bkn4x4

Had A Job Drop In My Lap ,that I Normally Dont Deal With. It Is A Window Replacement Job.
What I Need To Know Basicly Is : How I Should Estimate The Job . What Rate I Should Charge ? Im In Ca. .......
The Job Is Pretty Basic, They Are Millgard Windows New Frame. Just Have Trim To Remove To Replace Them.

Just Need A Base To Use For My Calculations

Thank You

ARCS

Around here the norm is take the cost of the windows and multiply by 2.5 I am sure other places it is different though.

bkn4x4

2.5 if im getting the windows correct?
windows have allready been purchased by home owner ,just doing the work. so i should find out the cost of the windows x 1.5 for install?

ARCS

I really don't do work with the homeowners purchased products, but yes, I would charge 1.5 of what the windows cost, but probably wouldn't ask the HO that info, would figure it out by calling and getting a quote on my own.

Amber

I also generally do not install for the homeowner if they purchased the windows. Any ordering issues (wrong material), or manufacturing issues become your problem. All the liability and no power. You want to figure about 2 men all day for a standard replacement job plus materials. Don't forget you have trim, caulk, and shims involved. We take the cost of the windows normally and mark up about 55% above list, but this is when the material is purchased through us.

New2thegame

I am from North Carolina and I'm trying to get my door and window Business up and going,but it seems like am lost Where should I start?HELP!

daniel1967

In South Florida, tearing out and replacing a window can go for 275. to 400. depending on the interior and exterior finish (drywall, stucco). The height of the windows and accesability are also factors in the equasion.

Amber

You are not actually tearing out the original frame on the windows correct? You should always jump frame so you do not disrupt the integrity of the original window seal. Vinyl window replacemnts are built to go over the original frame as to cause little or no stucco damage. If I read your posting correctly the homeowner purchased the wrong product and if you do rip frame and all then you are placing yourself at risk for future leaks.

Skydawggy

Depending on the size of the windows, I'd charge $150-$200 each for a basic install including capping the brickmold. Anything unusual like rotted wood, removal of metal windows, drywall repair etc. would be extra.

dougchips

"for a basic intstall"---you are talking about labor only or labor and a really cheap window?

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mattp

Why would you multiply the cost of the window to get the cost of your labor? So if a homeowner wants a window that cost $200 and his neighbor wants a window installed but wants a 400 window his labor will be more? Considering the windows are similar to install and complete to a finished product.

Patrick

Tom R

Thanks, matt.

Also reminds me of when somebody says the price of (any) job is exactly 3 times what the material costs!!

dougchips

For fun I just googled "how much does it cost to install a window', those Q&A sites actually have answers.

this actually works google "how do I wipe my a__" and you get answers

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Skydawggy

Labor only!!

First, let me say we don't install anything that wasn't purchased from us, period.

If we did consider just an install, that's what we would charge at a bare minimum. Guess who the customer is going to call if he ever has a problem with "his" windows? He's also going to expect some type of implied warranty.

Many factories also have a tendency to blame the installer for anything that goes wrong with the window, so guess who your customer is going to believe?

Lastly, the courts always tend to side with the homeowner in a dispute, so when the factory tells the homeowner it's the installation, and you tell him it's the window, he may decide to get someone else to repair the window and then sue you for that amount. There are also laws in many states regarding "implied or minimum warranties" so even though you disclaim one, you may end up being liable anyway.


These are some of the reasons we don't install customers windows but if we were going to, we would make sure it's worth our while

Patrick

I love it when I put a bid together and the customer says "hmmm well I can get the same windows at homedepot (or even a lumberyard or supply house for the really crafty ones) how much for the install only?" or "i can buy it myself at cost so theres no markup" Honestly an anderson window is gonna cost about the same no matter where its gets purchased or who purchases it but why should I be expected to give up my mark up?? Thats part of the job thats part of how I make money. Thats also why I have set pricing for everything even small repair jobs. If i gotta buy 4 different parts to make sure that I have the right one when i get there its part of the job whats the customer gonna say when you try and bill them for the 4 different parts and they only have one installed in their house.

twlinks

If he can figure out how and where to buy them, guess he ought to be "crafty" enough to install them himself also.

But my price will be 50% more when you call me to come take over after you screw up the installation.

Guess it's a love/hate relationship we have HO's, eh?

Hutch

Never a good idea to provide labor only for a job where the home owner is providing material, but if you insist on doing the job make sure you do the following:

1. Measure the window openings as if you were going to provide the windows yourself and check the measurements against what the home owners actually bought. If there is any discrepency, you need to have the home owners get the right size windows before you start, and don't compromise here, that would be a huge mistake.

2. Since you are from North Carolina, same as we are, I can tell you the price is totally based on reputation. Sears has been known to charge as much as $800 plus for a DH window of under 101 combined inches. And no offense, but you are not Sears. A more realist price is between $175 - $250 per window for standard style windows. This includes accessories needed along with labor, which usually runs us about $12 per window. These are very realistic numbers, 5 men, 30 window house, 1 day of work, $225 per window, you do the math.

3. Make sure you inspect the windows, exclude warranties in writing and add a clause for rotten wood (unless you can 100% verify the condition when you measure the windows) that covers the cost of replacement with a 20% mark-up.

There are many more things to watch out for and I feel like I could continue on this subject all day, but sorry don't have that much time. Just make sure to review every aspect of the job and don't be to proud to walk away from the job if the home owners don't like your conditions. It's better to walk away and go find another job than to risk taking a job with high risk of getting burned, especially for someone getting started.

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