Replacement Window Prices
Replacement Window Prices in The San Francisco Bay Area
If you’ve started shopping for replacement windows, you’ve probably noticed one thing fast: prices are all over the map. That’s because a “window quote” isn’t just the glass and frame, it’s a combination of the product you choose, the condition of your home, installation method, and California’s efficiency and permitting requirements.
Below is a practical guide to what affects window replacement pricing, why costs can vary so widely from home to home, and why we offer a free consultation with a design expert to give you an accurate, detailed estimate.
James Hardie Siding
Windows & Doors
Factors That Determine Window Replacement Pricing
The frame material (vinyl, fiberglass, wood, aluminum) has a major impact on price and long-term performance.
Some window types (picture windows, bay windows, sliding windows, specialty shape windows) cost more beacuse they require more hardware, reinforced frames, or larger glass units.
A standard-size openeing is usually more budget-friendly. Some home structure require extra labor, additional materials and/ or increased permit requirements.
Upgraded glass options can increase the price but may improve comfort and energy savings. California energy standards for residential alterations (including window replacements) require meeting specific performance targets, which can influence which produts you can use and what documentation is needed.
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Typical Replacement Window Price Ranges
Often lower cost, fewer customization options, higher maintenance, shorter lifespan, seal failure is common, lower energy efficiency
Price Range (Installed)
$1,000 - $2,000
Improved durability, slightly shorter lifespan, more likelihood of cosmetic aging in the bay area climate, moderate energy efficiency
Price Range (Installed)
$2,100 - $3,000
(fiberglass, advanced glass, custom sizes) best long-term performance, stability and value, extremely strong, higher upfront cost, longer lifespan (often decades), high energy efficiency
Price Range (Installed)
$3,000 - $5,000
Because every home is different (and Bay Area homes vary a lot by age, construction type, and permit needs), the best way to understand your real number is a free in-home consultation
Home-Specific Variables That Change Pricing
There are several “hidden” factors that can quickly move a window replacement quote up or down. The condition of your existing frames and surrounding materials plays a major role. If frames are deteriorated or there is moisture damage, carpentry or dry-rot repair may be necessary before installation begins. Interior and exterior finish requirements can also impact cost, especially if the project involves additional trim work, paint matching, stucco patching, or siding integration. Access and overall jobsite complexity matter as well; second-story installations, tight side yards, steep lots, or difficult access points can increase labor time and safety considerations. Finally, multi-unit buildings and HOA communities often require specific window specifications, color restrictions, and formal approvals, adding time and coordination to the project.
Installation Method Impacts Cost More Than Most People Expect
A window replacement quote isn’t just “per window”, it’s also how it’s installed. Two homes can choose the exact same window and end up with very different totals based on installation method and existing conditions.There are several common window installation methods (Retrofit, Block-Frame & New Construction), each suited to different home conditions.
California Regulations and Permits That Can Add to Cost
California is stricter than many states when it comes to building and energy compliance, and those requirements can affect both product selection and total project cost.
Title 24 energy standards | California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6) include requirements for replacement windows and other “fenestration” products. These standards can affect which windows qualify based on U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), plus documentation requirements in permitted projects.
Permits and inspection requirements | Permit requirements for window replacement vary by city/county, but many jurisdictions treat window replacement as permit-work and require inspections for safety, egress, and code compliance.
Why permits add cost | Most cities charge plan review and permit processing fees, which vary by jurisdiction. Once approved, inspections must be scheduled and coordinated, requiring time and administrative oversight to ensure the work meets local building standards. In addition, there are documentation requirements that must be completed accurately, along with compliance paperwork to confirm the installation meets energy and safety regulations. While these steps add cost, they also help ensure the project is completed properly and legally.
Free Consultation With a Designer
Instead of guessing, we offer a free consultation with a design expert to give you a quote that’s accurate and tailored to your home.
Experience
With nearly 30 years in business and 28,000+ projects completed, our Pleasanton legacy reflects our reliability and skill. Many of our team members have been with us for decades, bringing deep local expertise to every home.
Trained Team
Our experts will measure your openings, assess existing frames, and recommend the best window style and installation method, carefully considering your home’s architecture, age, and condition.
Provide Clear Pricing
During your consultation, we’ll explain permit requirements, help you compare options, and outline clear next steps so your project stays compliant and on track.
Superior Service
Our 5 core values—Integrity, Pride, Effort, Thoughtfulness, and Attention to Detail—guide everything we do and reflect our commitment to delivering a customer experience that goes above and beyond expectations.
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Replacement Window Pricing FAQs
Do permits always apply to window replacement in California?
It depends on your city/county and the scope, but many jurisdictions require permits for window replacement and/or when changing window size or type.
Is full-frame (new construction) always more expensive than retrofit?
Often, yes. It’s more labor and may involve finish work or repairs. But if your existing frames are failing, full-frame can be the smarter long-term solution.
Can I get an accurate quote without someone seeing my home?
Not reliably. Photos and rough measurements can help with early planning, but accurate pricing typically requires confirming conditions, access, and installation method.
Is financing available for replacement windows?
Yes, financing is often available for replacement window projects. Many homeowners choose financing to spread the cost over time rather than paying the full amount upfront. At Custom Exteriors we do offer financing options on approved credt.
Convenient Financing Options
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