Thinking About Window Replacement? Read This First.
Window replacement is often the first answer homeowners hear — but most windows we see need one repair, not a new window. Here's how to tell, and what each option really costs.
The Problem Is Usually One Part — Not the Whole Window
These are the reasons people most often start looking for new windows. Each one is a repair.
Foggy or cloudy glass
The sealed glass unit failed — the window didn't. A new unit goes into your existing sash.
Soft or rotted wood
Rot usually sits in one sill, corner or bottom rail. It's cut out and rebuilt with matched wood.
Window won't stay open
Worn balances or broken sash cords — a part, replaced in one visit.
Drafts and leaks
Usually worn weatherstripping or failed caulk, not a failed window.
Crank, lock or latch broken
One worn part. We match it and replace it; the window stays.
Cracked or broken glass
New glass cut to fit, installed in the frame you already have.
Window Replacement Cost vs. Repair Cost
Most repairs cost a fraction of a new window — per window:
- Blue bars — typical per-window repair ranges for the most common problems.
- Gray bar — a typical installed replacement window, for comparison.
Ranges, not quotes. Minimum service visit $150; several repairs in one visit cost less per window.
Fixing the problem vs. replacing the window
Per window · typical local prices| Foggy glass unit replaced | $300 – $800 |
| Cracked pane replaced | $300 – $800 |
| Rotted sill rebuilt | $200 – $700 |
| Casement crank replaced | $150 – $450 |
| Balances replaced | $150 – $350 |
| Weatherstripping renewed | $100 – $300 |
| New window, installed | $800 – $2,500+ |
Replace the part, not the window
Some things really do need replacing — just not the whole window. We replace the part that failed and keep the rest:
- Glass units — a new sealed unit in your existing sash, for foggy, cracked or broken glass. Glass replacement →
- Sashes — when a sash is too far gone to rebuild, we make a new one to fit your existing frame. Sash replacement →
- Hardware — cranks, locks, latches and balances, matched to your window. Hardware repair →
- Sills and trim — rotted sections rebuilt or replaced, sloped so water runs off. Sill repair →
The frame, the interior trim and the wall around the window stay untouched — which is also why there's no plaster or drywall repair afterward.
When replacement really is the right call
We'll tell you plainly when a window should be replaced. That's usually when:
- the frame itself has rotted through its structure, not just at the sill or a corner;
- the sashes, frame and glass have all failed at the same time;
- the window can no longer be opened or closed safely — for example, an emergency exit window in a bedroom.
Because we don't sell new windows, we have no reason to steer you either way. If replacement is the better choice for your home, that's what we'll tell you.
Not Sure? Send Us Photos First
Send photos
Text photos of the windows you're thinking of replacing — the whole window and any problem spots.
Get a straight answer
We tell you which windows can be repaired, roughly what it costs, and which (if any) really need replacing.
Decide with the facts
Repair with us, replace with someone else, or do nothing. No pressure either way.
Already have a replacement quote? Get a free second opinion on it — and if a repair quote beats ours, we'll match it.
What Customers Say
"Local Window Service was fantastic. Every other company i reached out to was trying to get me to replace a minimum of 2 entire windows which could take a minimum of 2 weeks to get everything needed. I only needed the glass replaced for one window..
When I spoke with Igor, he helped me assess my situation over the phone and gave me options to take care of the crack on the window. He came out next day and finished the glass replacement in only a few hours.
I cannot recommend this company enough. Igor was outstanding and the workmanship is unmatched. I will definitely be recommending them and using them when I need it in the future!"
"Called them to see if they could fix two windows that would not open. Cost to replace was $2000 a window. They came, determined they needed new springs and were able to replace and fix the windows for less than 1/10th the cost to replace them. Both gentlemen were friendly and very professional. Will definitely call them if i have any window needs."
"Igor and his partner did an excellent job repairing my rotted sash. Then end product looks great and feels solid. If I didn't already know it, I would not have been aware that it was a sash that had been repaired."
Keep Reading
Replace — or Repair for a Fraction?
Send a photo of the window. We'll tell you honestly which it needs and roughly what it costs.
★★★★★ 4.9 from 145+ reviews · 20-year glass warranty · Price match