Highlights
Making a window bigger costs $2,000–$3,000
Making a window larger can be a complex project
Enlarging a window takes at least a full day of work for one or two pros
The cost of the new window depends on its type and brand
Increasing the amount of natural light in your home can make a huge impact on your home’s ambiance and aesthetic. But before you start a window enlargement project, get an idea of how much it’ll cost. Window enlargement can be complex, depending on how you plan to expand your window and what's inside the wall.
| Minimum Cost | Average Range | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $800 | $2,000–$3,000 | $5,000 |
How Much Does It Cost to Enlarge a Window?
The cost to enlarge a window ranges from $800 to $5,000, with the typical cost falling between $2,000 and $3,000. The total project price is dependent on the window type, 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 to compare the project process details, timeline, and pricing.
Cost Breakdown for Increasing Window Size
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.
Materials
The window type you choose dictates the material price. Here are common ranges for different windows:
Standard window: $100–$1,300
Casement window: $300–$1,000
Bay window: $600–$2,500
Egress window: $450–$1,600
Storm window: $100–$1,000
Skylight: $150–$3,000
Dormer window: $2,500–$4,000
Garden window: $500–$2,400
Labor
The average hourly rate of window installers is $30 to $50 per hour. Depending on the complexity of your window enlargement and which floor the window is on, you could be looking at anywhere from a few hours to a full day's work with two contractors.
Window Frame
If you modify your opening upward or to the sides, you’ll likely need to frame the replacement window, which costs anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500.
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.”
Structural Engineer Design and Building Permit
If installing a bigger window requires structural modification, you'll likely need a structural engineer design. This project addition typically costs between $250 and $400, 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.”
Other Factors
If the wall has electrical wires that need to be rerouted due to the larger opening, budget for $150 to $500 extra to enlist the services of an electrician. If your siding needs repair after the window installation, you could be looking at an additional $300 to $1,100. And if you need drywall repair, it’s another $1.50 per square foot.
Cost to Make a Window Bigger Yourself?
The cost to make a window bigger yourself can save you labor costs (about $300 to $1,000) but the project's better suited for a pair of experienced DIYers who have at least a full day to complete the project. Making a window bigger can involve cutting into your wall stud, redoing a window header, and cutting into your home's siding for a larger rough opening. These are complicated projects 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 problems down the road, such as water damage or a sagging wall that isn’t adequately supported.
To enlarge your window, you’ll need tools such as a sledge hammer, reciprocating saw, power drill, screwdriver, putty knife, caulk gun, pry bar, tape measure, and level. You'll also need to know where your wall studs are, how to cut into your siding safely, frame and install a window, and install interior window trim.
Replacement window inserts—where your window stays the same size—is a much easier DIY project for most homeowners. Most homeowners find hiring a local professional window installer for any window enlargement projects easiest and most effective.
Factors That Impact the Cost to Make a Window Bigger
Enlarging a window is usually a complex project with several factors that impact the price and difficulty.
Which Directions 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 standard-size, you'll also need to reframe (and possibly reinforce the studs) 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.
Floor of the House
First-floor windows are easier to replace and install than second- and third-floor windows, which are more challenging to reach for the installation.
Window Type
Standard size windows will be cheaper than bay windows. The brand you choose also impacts price.
Type of Siding
Wood siding and framing are easier to cut than brick, stucco, or steel.
Trim
The style and size of trim you want on the interior contribute to your total project price. You may also need to add trim to the exterior of the window.
Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing
Depending on what’s in the wall that you’re working with, you may need to reroute electrical, HVAC, or plumbing—requiring additional tradespeople and labor time.
Local Code and Building Permits
Local code might dictate a structural engineer design and a building permit if your window project involves structural modification to the wall. Keep in mind, an HOA might require pre-approval for any exterior changes.
Removal and Disposal
Taking out the old window and disposing of it takes time. According to HomeAdvisor, waste removal costs depend on your city, though contractors usually include this service in their project price. Or you can repurpose your old windows and save them for a future project, like a DIY shed.
How You Can Save Money When Increasing a Window Size
You can save money while making a window bigger by cutting the window opening downward from your current opening, so you won’t need to redo the stud or header above the window. However, many local code regulations are strict about how low a window can be to protect children and animals, so verify with your municipal building department before starting the project.
Replacing more windows at the same time also reduces the cost per window due to lower overhead costs per window. Besides materials and hourly rates, contractors also price for set-up, clean-up, fuel, travel time, and disposal fees.
Another way to save money is to 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.
FAQs
How long does window installation take?
Installing new construction windows takes at least four to six hours, but expanding an opening for a larger window takes at least eight hours or more for two people.
What other projects should I do 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 per window.
