How Much Does Window Replacement Cost in Des Moines?
Area remodelers average about $1,700 per window, and premium national brands run near $3,000. Here's what moves the price, and where our white vinyl windows usually land.
By Omer Okic, owner of Ultimate Exteriors · 28 years on Des Moines homesUpdated November 2026
A standard-size white vinyl replacement window averages about $1,700 installed with most Des Moines-area remodelers, and premium national brands sold through in-home appointments often run around $3,000 per window. Ultimate Exteriors usually comes in well below the local average for comparable windows.
- Prices are per window, installed
- Size (united inches) and style move the price the most
- Brick openings, custom shapes and exterior colors add cost
- Your exact price comes after a free measure, in writing
Where Des Moines Window Prices Land
Average installed price for one standard-size white vinyl replacement window, from the most budget-friendly installers to the top of the market.
~$1,700
~$3,000
These are averages, not quotes.Size, style, glass and the opening itself change the number. A big picture window in brick costs more than a standard double-hung in a siding wall.
Why premium brands cost so much more.In-home sales appointments, commissions and national advertising are built into every window. The glass and frame are a smaller part of that price than most people think.
Good Windows. No Showroom Markup.
Our quotes usually come in well under the local average because there's no layer of overhead between you and the installer. No commissioned salesperson, no showroom, no national ad budget. Omer measures and quotes your windows himself, and our own window crew installs them.
- Energy-efficient vinyl windows in double-hung, slider, casement, picture, bay and bow styles
- Every opening measured, flashed and sealed to stop drafts
- Most projects finished in 1 to 2 days
- Free written estimate · cash, check, card and financing
How Size and Style Change the Price
Most window pricing is set by size, measured in united inches, and by how standard the shape is.
United inches (UI): width + height
Add the width and height of the window in inches. A 30" by 60" window is 90 UI. Window pricing steps up at size breaks, and windows above about 110 UI typically cost more. Big picture windows and patio-size units are in a higher bracket.
Relative prices for illustration. Custom shapes are made to order for your opening.
Other Things That Affect Window Replacement Cost
Windows set in brick
Brick openings take more careful removal and usually need new brick mold and exterior trim capping to finish and seal the opening.
Insert vs. full-frame
If the old frame is solid, a new window fits inside it. If the frame is rotten, the whole unit comes out, which takes more time and trim.
Exterior color
White vinyl is the most affordable. Tan, bronze and black exteriors cost more.
Glass & grids
Triple-pane glass, grids, obscure bathroom glass and tempered glass where code requires it (near doors, tubs and stairs) all add cost.
Upper floors
Second- and third-story windows need ladders or staging, which adds labor.
Homes built before 1978
Old window paint may contain lead, and federal rules require lead-safe work practices on these homes, which adds time.
Interior trim
Most replacements keep your existing inside trim. New casing or repairs to damaged trim add cost.
How many windows
Setup and trips are shared across more windows, so bigger projects usually cost less per window.
Comparing Window Quotes
The same-size window can be priced three very different ways in Des Moines.
| Ultimate Exteriors | Typical local remodeler | Premium national brand | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average per standard window | Well below the local average | About $1,700 | About $3,000 |
| Who quotes it | The owner | A salesperson or estimator | A commissioned in-home salesperson |
| Who installs it | Our own window crew | Varies; ask | Varies; ask |
| What's built into the price | Mostly window and labor | Window, labor and overhead | Window, labor, commissions and national advertising |
What a complete window quote should include
- Brand, product line and glass package for each window
- Size and style of every opening
- Removal and disposal of the old windows
- Insulation, flashing and sealing around each frame
- Interior and exterior trim or capping
- Manufacturer warranty and a written workmanship warranty
Before you sign anywhere
- Ask for the price per window, not just a total
- Be wary of "today only" discounts
- Ask who installs: employees or subcontractors?
- Ask how brick or rotten openings are handled
See finished jobs in our project gallery and read our reviews.
Window Cost Questions We Hear Most
How much does window replacement cost in Des Moines?
For a standard-size white vinyl replacement window, most Des Moines-area remodelers average about $1,700 per window installed, and premium national brands sold through in-home appointments often run around $3,000 per window. Ultimate Exteriors usually comes in well below the local average for comparable windows.
How much is a vinyl replacement window?
It depends on size and style. A standard-size white vinyl double-hung or slider is the most affordable window to replace. Larger windows, specialty shapes, exterior colors and brick openings all cost more.
Why do some companies charge $3,000 a window?
Part of it is the window, and a lot of it is how it's sold: national brands with in-home sales appointments, commissions and heavy advertising build those costs into every window.
What is a united inch?
Width plus height, in inches. A 30 by 60 inch window is 90 united inches. Window pricing often steps up at size breaks, and windows above about 110 united inches usually cost more.
Do windows set in brick cost more to replace?
Usually, yes. Brick openings take more careful removal and often need new brick mold and exterior trim capping so the opening is sealed and finished right.
Are bigger windows more expensive?
Yes. Price climbs with size, and big picture windows, bays and bows cost more than standard openings.
Do odd-shaped windows cost more?
Yes. Arches, half-rounds, octagons, trapezoids and other custom shapes are made to order and cost more than standard rectangles.
Is it cheaper per window to replace them all at once?
Usually. Setup, measuring and trips are shared across more windows, so the per-window cost tends to drop on bigger jobs.
How long does window replacement take?
Most projects take 1 to 2 days, depending on the number of windows and the condition of the openings.
Do you offer financing for new windows?
Yes. We offer financing options, and we also accept cash, check and card.
Window replacement across the metro: Des Moines · West Des Moines · Ankeny · Urbandale · Johnston · Waukee · Clive · Altoona · Windsor Heights · Norwalk · Polk City · Saylorville
More guides: Window replacement · Entry doors · Free roof inspection · Roof cost · Siding cost · Window cost · Gutter cost
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