Whether you want a new view or you love to get a dose of sunshine from your room, moving a window is entirely possible. But you’re probably wondering about the potential cost of this project. Don’t worry. In this post, we researched the answer to your question.
The cost to move a window in an existing wall fluctuates depending on the materials used and the complexity of labor. The average price ranges from $1000 to $5000 per window in the U.S. This project requires different factors: framing, siding, rerouting, and finishing.
Relocating your window comes with perks, but several services will be involved. These might take you by surprise. To help you get a clear picture of how much money you will spend, read on as we provide the breakdown, tips, and other details about this project.
Window Cost Factors To Consider
Here are the factors affecting the cost of moving your window.
Window Location
The distance between the present and the intended new location of a window determines whether you have to rent a boom lift to transport the window. A cherry picker will lift a window unit harmlessly, and the contractor can efficiently install it on the second or higher floor. Boom lift rental companies charge $205 to $400 per day.
As a result, same-level relocation is more practical. However, in areas like bedrooms or bathrooms, you need to protect your privacy and reduce sun glare. Placing a frosted glass sticker on your window will solve these concerns.
View this window glass sticker on Amazon.
Framing
Framing is the structural backbone of your window. Whether wooden, vinyl or aluminum framing, its rebuilding values from $100 to $400 on average.
Investing in good quality tools is beneficial for any home improvement project. To measure the dimension of your window unit, you can use a level. With its accuracy, the relocated window will not be off-center.
View this magnetic torpedo level on Amazon.
Drywall Installation
To create a new opening, the current drywall must be removed. In Bloomington, Indiana, the average cost for drywall debris disposal is between $0.30 to $0.34 per square foot.
Afterward, along with screws and studs, drywall forms the wall structure of the previous window opening. It is a low-cost option made from a mixture of gypsum. Installing drywall with half-inch thickness costs $1.30 to 2.02 per square foot.
Self-drilling drywall anchors or screws easily penetrate gypsum wallboard regardless of its thickness. Along with hanging hardware, use these anchors to place picture frames, artwork, or even a mirror on the wall. As a result, the old window opening that you will turn into a new wall can still be functional.
View these drywall screws on Amazon.
Insulation
Closing the opening requires wall insulation. Insulation improves energy efficiency. Likewise, it defends your house against moisture and extreme temperature. A lightweight yet strong insulation with engineered foils on both sides is a perfect radiance barrier. You can expect to pay $0.12 to $0.16 per square foot for batt and roll insulation with an R-11 value.
View this reflective insulation roll on Amazon.
Trim and Siding Repair
Trim and siding are the outermost covering of a wall. They do not only protect other elements within a wall but also add style to the home exterior. Repairing siding within the old opening varies based on the type of siding. For instance, you will spend $2 to $4 for a vinyl or stucco siding. Aluminum, fiber cement, wood, brick, and stone siding repairs have higher prices.
In contrast, window trim is less expensive at $.50 to $10 per foot. To save labor costs, you can install it without the need for a professional.
Using a PVC painter’s tape, you can safely keep your window unit before plastering and finishing. It easily adheres to exterior surfaces such as window glass, trim, and siding. Even after two weeks, you can remove it without leaving damage or sticky residue.
View this painter’s tape on Amazon.
To learn more, read this post: Should You Replace Windows Or Siding First?
Wall Cavity Utilities
During home construction, wiring and plumbing are placed behind certain walls. Thus, if the wall location has existing utilities, it is important to reroute those to prevent any electrical or water problems.
Installing new electrical wiring costs $3 to $5 per square foot on average. If the walls you need to work on are within 100 square feet, you will pay between $300 and $500. This includes wires, outlets, panels, switches, labor, and miscellaneous supplies. Hire a qualified electrician to ensure safe electrical work.
Meanwhile, the price of rerouting a single pipeline ranges from $650 to $1,500 depending on the length and placement.
You can use a digital stud finder to accurately and quickly detect metal pipes and live AC wires anywhere in your wall. It comes with a large LCD and audio alarm for easy use. This will reduce errors and additional costs during construction.
View this stud finder on Amazon.
Structural Engineer Design
The new opening for the window affects the shear strength and structural load paths. This means that you must hire a skilled structural engineer to check the framing and wall support of the intended wall for the window relocation.
House Age
Older homes are more challenging compared to the new ones. Damaged trim and insulation and architectural heritage preservation are a few of the contractors’ reasons to increase their rates for older homes.
Window Construction And Safety Tips
Based on the National Association of Home Builders’ guide, we created a list of tips to help you cut costs, save time, and practice safety measures.
- Obtain multiple bids from at least three reputable contractors and explain the renovation in detail and in person.
- Allot between 10 and 15% buffer funds in your budget for unexpected problems and expenses.
- Refrain from last-minute changes in your design or material.
- Source your simple yet quality materials and equipment from local hardware than through your contractor.
- Schedule renovation in either late fall or early winter for an off-season discount from contractors.
- Avoid laying flat or stacking items over the window unit. This could cause breakage.
- Observe proper lifting techniques and ensure the window unit is locked before carrying it.
- Use drywall on finishing the interior wall.
- Protect the window before plastering and finishing work.
- Clean the windows with a soft cloth or brush and mild detergent to prevent any scratches.
- Ensure the relocated window does not leak as it will drain your HVAC system.
How Do You Relocate A Window?
Although the contractor will be in charge of the dirty work, having basic knowledge on the process is still important as a homeowner. Below is a quick overview of how to relocate a window.
- Add temporary wall supports.
- Remove existing window unit and close its opening.
- Safely transport the window unit.
- Measure center line of the intended wall and mark it off.
- Create a new opening in the drywall.
- Remove all stud framing.
- Frame the window opening.
- Cut the exterior wall.
- Relocate wiring or plumbing as needed.
- Install the header and flashing.
- Install window unit in the new opening.
- Repair wall trim and siding.
How Long Does It Take To Move A Window?
To install a window, it usually takes one day to be finished for residential project. Meanwhile, you can expect several hours for the wiring, plumbing, and wall reconstruction.
Can You Change The Size Of The Window?
You can change the size of window units. With the help of experts, decreasing or increasing the window opening is possible to fit your style. This alteration enhances the wall space and aesthetic appeal of your home.
Do You Need A Building Permit?
No matter how long it takes, you need to apply for a building permit. This project is not a mere replacing of window, and several structural changes will take place. In other words, it is similar to the new construction of windows. Thus, your local government will ensure these changes are in accordance with the code. In return, you will be safe and secure.
This project requires structural and electrical permits. Fees vary depending on your municipality. So check the details with your local building department.
Final Thoughts
Relocating a window is indeed expensive, depending on the work involved. Nonetheless, the cost outweighs the benefits. Instead of adding a new one, certain situations require the relocation of a window to an existing wall. It boosts ventilation, lighting, and the appearance of your house.
For a cost-efficient approach, plan the details and consider all factors for this renovation project. Then share them with at least three contractors. You can then go with the one that meets your proposal and budget. Lastly, secure the building permits ahead of time.
Once everything is set, it’s time to move the old window to the other side of the house.
Before you go, if you are interested in further improving your windows, check out these related articles:
What Are The Standard Bedroom Window Sizes?
How To Install Window Screen Without A Frame?
How To Hide An Off-Center Window?
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move kitchen window over and make the window i have in the garage smaller thank you please respond back
Great breakdown. Thanks!