Windows and doors are essential to any home. Not only do they significantly impact the look of our homes, they are also the keepers between the outside world and the inside of our homes. They also provide practical benefits such as keeping heating and air conditioning in and keeping harsh weather out. Due to the importance of windows and doors it’s no surprise they can come with high price tags to be replaced and installed. When done correctly by a professional, upgrading your windows and doors can result in a better functioning home. If you’re wondering how much new windows and doors cost for your home, read through this guide to find out.

In general, the more windows you need installed in your home, the higher the installation cost will be. If you opt to have several installed at once, window installation professionals may charge less per window. If you’re only replacing a window or two, it might be more cost effective to replace all of your windows at the same time. This could end up saving you money in the long run.

Types of Windows and Their Costs

Windows are classified by how they operate. To help you decide which type of window is right for your home, consider the size and function you are looking for as well as the look of the window. Below are the most common types of windows installed.

Single-hung windows ($230-$460 per window)

• Classic, old-fashioned, vertically opening windows.

• Only opens at the bottom.

• Offers slightly better insulation but not enough to make a significant difference over others.

• Use on the ground floor only; cleaning on higher floors is dangerous as it requires leaning out of the window to reach the outside of the upper sash.

Double-hung windows ($395-$1000 per window)

• Both upper and lower sashes can be opened.

• Increased circulation occurs when lower and upper sashes are open.

• Cleaning on upper floors is safe and easy; both sashes usually lean inward.

Sliding windows ($430-$1500 per window)

• Includes two sashes — one sliding horizontally over the other, stationary sash.

• Sliders are often used for larger windows.

• Smaller sills and cases increase viewable area.

• Easily removed top pane makes for easy cleaning and maintenance.

• Use on the ground floor only; cleaning on higher floors is dangerous as it requires leaning out of an unsecured window.

Casement windows ($360-$980 per window)

• Hinged to one side, opens like a door.

• Casement windows open via a crank that doubles as a lock, though many models offer separate locks for added security.

• Due to the crank mechanism, resists being blown open or closed by the wind.

• Casement windows provide maximum ventilation as the window can swing completely away from the frame.

Common Window Repairs & Their Costs

The average price of replacing a window can range from $400 to $900 per window. This price range is for windows of the same cut and size going into an existing and structurally sound frame on a ground floor. In a typical three-bedroom, single-story home with ten windows, the average cost is $3,900 to $9,200. This cost can easily double for a two-story home.

If your window frames must also be replaced, this is called a new construction window. This can increase the cost by as much as 50% to 100%. This then raises the average cost to approximately $6,500 to $52,000.

Other factors affecting cost include:

• The need to alter an existing frame

• Double or triple-glazed windows

• Insulating gases in double or triple-glazed windows

• Exterior dressing (decorative awnings, etc.)

• Remoteness of the job site location

• Time demands on the service professional

• Unforeseen structural deficiencies

Rotted Wood

Broken Panes

Broken Seals

Sticking

Types of Window Frames and Their Costs

Aluminum and Metal (Average cost $500 to $1,500)

These frames tend to be strong and require little to no maintenance. They conduct heat rapidly and provide poor insulation. Adding a plastic strip between the inner and outer frame and sash creates a thermal break which fixes this insulation problem.

Composite (Average cost $1,300 to $2,000)

These frames are made from wood particles such as particleboard and laminated strand lumber. They are stable and have the same structural and thermal properties as those made from conventional wood but have better resistance to moisture and rot.

Fiberglass (Average cost $265 to $1,100)

These frames are stable and provide better insulation than wood or uninsulated vinyl. This is because they have air cavities that prevent air from escaping.

Vinyl (Average cost $660 to $1,400)

Vinyl frames are low-maintenance and moisture resistant. The vacant cavities in the barriers prevent air from escaping which makes them a better choice over standard vinyl and wood frames.

Wood (Average cost $1,000 to $1,800)

Conventional wooden frames expand and contract depending on the weather, requiring a fair amount of maintenance. This can be somewhat reduced by installing aluminum or vinyl cladding.

Reasons to Repair

If you are able to repair a faulty window frame as soon as you notice the issue, this will greatly reduce the need to replace the entire window and its frame. If your wooden frame is cracked, this may lead to exposure to weather conditions. If your window frames are drafty, they should be repaired so that your home can reduce energy costs and be more eco-friendly. If your home has wooden window frames that you do not want to maintain, consider replacing them with a different material to save maintenance costs over time.

