Has anyone recently gotten quotes for Andersen double hung windows? I’m finally tackling the drafty window situation in my 80s colonial (those original wood frames are just sad at this point), but the price ranges online are all over the place. Some people say $400 per window, others are quoting over a grand, and that’s before installation. Is there some secret handshake to getting a better deal or is it just luck of the draw with installers?
I don’t need anything super fancy, just something solid that’ll last a couple decades and not make my heating bill cry every winter. If you’ve done this recently—especially in the Northeast—what did you pay per window, and did you go through a local dealer or big box store? Any regrets or tips for negotiating?
I just went through this circus about six months ago with my 1979 split-level, so I feel your pain. The price swings are wild—like, I got quotes from $475 per window (materials only) all the way up to $1,400 installed, and that was just for basic Andersen 400 double hungs. No fancy grids, no custom colors, nothing that would make my neighbors jealous. I’m in central MA, so probably similar climate to you.
Here’s what I learned: if you go through a local dealer, you can sometimes negotiate a bit, especially if you’re replacing a bunch at once. I ended up getting 9 windows replaced, and the installer knocked off a couple hundred bucks from the total just because I asked if there was any “bulk discount.” No secret handshake, but being friendly and direct helped. Big box stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s) were actually higher for installation, and the salespeople didn’t seem super knowledgeable about the details. I also got the sense they just sub out to whoever’s available, which made me nervous.
One thing to watch out for: installation can make or break the whole project. If you’re even a little handy, you can save a ton by doing the install yourself or at least demo-ing the old windows to cut down on labor hours. I did the demo myself, and it wasn’t too bad—just messy and a little nerve-wracking around the old trim.
Regrets? Only that I waited so long. My heating bill actually dropped noticeably, and the house is way quieter. If I could do it over, I’d maybe look harder at some of the less expensive vinyl options, but I do like the look and feel of the Andersens. Just be ready for a little sticker shock, and don’t be afraid to push back on the first quote you get. There’s definitely wiggle room, even if the window companies act like there isn’t.
You nailed it about the installation being the real make-or-break. I learned that the hard way—paid a premium for “pro” install and still had to fix a couple drafts myself after the fact. Honestly, if you’re even a little handy, demo or even full install isn’t rocket science, just takes patience. I also agree on the big box stores...they acted like they were doing me a favor quoting those prices. One thing I’d add: don’t forget about lead times. Mine dragged out almost two months longer than promised, which was a headache with half the windows covered in plastic for weeks. Still, no regrets on going with Andersen—pricey, but they do feel solid.
Mine dragged out almost two months longer than promised, which was a headache with half the windows covered in plastic for weeks.
Yep, been there. My “two week” project somehow turned into a month and a half, and my living room looked like a scene from Dexter with all the plastic. I did most of the install myself after getting a ridiculous quote, but I still had to call in a buddy to help wrangle one of the bigger windows. Andersen isn’t cheap, but at least I’m not waking up to a draft on my neck anymore. Worth it, I guess, but man… patience is key.
Andersen isn’t cheap, but at least I’m not waking up to a draft on my neck anymore. Worth it, I guess, but man… patience is key.
Yeah, patience is definitely underrated with window installs. I got three different quotes last fall—lowest was $650 per window (materials only) and the highest was $1200 including install, which made my wallet weep. Ended up splitting the difference and using a local guy, but even then, the timeline was more “eventually” than “scheduled.” At least the drafts are gone, and my cat finally stopped camping out by the old leaky sill.
At least the drafts are gone, and my cat finally stopped camping out by the old leaky sill.
That’s a win right there. Honestly, I’d take a grumpy contractor over a freezing living room any day. I did my own install last winter—Andersen 400s, which are solid but definitely not cheap. The sticker shock is real, and that’s before you even factor in trim or any surprises hiding in the walls.
I found that the “materials only” price is just the start. Flashing, shims, spray foam, new stops... it all adds up fast if you want it done right. Plus, if your house is older like mine (1920s), nothing is square. Took me twice as long per window because every opening needed adjustment.
If you’re even thinking about DIY to save cash, budget for at least one window to go sideways—something always does. Still beats feeling that arctic blast when you’re watching TV at night. Looks like your cat agrees...
That’s huge progress—no more drafts and your cat’s finally happy. I totally get the sticker shock with Andersen 400s. When I started getting quotes, I thought it’d just be the window cost, but like you said…all those extras sneak up on you. For me, it was the trim and finding some old water damage that really threw my budget off.
If you’re tackling it yourself, just take it one step at a time and don’t stress if things aren’t perfect right away. I had to redo my first stop because it wouldn’t sit flush—definitely a learning curve. But honestly, once you get through the first window, the rest feel way less intimidating. You’ve got this.
I get the appeal of DIY for saving cash, but honestly, if energy efficiency is your main goal, pro installation can make a big difference. I tried doing one myself and it looked fine, but I still felt drafts until I had a pro redo it. Sometimes that extra cost pays off long-term.
I tried doing one myself and it looked fine, but I still felt drafts until I had a pro redo it.
This is exactly what happened to me last winter. Thought I was being clever, watched a bunch of videos, even borrowed my neighbor’s laser level (which I still haven’t returned, oops). Looked great until the first real cold snap—then it was like living in a wind tunnel. The pros showed up, did their thing, and suddenly no more mystery breezes. If you’re budgeting, just remember to factor in that installation cost. Saves you from redoing it twice, trust me.
- Totally agree, pro install makes a big difference.
- Even the best windows won’t help much if there are tiny gaps or bad insulation around the frame.
- I tried DIY once—looked perfect, but the drafts found me anyway.
- One thing I’d add: ask about air sealing and insulation details when you get quotes. Some installers do the bare minimum, others really seal things up.
- Upfront cost stings a bit, but my heating bill dropped more than I expected after getting it done right.
- If you’re in an older house (like mine, built in the 60s), budget a little extra for surprises—sometimes the framing’s not as square as you’d think.
- Honestly, it’s worth the peace of mind not having to chase down cold spots all winter.