How Much Does a Bow Window Cost?
The price of bow windows is $3,900 on average, including both off-the-shelf varieties (still made to order) and custom work. You're much more likely to use a premade window, which keeps the price down as low as $1,500. But if you're looking for custom work, you might hit $15,000 or more. Keep in mind that you'll want to match your existing windows in design and material choices. You'll pay the least for vinyl and the most for wood.
Average Bow Window Prices
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $3,900 | $15,000 | $1,500 |
Bow Windows vs. Bay Windows
There are many different window styles, and bay and bow windows are two options. You'll want to choose the right one for your home's architectural design since both can be costly additions. Bay windows are standardized with three windows generally set at a 15-, 30-, or 45-degree angle. They create more interior space and jut out from the exterior walls.
On the other hand, bow windows use at least four equally sized panes set at equal angles, forming a semi-circle "bow." Typically, these don't jut out so dramatically from the exterior and only appear to add a little room to the interior. They're an architectural style you'll find mostly on Victorian-style homes meant to create a curved shape and let in more light.
Bay window replacement costs less than the same-size bow window since it has fewer panes. However, upgrading from a bow to a bay will cost more since you'll need to add floor space, framing, roofing, and siding.
Bow Window Replacement Cost
You can expect to pay $2,000 to $4,500 on average to replace a bow window, over twice a standard window replacement cost. Generally, they run up to two-and-a-half times the price of a bay window that’s the same size because it usually has more panes. Replacing a window with the exact dimensions minimizes your cost since no structural or finishing expenses are involved.
New Bow Window Costs
Installing a new bow window where one doesn’t already exist costs around $3,000 to $10,000 or more. Besides the price of the window itself, you’ll need to factor in new framing, drywall, roofing, and siding. In some cases, you’ll also need to have electrical rerouted around the frame.
Drywall installation cost: $1.50–$3 per sq. ft.
Roofing repair cost: $400–$2,000
Framing repair cost: $500–$2,000
Siding cost: $3–$12 per sq. ft.
Bow Window Prices
The cost of bow windows ranges from $700 to $1,900 for pre-hung and standard off-the-shelf varieties from most manufacturers. However, most of that price reflects standard vinyl materials. Custom work and luxury lines of wood cost upwards of $6,000. Wood tends to cost at least two times that of vinyl.
Bow Window Costs by Brand
Most brands are fairly competitive price-wise. You’ll want to talk to an authorized dealer to find the actual prices for what you need in your area, but some general price ranges for common brands are listed below.
| Bow Window Brand | Average Price Range per Material |
|---|---|
| Andersen Windows | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Marvin | $800 – $1,300 |
| Pella | $700 – $1,400 |
| Simonton | $1,100 – $1,500 |
Bow Window Installation Cost
Hiring a professional installer costs around $300 to $1,200 per window or about $40 to $75 per hour, which doesn't include the cost of the window itself. Direct replacements in existing holes don't take long, generally one-and-a-half hours. But if you want the hole expanded or one doesn't exist, you'll pay at least $1,000.
Customizations and Options
Not every window is created equal, which reflects in the price. You'll have plenty of customization options to make your window match and enhance your home. Each option may add the price but doesn't necessarily cost more when compared to other customizations.
Some options to consider include the following:
Material: You’ll find most bow windows made from either vinyl or wood. You can get aluminum or composite, but they’re less common and more expensive.
Number of panes: You can get bow windows in single-, double-, or triple-pane varieties, just like any other window. Your climate and how efficient you want your home will let you know which to choose. Triple-pane windows cost almost twice what double-pane windows cost.
E-coating: You can choose to get a high-efficiency coating on your windows as well, but it’ll add to your overall budget initially. However, you might make up the investment in saved cooling costs.
Operable vs. inoperable: You’ll need to choose between inoperable windows or those that open. Most bow windows installed have one or two of the panes operable to allow for ventilation.
DIY vs. Hire a Bow Window Installer
You'll almost always want to hire a local window installer to put this in because even if you have the experience, time, and tools, mistakes can cause damage to your walls and foundation if done incorrectly.
Putting one in an existing home requires the following:
Bracing the frame
Cutting a hole
Framing it correctly to bear the load (exterior walls are load-bearing)
Installing the window, flashing, and siding
Fixing the drywall
Rerouting an existing electrical
Frequently Asked Questions
No, bow windows aren't outdated, especially if you own a Victorian-style home. They make an elegant architectural touch in most settings, and they're usually a unique addition to any home from any era. Bow windows are also excellent for increasing natural light inside the house while adding an upgraded design aspect to the exterior. For your project, talk to a local architect.
Planning permission for window installations depends on your location. Most of the time, you won’t need planning permission to install a bow window. However, if you live in a historical district or are in a homeowners association, you might need to consult them before putting in this architectural upgrade since it may clash with your neighborhood.
Bow windows by themselves don't typically increase a home's value. However, adding architectural upgrades to the outside of the house, such as custom trim, dormers, and bow windows, might increase your overall sale price.
If it matches or only slightly exceeds upgrades and architectural styles in your neighborhood, you're more likely to get a higher asking price. It'll make your house stand out, making it easier to sell.