Common Repairs for Window Frames

Broken Frame

Wooden windows are constantly exposed to the elements which can cause rotting. This is a fairly easy repair and requires the piece of rotted wood to be cut away. The missing piece can either be filled in with wood putty or the entire piece can be replaced with a new one. If you discover the wood is rotted due to termites, be sure to have an exterminator take care of the problem. If you just replace the wood without fixing the insect problem, you are only inviting the pests to continue living in your windows.

Broken Sash Interlock

Having a broken sash interlock in your window frame greatly increases the chance of leaks and drafts. You can prevent water from entering your home and causing rot and mould by glazing the sashes.

Broken/Leaking Nail Fin

Nail fins are strips that are used to attach a window frame to a stud opening. Occasionally these fins can break or corrode and will need to be replaced.

Leaking Windows

Screws in a frame can corrode over time and may need to be replaced. Sometimes alarm sensors are placed on window frames which can cause damage. This issue can be fixed by moving the sensor and fixing the damaged frame area.

When to Replace Frames

If you find your window frame is seriously damaged, be sure to call a window professional to assess the situation and replace it. There are many reasons why you many choose to replace your frames. Perhaps you want to trade in your old wood frames for a low-maintenance solution like metal or vinyl. Doing so will also help to lower energy costs and make your home more eco-friendly.

First appeared on homestars.com - https://homestars.com/cost-guides/windows-doors-cost/

Bathroom renovations are a two-in-one choice that will benefit your lifestyle and boost your home’s overall value. The great thing with bathrooms is that there is little limit to how you choose to renovate or how much to do. You can design a new luxury spa bathroom or just update the space with new fixtures and paint. Before you start renovating it’s important to have a solid game plan in mind. While there are a lot of potentials, it is just as easy to get carried away and spend far more than necessary.

With this guide, you’ll learn all you need about bathroom renovations, how much does a bathroom renovation cost, and some tips and ideas for your own.

Renovation vs remodel 

With bathroom renovations, it’s also important to know if you plan to renovate the space or remodel it. While these two words are used interchangeably, there are some key differences between the two.

Renovation 

When renovating a bathroom, the goal is not to change the physical layout of the room. Instead, it’s more about improving or updating what is already there. This can be as minimal as new fixtures and lighting or as involved as installing a new walk-in shower. It can focus on installing new tile flooring to replace an old, outdated floor. Bathroom renovation costs can also be less and don’t always need a permit for the work. Depending on the type of work as well, the renovations can be completely DIYed or left to a professional.

Remodel 

Bathroom remodels typically involve changing the room’s layout and design, making it more costly and involved. This can range from expanding the bathroom or altering the layout of the plumbing or cabinets. Remodels generally will need the help of a professional contractor to handle more complicated work. Plumbing or electrical changes in a remodel will always need a permit before any work can begin. Remodeling can do much more to improve the overall design and appeal of a home, especially in a poorly designed bathroom. While it may cost more, the long-term benefits and payback will be much higher.

Bathroom renovation cost Canada

Renovations for bathrooms will vary depending on the work involved, professional design services and labour, and the quality of materials. For some estimates of what you can typically expect, the following costs are averages for bathroom renovations:

Average cost: $15,000

Low-end cost: $5,000

High-end cost: $25,000+

Things such as the bathroom size, quality of materials, and the type of fixtures and finishes chosen will vary among renovations. Changing the floor plan as well, such as expanding the bathroom, will add much more to the final cost. New drywall, framing, plumbing, and electrical wiring will all need to be factored into expansion plans and budgets. For the best estimate of your renovation, hire a contractor, and have them help.

Expanding cost: $1,000 – $15,000

Fixture cost 

Fixtures can range drastically in price depending on their quality. While this can be an area to cut costs, some fixtures are worth investing a little more. Anything that is used daily, like a toilet or shower, should be of higher quality to avoid premature breaks and costly repairs. Some standard prices to expect for fixtures include:

Toilets and sinks: $200 – $1,800

Showers: $300 -$3,000

Vanity: $300 – $4,800

Countertops: $200 – $2,000

Per square foot 

Another way to get a better estimate to answer, “how much does a bathroom renovation cost?” is to start with the square footage. From there, you can decide what type of bathroom renovation to do or how much work is necessary depending on the cost.

