Among its plentiful home improvement products, Lowe’s sells windows in various styles and sizes, making it a convenient option for window replacement.
Lowe’s windows are, of course, not manufactured by Lowe’s but by one of the brands partnering with the retailer.
Replacing all windows on your home is a considerable project which will vary in price depending on how many windows you have, but the average cost should stay in the range of $2,000 to $5,000.
When it comes to Lowe’s windows, one downside that many customers notice is that the store has a relatively limited offer, although some extra designs are available for ordering.
On the other hand, Lowe’s has a reputation for quality yet inexpensive products, which is why you may get a window for as low as $50 and up to $4,000.
Average Total Cost of Lowes Windows
Lowe’s Windows | Average Cost |
---|---|
Window Material | $50-$5,000 |
Installation | $150-$600 |
Total Average Cost per Window | $200-$5,600 |
The total cost of installing Lowe’s windows will depend on several key factors. First, there’s the price of the windows themselves, the number of windows to be installed, and, finally, the installation expense.
The windows that Lowe’s sells have a wide price range, going from $50 to several times more. According to availability and most often-bought items, prices average at $275 per window, but here’s where things get complicated.
The number of windows on your home may vary, and the same goes for their type and size. Since this results in numerous moving parts to track when calculating, we’ll look at it in more detail when we break down the costs.
For installation, the labor costs average at about $475 per window. Yet, this figure also isn’t as straightforward, since window installation can be charged by hour. Also, different windows may be more complex to install, raising the expenses considerably.
When all of the above is considered, we can arrive at an estimated price of $750 per window installed.
As mentioned, this number doesn’t account for any variations in window type, size, or quantity. Thus, we’ll need to look at window installation projects in more detail to get a better sense of potential expenses.
Pro Tip: Window prices depend on the cost of materials, among other things. In recent years, these costs have been growing constantly, up to 10% between fiscal periods. Presuming this trend will continue, it would be best to start your window replacement project as soon as possible to avoid paying extra in the future purely on account of rising material prices.
Lowes Window Installation Cost Breakdown
Let’s start this breakdown with a crucial consideration: window size. How large your windows are will dictate their price and possibly the installation cost. Luckily, there are some standard window sizes across three main categories: single-hung, double-hung, and sliding windows.
Before moving forward, we should address how manufacturers express window size. It’s often a four-digit number where the first two digits signify width and the other two stand for height. Within each pair, the first digit will stand for feet, while the second will stand for inches.
As an example, a 2030 window has a width of two feet, zero inches, and a height of three feet, zero inches. Keep this formulation in mind as we’ll be using it throughout the article.
However, it’s worth noting that Lowe’s states window sizes only in catalogs – a useful information when you browse the retailer’s actual website.
Single-hung and double-hung windows have the same standard dimensions. The difference between the two types comes from the number of moving parts – single-hung windows have one, while double-hung have two.
The most common sizes for these window types are 2030, 2044, 2840, 2852, and 4060. Of course, the larger the window, the more expensive it will be, but size won’t be the only consideration in terms of pricing.
Windows at Lowe’s also differ by material. Aluminum and vinyl will be the cheapest but won’t offer much in terms of aesthetics. Wooden windows will look the best, but may come at exceptionally high prices compared to the rest of Lowe’s offer.
Considering size and material, you could pay anywhere from $50 to over $600 for a single window. With that in mind, there’s another critical factor determining the overall cost: the number of windows on your home.
On average, American homes have eight windows. However, this average value is largely swayed by how many older homes exist nationwide.
Newer homes may feature more windows, as dictated by modern building codes. In fact, many older homes are getting upgrades in this regard, adding extra windows for better airflow and more natural lighting.
If we stay with the current national average, replacing all windows in your home could cost up to $4,800 or more, depending on window type. This figure is for the windows alone and doesn’t consider installation costs.
Here again, we can use the average installation price per window, which is around $475. For eight windows, the project would cost around $3,800.
