How much does window replacement cost?

In the Seattle area an insert replacement typically runs $700–$1,400 per window installed, and a full-frame replacement $1,200–$2,500. The spread comes from frame material, size and whether the opening needs repair once the old unit is out. A whole-house replacement is usually quoted per window with a single mobilisation.

Do I need a permit to replace windows?

Like-for-like replacement into existing openings often does not. Changing an opening's size, adding a new window, or anything that affects egress or structure does. We confirm with your jurisdiction and pull whatever applies as part of the job.

Should I replace windows and siding at the same time?

If both are near end of life, yes. Window flashing has to integrate with the wall's weather barrier, and doing them together means one crew owns that junction. Splitting them means the siding crew inherits someone else's flashing and nobody is accountable for the result.

Are foggy windows a reason to replace?

Fogging between the panes means the seal has failed and the insulating gas is gone, so that unit is doing little thermally. It is a genuine end-of-life signal for that window — though it is a reason to replace the unit, not necessarily every window in the house.

( Services — Everett, Seattle & the Eastside )

Windowsthat stay dry.

A window is a hole in a wall that has to shed water for thirty years. In this climate the glass matters far less than what happens at its edges.

Exterior window and trim detail on a home by ENF General Contractors

( 01 )

Insert or full-frame — the decision that sets the price

An insert replacement slides a new window into the existing frame. It is faster, cheaper, keeps your interior and exterior trim intact, and is the right answer when the existing frame is sound and square. The trade is a slightly smaller glass area, because you are adding a frame inside a frame.

A full-frame replacement takes everything back to the rough opening: old frame out, new flashing and weather barrier integrated with the wall, new window, new trim. It costs more and disturbs more, and it is the only honest option when there is rot at the sill, when the opening is out of square, or when the original installation was never flashed properly. We open an inspection hole before quoting rather than discovering it on install day.

( 02 )

What actually fails here

Not the glass. Seal failure shows up as fogging between the panes and is a real end-of-life signal, but the leaks we get called to fix are almost always water management: head flashing that was caulked instead of formed, sill pans missing entirely, and housewrap lapped the wrong way so water runs behind it rather than over it.

That is why we treat windows as part of the wall rather than as a product. The same detailing that makes a re-side last is what keeps a window dry, and when both are due we would rather do them together than have two trades meet at a joint neither owns.

( 03 )

Frames, honestly

Vinyl is the regional default: good thermal performance, low maintenance, sensible cost, and limited colour options. Fiberglass costs more, moves less with temperature, and takes paint — it suits larger openings and darker exteriors where vinyl struggles. Wood-clad gives you a wood interior with a protected exterior and belongs on homes where the interior trim is the point. Aluminium is largely obsolete for residential work here on thermal grounds.

Washington's energy code sets a ceiling on U-factor for replacement windows, and the inspector checks the sticker on the glass. Anything we install meets it; it is worth confirming any bid you compare against does too.

Typical investment

Broad Seattle-area ranges, not quotes — your written estimate is free and itemized.

Tier	Range	What it covers
Insert replacement	$700–$1,400 per window	New unit into a sound existing frame, interior and exterior trim retained.
Full-frame replacement	$1,200–$2,500 per window	Back to the rough opening with new sill pan, flashing and trim.
Rot repair & new openings	Quoted per opening	Sill or framing repair found at tear-out, enlarged openings, new headers.

Window Replacement questions

How much does window replacement cost?: In the Seattle area an insert replacement typically runs $700–$1,400 per window installed, and a full-frame replacement $1,200–$2,500. The spread comes from frame material, size and whether the opening needs repair once the old unit is out. A whole-house replacement is usually quoted per window with a single mobilisation.
Do I need a permit to replace windows?: Like-for-like replacement into existing openings often does not. Changing an opening's size, adding a new window, or anything that affects egress or structure does. We confirm with your jurisdiction and pull whatever applies as part of the job.
Should I replace windows and siding at the same time?: If both are near end of life, yes. Window flashing has to integrate with the wall's weather barrier, and doing them together means one crew owns that junction. Splitting them means the siding crew inherits someone else's flashing and nobody is accountable for the result.
Are foggy windows a reason to replace?: Fogging between the panes means the seal has failed and the insulating gas is gone, so that unit is doing little thermally. It is a genuine end-of-life signal for that window — though it is a reason to replace the unit, not necessarily every window in the house.

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