Shower remodel 

Showers can be seen as a remodel of their own and are popularly done. The traditional shower and bathtub combination is removed in place of a single, large walk-in shower. Glass enclosure showers are a current popular trend that adds a sense of spaciousness and luxury in any bathroom. A separate soaker tub may be included for the master bathroom, but it’s a personal choice for most homeowners.

Cost: $1,000 – $15,000

Walk-in shower remodel: $5,000 – $15,000

Master bathroom and ageing-in-place 

Master bathroom remodels focus more on the addition of luxury features, high-end materials, and large spaces. Many designs include a soaker tub, walk-in shower, double or single vanity, and custom cabinets and fixtures.

Master bathroom cost: $10,000 – $25,000

Aging-in-place renovations will vary depending on the specific needs of the homeowners. Still, some universal changes include expanding the shower and adding handrails or a bench inside. Cabinets with slide drawers are easier to open and close, and raising toilet seats makes them safer and easy to use. Nonslip floors as well are another addition for added safety. If wheelchair access is a factor, then widen the doorway and create more open floor space.

Ageing-in-place cost: $1,500 – $9,000

Permits 

Bathroom permits are largely dependent on the type and scale of work involved, so not all renovations need one. Simple cosmetic updates, including new fixtures and paint colours, won’t need a permit. Building a brand-new bathroom may need a building permit, while plumbing and electrical work will definitely need one. The bathroom renovation cost in Canada and requirements for a permit will also vary by city. Before you start, check your local city requirements. If you have a general contractor, they’ll be able to handle the work and permit research for you.

Permit cost:  $350 – $1,800

Money-saving fixtures 

While bathroom renovations can become an expensive project, there are some ways to cut costs without cutting quality. For example, water-saving fixtures can cut down on energy and water use and so save more long-term.

Low-flow showerheads: These cut water consumption to less than 2 gallons per minute (GPM), compared to standard showerheads that use 2.5 GPM and more.

Low-flow toilets/dual flush: Like showerheads, low-flow toilets cut back how water is used per flush. Standard toilets use 1.6 gallons of water, while a low flow design cuts it to 1.28 gallons per flush. Dual toilets further customize how much water is used by flushing less for liquid waste or more for solid waste.

Aerators: These can be easily installed onto sink faucets to cut the amount of water flow without cutting the pressure.

Refinishing cabinets: Unless your kitchen cabinets are beyond repair, consider refinishing them instead of replacing them. Refinishing is also an easy DIY project that saves costs and still gives the cabinets a whole new look. New cabinets cost between $2,000 – $15,000, while refinishing ranges between $1,500 – $4,000.

Bathroom ROI 

Second to kitchens, bathrooms are one of the best rooms to renovate for a high ROI. If you plan to sell, then an updated bathroom will attract and appeal to potential buyers. Even minor cosmetic upgrades will see a great return, making every type of renovation worthwhile.

Midrange bath remodel: 64% recoup

Upscale bath remodel: 56% recoup

Universal design bath remodel: 62% recoup

Bathroom addition (midrange): 54% recoup

DIY vs hiring a professional 

There are just as many areas in a bathroom that can be DIYed as there are areas best left to a professional. DIYing comes down to a matter of time, skill, and quality. While a full bathroom DIY renovation may save money to start, there isn’t a long-term guarantee. Not all buyers will appreciate a DIY job, and any issues or added fees are the homeowner’s responsibility.

With a professional, even if you spend more initially, the long-term savings will be better. They’ll guarantee that the quality of work is at its best and that the project doesn’t drag on. You may even get better prices on materials through a contractor who has the right connections. The value added to your home will also be higher, and there won’t be any risk of costly repairs or mistakes. That said, some parts of a bathroom renovation can still be DIYed. Combining the help of a professional with your own skill will save money without losing quality.

DIY work 

Tackle easier jobs yourself, like painting or buying fixtures beforehand, to cut costs. High-end fixtures are a quick way to increase costs, but even a low-cost fixture will still look just as attractive. Another trick, if you have the time, it to tackle any demolition yourself. Things, like ripping out old tile or, if you’re careful not to damage the pipes, removing old tubs can be DIYed. That alone can save $1,000 in professional labour. Resurfacing where you can as well, such as countertops and cabinets, will save much more than buying brand new. In the end, the bathroom renovation cost won’t be as high, but the result will be just as appealing.