What Is the Cost to Enlarge Windows in Your Home? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $100 - $8,000
The cost to enlarge windows in your home can range from $100 and $8,000, depending on the window type, trim, and labor expenses; most homeowners will spend about $3,000.
Increasing the amount of natural light in your home can make a huge impact on your home’s ambiance and aesthetic. Before you start a window enhancement project, get an idea of how much it’ll cost to enlarge a window. Making a window bigger can be complex. The cost to enlarge a window ranges from $800 to $5,000, with the average cost falling around $3,000. The total project price is dependent on the window type for your home, how you plan to enlarge the opening, and the type of siding you have. Due to the complex details of this project, it’s best to get quotes from at least three local window installers for your specific needs,
- Average
- $3,000
- Low end
- $800
- high end
- $5,000
Cost Breakdown for Enlarging a Window
The cost to expand a window is made up of the new window’s materials and the labor to install it, but there are other expenses to consider. Talk with your contractor about the details of your project before agreeing to a price, as window enlargement projects are very specific to your home.
Window Type
Window types vary widely in price. Here are common ranges for different windows:
| Window Type | Average Price to Enlarge |
|---|---|
| Single-hung | $100 – $400 |
| Double-hung | $200 – $650 |
| Casement | $200 – $1,000 |
| Bay or bow | $600 – $4,500 |
| Egress | $650 – $2,500 |
| Storm | $160 – $300 |
| Skylight | $200 – $3,800 |
| Dormer | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Garden | $800 – $6,000 |
| Picture | $120 – $3,200 |
Labor
The average hourly rate of window installers is $40 per hour. Depending on the complexity of your window enlargement and which floor the window is on, you could be looking at anywhere from $300 to $1,200 for labor costs.
Window Trim
Installing window trim on bigger windows ranges from $100 to $170 per window, but the total cost can be as low as $40 or as high as $350.
“We recently enlarged a window and had the existing trim carefully removed, as the vertical distances didn’t change,” says Bob Tschudi, a general contractor based in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Not only is it economical to reuse any trim, it’s already primed and painted, saving additional costs.”
Building Permits
If installing a bigger window requires structural modification, you'll likely need a structural engineer design. This project addition typically costs between $300 and $5,000, plus a building permit from your municipal building department, which runs $50 and up.
“The main part of making an opening larger, whether it’s a window or a doorway, is to be sure that the load from above is distributed and not putting undue stress on the walls,” says Tschudi. “This is where horizontal beams—called headers—span the larger opening and keep the structure intact. We always engage with a structural engineer for this type of project.”
Electrical, Siding, and Drywall Work
If the wall has electrical wires that need to be rerouted due to the larger opening, budget for $2 to $4 extra per square foot to enlist the services of an electrician. If your siding needs repair after the window installation, you could be looking at an additional $50 to $5,000. And if you need drywall repair, it’s another $300 to $900.
| Work Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Electrical | $2 – $4 per square foot |
| Siding | $50 – $5,000 |
| Drywall | $300 – $900 |
Additional Costs to Consider
Enlarging a window is usually a complex project with several factors that impact the price and difficulty.
Which Direction You Cut
If you want to increase your window size upward or to the sides, you’ll need to redo the window header and possibly cut into a wall stud. If it's not a standard size, you'll also need to reframe (and possibly reinforce) the window. Cutting downward from the existing opening can be less expensive and complicated, but be sure to check your local code for window regulations.
Accessibility
The accessibility of the window you’re replacing could significantly impact the cost of labor. For example, first-floor windows are easier to replace and install than second- and third-floor windows, which are more challenging to reach for the installation. Additionally, labor for a skylight or roof window replacement requires access to the roof, which will likely take longer than replacing a standard window.
Type of Siding
Since your siding will need to be cut through to enlarge your window, this labor cost is significant to your window project, and some types of siding are more difficult to work with. For example, the cost of wood siding and framing may be lower since the material is easier to cut than brick, stucco, or metal siding.
Trim Materials
The style and size of window trim you want on the interior contribute to your total project price. Window trim materials like fiber cement and medium-density fiberboard tend to be on the more affordable side, while steel and vinyl materials can get more expensive.
Here are some of the most popular trim materials and their average prices:
| Material | Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Fiber cement | $3.10 |
| Fiberboard | $3.30 |
| Aluminum | $4 |
| Hardwood | $5.40 |
| Steel | $12.50 |
| Vinyl | $15.40 |
Keep in mind that you may also need to add trim to the exterior of the window.
Removal and Disposal
Taking out the old window and disposing of it takes time. Waste removal costs depend on your city, though contractors usually include this service in their project price. Adding removal and disposal may cost between $100 and $800. Another option is to keep your old windows and repurpose them for a future project, like a DIY shed.
Cost to Enlarge a Window Yourself
Enlarging a window yourself can save you what you would otherwise spend on labor costs (about $300 to $1,200), but this project's better suited for the pros. Sure, a pair of extensively experienced DIYers who are familiar with window enlargement and have at least a full day to complete the project could get it done. However, there are a lot more things to consider than just making a hole bigger and replacing a window.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Enlarging a window is a complicated project that can impact the strength and integrity of your home. You will also need help lifting and installing the window itself, as it is usually too heavy and difficult for one person. Plus, an installation mistake could cause you more expensive repairs down the road, such as costly water damage restoration or fixes for a sagging wall that isn’t adequately supported.
For these reasons, we do not recommend this as a DIY project due to the risks and dangers involved. Instead, trust a local window contractor to enlarge your window safely and correctly the first time.
Cost of Common Window Enlargement Add-Ons
When you’re enlarging a window, you’re also replacing the window itself with new glass and trim. This is a great opportunity to opt for windows that allow for more energy efficiency, window tinting for privacy, or even upgrading your window trim.
| Add-On | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Energy-efficient windows | $320 – $2,000 per window |
| Low-E windows | $300 – $1,000 per window |
| Window tinting | $5 – $10 per square foot |
| Upgraded trim | $100 – $170 per window |
How to Save Money When Enlarging a Window
You can save money while making a window bigger with a few of our tips:
Get at least three quotes from local window installers: You can compare prices and products to decide which is the most reasonable for your specific project.
Replace multiple windows at the same time: This reduces the cost per window due to lower overhead costs. Besides materials and hourly rates, contractors also price for set-up, clean-up, fuel, travel time, and disposal fees.
Cut the window opening downward from your current opening: This way, you won’t need to redo the stud or header above the window.
Regarding our last tip, keep in mind that many local code regulations are strict about how low a window can be to protect children and animals. Be sure to verify with your municipal building department before starting the project.
Jenna Jonaitis contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Installing new construction windows takes only about an hour to complete. However, expanding an opening for a larger window takes longer due to the need for cutting siding, creating a bigger opening, and even repairing the siding or drywall. Expect a window expansion to take at least eight hours or more for two people.
The most popular project to couple with a window enlargement is to replace other windows on the house at the same time. If you want to replace other windows or make them bigger, do them simultaneously to save on overall window replacement costs. The more windows you have replaced at the same time, the lower the price will be per window.