Adding the price of the windows themselves, we get $8,600, which can serve as a decent estimate of project expenses. Note that our calculation takes the price of better-quality windows. Going with a budget option could cost considerably less.
As you can see, calculating the costs of window replacement is quite complex. Ultimately, the exact price will depend on your particular situation and the results will vary widely between customers.
For that reason, it would be best to decide on the window type and get a direct quote from a contractor.
What Kind of Windows Does Lowe’s Sell?
Lowe’s has an extensive selection of windows, categorized by departments, i.e., types. Here’s an overview of the different kinds of windows on offer at Lowe’s:
-Single-hung
-Double-hung
-Sliding
-Accent
-Glass block
-Casement
-Window screens
-Bay windows
-Skylights
-Bow windows
-Basement hopper
-Awning windows
In terms of frame material, Lowe’s has wood, aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum-clad frames.
Additionally, the store offers plenty of frameless windows. You can also take your pick of colors, choosing between white, black, gray, bronze, silver, and a dozen other options.
Lowe’s windows also differ by rating and Energy Star certification. The store has dedicated sections for replacement windows, as well as products specifically intended for new construction.
Finally, you can opt for windows with extra features like argon insulation, insect screens, paintable surfaces, tilting options, and high-altitude rating.
What Brand of Windows Does Lowe’s Sell?
Searching for window brands at Lowe’s reveals that the retailer carries products from nearly 30 brands. Naturally, not all of those brands are represented equally, as a closer look at the top offers shows:
-REDI2SET – 1,700+ products
-Pella – 1,600+ products
-JELD-WEN – 900+ products
-FrontLine Bldg. – 900+ products
-VELUX – 400+ products
-RELIABILT – 300+ products
-Hy-Lite – 160+ products
-Sun-Tek – 100+ products
Additionally, Lowe’s features 20 other brands with fewer than 100 products. In fact, some brands have only two to three products listed on the retailer’s website.
REDI2SET and Pella are obviously the most represented brands at Lowe’s. Both manufacturers have quality products, often at quite reasonable prices. Plus, if you’re looking for more variety, checking out the smaller offers may be worth your while.
Who Installs Lowes Windows?
Lowe’s doesn’t have in-house window installers. Instead, the retailer has a network of certified contractors that provide installation services for Lowe’s windows. Although the installers aren’t directly employed by Lowe’s, the company keeps track of who installs its windows.
In particular, the contractors need to meet a number of requirements to collaborate with Lowe’s. Firstly, the contractor must be able to deliver services according to Lowe’s demands, both in terms of quality and volume.
In addition to providing individual services, installers also work as Lowe’s representatives of sorts. After all, if customers receive subpar installation, they’ll more likely file complaints with Lowe’s, not the contractor.
To ensure top service, Lowe’s demands contractors have licensed businesses with proper national and state certification. Additionally, all contractors applying to work with Lowe’s need to have proper insurance coverage. Meeting these requirements ensures Lowe’s customers get the best installation service possible.
It’s also worth noting that you’re not obligated to go with the recommended services when you buy windows from Lowe’s. You can also seek out independent installers and see if other options suit your purposes and budget better.
However, Lowe’s installers may prove more reliable, and getting the complete package from the store will undoubtedly be more convenient. Plus, you’ll get a warranty on the installation.
Pro Tip: Whether you decide to go with Lowe’s recommendations or find an independent contractor, there’s nothing stopping you from doing some additional due diligence. Try to confirm the installer’s reputation and seek out additional information on the company. Installing the window flawlessly is crucial for insulation, energy efficiency, and safety of your home, so you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the best people for the job.
What Is the Warranty on Lowe’s Windows?
If you decide to have Lowe’s associated contractors, you’ll be eligible for Lowe’s Double Lifetime Window Protection Plan. This is a warranty type that covers potential repairs and necessary adjustments for installed windows.
The policy comes on top of a one-year period during which the contractor that installed the windows will bear the labor costs for additional interventions.
In addition to repair coverage, Lowe’s windows are also warranted against leaks five years after installation. Of course, this is great news when it comes to windows, since a leak is the last thing you want to see after installation.
