It’s so easy to compare prices on the Internet. Virtually everything from fast food to fast cars can be price-checked on a smartphone.

Everything, except for home improvements.

Unlike products that go from a factory to our hands, home renovations require on-site labor before the buyer can enjoy their purchase. The condition of the existing home will influence the price a homeowner will pay for new doors and windows. So will the quality, style, color and features of the doors and windows selected.

Since every home is different and the needs of every homeowner are not the same, how can we answer the question, “How much do new doors and windows cost?”

One way consumers can begin to anticipate how much they might spend on a variety of home remodeling projects — including new doors and windows — is through sources such as Remodeling magazine.

Every year, it issues a “Cost vs. Value” report for homeowners to compare the average cost for popular remodeling projects. This report also calculates how much value these projects can add to the resale price when the homeowner sells their home. A hundred markets are represented. Homeowners can find out the average cost of each of these projects for the nation, their region – even the city where they live.

Replacing doors and windows still continues to be a good investment for homeowners nationwide, because they retain most of their value when a homeowner decides to sell, according to the 2018 Window Cost vs Value report:

• The national average cost to replace windows retains 74.3 percent of its value at resale.
• Replacing an entry door retains even more of its value at 78.4 percent.
• Replacing a garage door retains a huge 90.6 percent of value.

The Cost vs. Value report is a great place for homeowners to start getting information about the cost to replace doors and windows, but for specific advice and cost estimates it is always best to consult with a professional. A well-respected, licensed and insured remodeler who offers quality products and local references is the best resource to determine the true cost of this home improvement project.

Labor costs can vary from house to house, based on existing conditions. For a remodeler to provide accurate prices for any home improvement project, the homeowner should invite them to visit their home so they can inspect existing conditions and properly estimate labor costs.

Homeowners have different tastes and needs. The products they select will influence price. Homeowners who discuss the problems they have with their existing doors and windows allow their contractor to calculate material costs for products that actually solve their problems. The remodeler’s labor estimate and the cost of products the homeowner selects will ultimately determine the price the homeowner will actually pay for their remodeling project.

Remember, the cost vs. value of replacing doors and windows does not include money saved on energy and maintenance costs. That means the earlier doors and windows are replaced, the more money a homeowner may also save on energy and maintenance before they sell. Also remember that living in a home that looks better, is quieter, more secure and more comfortable because of new doors and windows has value, too.