, arched, or really any shape a homeowner wants them to be.
Because they’re custom-made and require a specialist to take the measurements themselves, specialty windows cost more than standard styles. It isn’t uncommon for specialty windows to cost $900 to $1,200 for small to mid-sized windows and over $2,500 for large windows.
Double pane isn’t a window style but rather a glass upgrade. Double-pane windows are made up of two sheets of glass sealed around an insulating air or gas space that reduces heat loss and outside noise.
Given Chicago’s unpredictable weather—icy winters that plunge below zero, summers that swing into the 90s, and the occasional heavy rain—windows usually come with double-pane glass by default from any reputable window company unless stated otherwise.
If you’re planning to switch from a single-pane window to a double-pane one, a replacement typically costs between $300 and $900 per window.
As the name suggests, triple pane glass consists of three layers of glass separated by two sealed air or gas spaces in between. Triple-pane glass is up to 50% more energy-efficient than single-pane glass, and up to 20% more efficient than double-pane glass.
Upgrading from double-pane to triple-pane glass for that extra 20% may not seem like a lot, but in practice can shave a noticeable amount off utility bills. So if you’re paying around $300 a month for utilities, triple-pane windows could save you about $60 per month.
Triple-pane glass costs 10 to 15% more than double-pane windows, meaning that if you’re replacing a double-pane window that costs $800, switching to triple-pane might bring it somewhere between $950 and $1,100.
Diverse Styles for Every Home
Our extensive window collection caters to every architectural style and personal preference. From the classic elegance of double hung windows to the unique charm of specialty windows. Each style is designed to enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your home.
Benefits of Replacing Windows
FAQs
How long does it take to replace a window?
Do you need a permit to replace windows in Chicago, IL?
In Chicago, you don’t usually need a building permit if you’re doing an in-kind replacement, per the Chicago Government website. ‘In-kind replacement’ means swapping an existing window for a new one of the same type, size, and shape in the same opening.
If you’re altering the building’s structure, enlarging the window opening, or changing the window’s location, then a permit is required.