Lowe’s Windows vs. Home Depot Windows
Comparing Lowe’s and Home Depot in terms of window offer, you’ll find that both retailers have a similar catalog. In fact, top-tier manufacturers like Pella are present in both stores, and the quality of windows doesn’t differ much.
Likewise, Lowe’s and Home Depot have comparable prices when looking at specific window types side by side. The retailers also offer installation solutions by professional services.
The one thing where Lowe’s stands out considerably is customization. Compared to Home Depot, Lowe’s has more extensive customization possibilities, giving customers the option of stating specific measurements for their windows.
Also, Lowe’s allows adding any particular features to your chosen windows. This may be particularly helpful if you’d rather adjust the windows to the existing spots than modify your home to accommodate standard sizes.
Lowes Windows vs. Window World
Lowe’s deals in numerous home improvement products, making the retailer a leader in the market. On the other hand, Window World is a dedicated window replacement service.
Just based on that information, you might think that Window World would be the obvious choice. However, the situation is quite different.
While the products offered by Window World are quality-made in terms of energy efficiency and glass insulation, the windows have a considerable downside: they’re made of vinyl exclusively.
In terms of choice of materials, Lowe’s comes on top immediately, since the retailer has a more versatile offer.
Vinyl is generally a dubious choice for windows. While the material can act fine, it’s also impossible to repair or customize. Plus, vinyl tends to sag and warp in time, especially in hotter climates.
On the other hand, windows from Window World can be much more affordable than what you may find at Lowe’s. However, the cheapest windows in both stores are also often lower-quality products. This distinction is crucial to consider when shopping for new windows at any store.
Does Lowe’s Rescreen Windows?
Since Lowe’s isn’t a window company, the brand doesn’t provide window rescreening services. However, Lowe’s does sell replacement screens for windows, as well as individual frames.
In other words, you can get everything you need to rescreen a window at Lowe’s. When it comes to labor, handy homeowners may attempt the job themselves or simply use a contractor.
Can You Order Custom Windows From Lowe’s?
Lowe’s allows customers to customize their windows in various ways. In fact, the sheer customization versatility is one of the strongest points of this retailer. You can order custom window sizes, choose the materials, and add any features that you might want.
Does Lowe’s Cut Glass for Windows?
If you purchase window glass from Lowe’s, the retailer will, indeed, offer glass cutting services. Simple cuts may even go for free, while more extensive work will come at a price. However, there’s no need to worry about the costs even in that case – Lowe’s will only charge you $5 if you want the store to cut the glass you’ve bought there.
Can You Return Windows at Lowe’s?
Lowe’s return policy allows customers to return products within 90 days of purchase. In fact, when you buy anything from Lowe’s, you’ll get a return slip, which will be necessary to move forward with the return.
Bear in mind that returning products to Lowe’s requires you to also return the packing material, as well as any accessories and user manuals that were provided with the product.
If you’ve purchased online, you may ship the window back to Lowe’s, although you’ll need to cover shipping expenses. On the other hand, you can return the product to your local Lowe’s store.
In either case, ensure you have an original receipt to show upon return. If you don’t have the receipt, the store may ask you to provide an ID with a photo. Also, note that returning products to Lowe’s without their original packaging may place the return order at the discretion of the store management.
Is Lowe’s Good For Replacing Windows?
Lowe’s not only carries replacement windows, but the online store has an entire dedicated section for just that. In other words, Lowe’s offers numerous options for replacing windows and has plenty of experience in such projects.
You’ll be able to buy the exact window replacements you want and enlist the help of qualified contractors to make sure the job is done well.
Getting Windows From Lowe’s – Worth It or Not?
After seeing everything that Lowe’s has to offer regarding windows, the final verdict on this retailer is that buying windows from Lowe’s is absolutely a worthwhile decision. You can get the quality and variety at a relatively low cost, tweaking your purchase according to your needs and budget.
So, if you’re getting new windows, the least you should do is check out what Lowe’s has to offer – chances are whatever you’re looking for will be there.