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Home Window Installation and Repair: What to Expect
Your home window installation or repair process depends on the window company, warranty and type of installation.
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Dalia Ramirez writes about home services for NerdWallet. She has previously written about estate planning, cryptocurrencies, small business software and other personal finance topics. Dalia has a B.A. in bioethics and critical theory from Wesleyan University. Her work has appeared in publications including The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg and The Associated Press. She is based in Los Angeles.
Julie Myhre-Nunes leads the Auto Loans, Student Loans and Home Services teams at NerdWallet. Julie has over a decade of experience in personal finance. Before joining NerdWallet, she led editorial teams at Red Ventures and several startups. Her personal finance insights have been featured in Forbes, The Boston Globe and CNBC, while her writing has appeared in USA Today, Business Insider, Wired Insights and more.
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Whether your windows are in need of a quick fix or a complete change, there are several steps to take before hiring a professional to repair or replace them.
Window repair involves checking if you have warranty coverage and hiring a qualified technician. Home window installation has more steps, including choosing a window company, determining the best type of installation for your home and picking the right windows for your climate and home.
How window repair works
Some window damage, like a stuck window, cracked glass or chipped paint, can be fixed with a repair instead of a replacement. Window repairs typically cost from $25 to over $1,000, depending on the damage. Here’s how the window repair process usually works.
If you know what company installed your windows …
1. Checking your warranty
Your existing windows may still be covered under the warranty. Contact your window company or installer to see what repairs are covered, including materials and labor.
Some windows may only need a replacement pane or locking mechanism, for example. In other cases, it may be best to replace the entire window rather than repairing or replacing a single part, especially if it’s an older window.
2. Hiring a repair technician
If your warranty covers repairs and the company that sold your windows has its own repair technicians, you’ll schedule an appointment through them. If just the glass is damaged, you can contact a glass repair company to fix it.
If you don’t know what company installed your windows …
You likely don’t have an active warranty. In this case, you’ll want to determine if you’ll DIY the repair or call a professional. For more complicated repairs, a local window repair technician or handy person can inspect your window and schedule the necessary fixes. It’s possible to DIY a window repair with the right materials, but the process can be dangerous or challenging if you don’t have experience with home improvement projects.
If you choose to hire a professional, make sure you gather at least three quotes so you can confirm you’re getting the best price. You’ll also want to determine if it’s better to fix the window or time to replace the window.
If the window looks newer, you could also try locating the serial number on the window and calling the manufacturer — they might be able to help you track down a warranty if there is one.
If your window frame is rotted or letting in drafts that are hiking your energy bill, it may be time for a replacement. Replacement windows cost from $300 to $2,500 each, including labor, and can cost less per window if you install several at once.
1. Types of window installation
Depending on the structure of your home and the condition of the existing window frames, you may need different levels of installation. Here are a few options:
New construction is when a new building is constructed, or an existing home is getting a new window. It requires new window openings cut into the siding, with new frames and sashes (panes of glass) to go inside.
Full-frame installation or replacement includes taking out the existing frame and sashes and installing new ones. If your old frame is made of wood that’s rotting, for example, or energy-inefficient material, such as aluminum, that’s drawing heat into your home, you may choose to replace the frame. Full-frame replacement can be challenging on brick or stucco homes — it also may cost extra to replace any removed stucco or brick after the window is installed.
Pocket installation or replacement involves inserting a new sash or sashes into the home’s existing frame. This is less labor-intensive than full-frame installation and can be a simpler and more affordable way to upgrade your home’s curb appeal.
Nerdy Perspective
I did a full-frame installation when I replaced the windows on my house a couple of years ago. My house had some termite damage and dry rot around the windows, and I wanted to make sure the new windows were level and had a good base to function properly. Full-frame installation is more expensive, so make sure you get multiple quotes and pick a financing option that fits your budget — don’t just assume the contractor’s financing is the best option.
Julie Myhre-Nunes
Home Services Editor
2. Choosing a window company or installer
Popular window replacement companies offer a wide selection of windows. Many also handle additional home improvement services, such as doors and siding, so that you can complete a larger renovation, including window installation, under one contract.
Choosing a window company with in-house installation can streamline the process and make it easier to pay for the materials and labor all at once. The company may also offer a warranty that includes repairs.
Some window companies work with third-party contractors to install their windows. If you go this route, make sure to check references and make sure the contractor or company is insured.
Window companies offer a variety of frame and glass materials to choose from. You’ll want to make sure you pick the best window for your climate, preference and budget. Many providers can also create custom shapes and styles to fit your home.
Energy-efficient windows or upgrades, such as multiple panes and tinting, can help reduce your energy bill in the future.
How to pay for window installation and repair
Your window company may offer some financing options (either through a partner or a payment plan), but there are other — and maybe better — financing options available.
Personal loan Personal loan
Many banks, credit unions and online lenders offer personal loans, with amounts typically from $1,000 to $100,000 and with fixed annual percentage rates. You receive a lump sum and repay it in equal monthly installments over a set period, typically two to seven years. Unlike with home equity financing, there is no collateral. This means your home isn’t at risk if you miss payments, but you’ll still have to pay late fees and the late payments can negatively impact your credit. Here are NerdWallet’s picks for the best home improvement loans.
Home equity loan or HELOC Home equity loan or HELOC
Home equity loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOC) may have lower interest rates than financing with an installer, as well as future opportunities for refinancing and possible tax benefits.
With a home equity loan, you receive a lump-sum payment and then pay it back at a fixed interest rate over an agreed period of time, typically five to 30 years. HELOCs are more akin to a credit card, something you use as needed. You’ll usually have 10 years to draw from the line of credit, during which time you only have to pay interest, and after that you pay both the principal and interest. HELOC interest rates typically are variable, meaning your monthly payment could rise or fall over time. And with each of these options, you're using your home as collateral.
Credit card Credit card
Credit cards are an option for lower cost repairs or renovations. That’s because credit cards typically charge higher interest rates than home equity loans, HELOCs and personal loans. When used responsibly, credit cards can come with great benefits, such as 0% introductory APR periods that allow you to avoid interest for a set number of months; rewards so you can earn cash back, travel or points; and sign-up bonuses that can give you some extra cash back or rewards for a larger purchase. If you go this route, you’ll want to make sure you pick one of the best credit cards for home improvements.
The best financing option for you will depend on how much money you need, when you need the money, what project you’re doing and how long you need to pay the money back. New windows cost $300 to $2,500 each, depending on the kind of window you choose. For a house with 20 windows, that equates to about $6,000 to $50,000.
Since replacing all of the existing windows in your home could add value to your home, a HELOC or home equity loan may be your best option because the value of your house could increase by more than the amount of the loan. Just be aware that most HELOC or home equity lenders often have a minimum initial draw — $15,000 for example — so using your equity may not be the right solution for a lower cost window project. A HELOC makes sense when you plan to do multiple projects over many years, like replace the windows this year and paint in two years.
If it’s a less expensive window replacement like one broken window, a credit card is probably your best option if you want to pay no interest or earn rewards. Personal loans can apply to both small and large window purchases, and they may make sense if you don’t have much equity in your home.
Some window companies offer their own financing options. Before taking this option, shop around and see how their offer compares with other loans.
Regardless of what you choose, make sure you compare interest rates, terms and fees with any financing options you’re considering. This will ensure you get the best deal.
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NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account factors we consider to be consumer-friendly, including impact to credit score, rates and fees, customer experience and responsible lending practices.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account factors we consider to be consumer-friendly, including impact to credit score, rates and fees, customer experience and responsible lending practices.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account factors we consider to be consumer-friendly, including impact to credit score, rates and fees, customer experience and responsible lending practices.
Fixed rates from 8.74% APR to 35.49% APR. APR reflect the 0.25% autopay interest rate discount and a 0.25% SoFi Plus interest rate discount.
SoFi Platform personal loans are made either by SoFi Bank, N.A. or , Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. SoFi may receive compensation if you take out a loan originated by Cross River Bank. These rate ranges are current as of 11/03/25 and are subject to change without notice. Not all rates and amounts available in all states. See SoFi Personal Loan eligibility details at https://www.sofi.com/eligibility-criteria/#eligibility-personal. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including evaluation of your credit worthiness, income, and other factors.
Loan amounts range from $5,000– $100,000. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 9.99% of your loan amount for Cross River Bank originated loans which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive and for SoFi Bank originated loans have an origination fee of 0%-7%, will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive. Autopay: The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.
SoFi Plus Discount: SoFi Plus members are eligible for an interest rate reduction of 0.25% on a Personal Loan. To be eligible for the discount, you must meet the SoFi Plus eligibility criteria within 31 days of the funding of your loan. For complete SoFi Plus eligibility, please see the SoFi Plus terms. When you enroll in SoFi Plus, the discount will lower the interest rate that applies to your loan only during periods in which you are enrolled in SoFi Plus. The discount will be removed during periods in which SoFi determines you are not enrolled in SoFi Plus. Each time your loan is re-amortized, your monthly payment amount will change based upon the interest rate that was in place. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this offer for unenrolled participants at any time. You are not required to enroll in SoFi Plus to be eligible for Loan approval.
Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and meet SoFi's underwriting requirements. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. If approved, your actual rate will be within the range of rates at the time of application and will depend on a variety of factors, including term of loan, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, and other factors. If SoFi is unable to offer you a loan but matches you for a loan with a participating bank, then your rate may be outside the range of rates listed above. Rates and Terms are subject to change at any time without notice. SoFi Personal Loans can be used for any lawful personal, family, or household purposes and may not be used for post-secondary education expenses. Minimum loan amount is $5,000. The average of SoFi Personal Loans funded in 2024 was around $33K. Information current as of 11/03/25. SoFi Personal Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). See SoFi.com/legal for state-specific license details. See SoFi.com/eligibility for details and state restrictions.
Est. APR
6.49-24.89%
Rates quoted are with AutoPay.
Est. APR
7.74-35.99%
Loan term
2 to 7 years
Loan term
2 to 7 years
Loan example: A four-year, $20,000 loan with a 13.9% APR would cost $546 in monthly payments. You’d pay $6,208 in total interest on that loan.
Loan term
2 to 7 years
Loan amount
$5,000-$100,000
Loan amount
$5,000-$100,000
Loan example: A four-year, $20,000 loan with a 13.9% APR would cost $546 in monthly payments. You’d pay $6,208 in total interest on that loan.
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