A couple years ago, after doing quite some research on different companies and their window and door installation services, I came across a company based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada named ShutterBoys. They offer a wide range of door and window replacement options, including vinyl windows, aluminum windows, wood windows, sliding glass doors, casement windows and much more. So I decided to contact them about the possibility of doing an estimated cost for replacing my windows and doors with their service. You can read all about that experience here, but if you want to skip ahead to how the ShutterBoys’ estimator works – click here or scroll down 🙂
Who is this blog for?
Well, as stated before, as someone who has been researching these kinds of services lately, the goal here is to give people access to information and tips on getting started in the process of putting a new door or window into their home, so it’s definitely not for someone who just wants to buy a few windows or doors (I’m sure you’ll be fine with that anyway)! If you’re wondering whether or not this is going to make for good reading then, well, yes, it probably is! That being said though, I don’t think anyone could say that they have never seen an estimated cost of installing something like a set of windows or doors…so I’m pretty confident this won’t leave anyone feeling completely lost.
You’re looking for a detailed look at the estimated installation costs, without burying them in technical jargon. If you’re familiar with replacement windows and doors, you probably already know how long it will take to install and where your project stands with regards to the timeline.
For those new to our website, this will walk you through the steps of the installation process and show you exactly what to expect from our team. You’ll have a general understanding of the costs that you face after reviewing the estimates and comparing them to similar projects you’ve done recently.
The last thing we want you to leave feeling is cheated by a company that oversells you and leaves you with a bill. Our goal is that every one of our customers experiences a great customer experience, because that means that we’ve been successful in providing excellent service, a fair price and outstanding products.
What should I expect from this post?
The main goal here is to provide a comprehensive overview of the costs involved when ordering custom windows and/or doors. To start out, this is going to be focusing on the most common service offered by Shutterboys – vinyl windows, which are typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Although I’ve also listed other options such as wood windows and aluminum windows at the bottom of this article because I wanted to cover every possible option. As for pricing, I’ve done my best to include every potential detail into this guide so you can have a clear understanding of exactly what each part is costing you and why those things aren’t included in the final price.
How many products do I need?
If we’re looking at the costs of having two standard Windows / Doors per unit type, you’ll notice that there are seven major components involved. I don’t include any of the additional items below because I can’t say for certain why they’d add additional cost. However, even without those extras, you still end up paying around $900 CAD for the average home window. And keep in mind that all of these items must be purchased from a local supplier and shipped from their warehouse outside of Toronto.
This is a very generic example of how much you’d pay for a specific window type:
Two 6′ x 8′ double hung vinyl windows $2,800 $1,965 $638 -$843
Two 9×14 wood windows $3,100 $2,145 $765 -$870
One 9×28″ steel frame vinyl double glazing $4,350 $2,735 $770-$875
One 10×16″ steel frame vinyl double glazing $4,950 $2,695 $775-$880
One 12×12 glass window $850 $565 $580 -$675 (if single pane)
I am not saying I recommend buying these exact units, they are just an example for comparison purposes only.
What will they cost me?
As was mentioned above, all of these individual parts must come together to create a complete set of Windows and / or Doors; therefore, depending on the product type, I believe the total price ranges from somewhere between $8,400 and $12,000+.
Here’s another example of how much you’ll spend per window for various sizes:
Double Glazed 16×34 “storm, security, or hurricane” $15,000 (for 1 x 2″ panes)
Single Glass 6×9 “French Door” $2,600
Custom window and door systems come in a variety of sizes and styles – from small double hung windows to the double roll outs on larger buildings.
Depending on the size, style, layout and materials required, a single window will typically cost $800-$1000 in Canada. A pair of identical windows or doors may cost $1500-$2000. Add in extra glass, hardware, and optional extras and you’ll end up spending between $1600 and $2500 per pair.
So be prepared for prices well outside the range of “replacement windows”.
How much will glass add to the price?
Glass can account for up to 60% of your total project cost. Glass is usually the first and largest component you’ll need to purchase, so let’s talk a bit about the different types of glass available and why you might want to use them.
How does siding factor into your installation costs?
Siding adds considerably more to the cost of your project than windows or doors combined. It comes in a wide variety of styles and finishes, depending on your personal preferences. As always, check with your neighbours or realtor to determine whether your neighbours are happy with the siding you choose. Remember to keep in mind that the colour of the siding affects the aesthetics of your home and surrounding area.
Sash vs. Double Hung Sash/double pane sashes
Most of the time, we recommend sash windows because they provide better insulation and ventilation. They are easy to clean and maintain, and don’t require special assembly skills. But there are some benefits to double-hung windows, too. Their appearance won’t necessarily match your existing sash windows, for starters, as the sashes aren’t hidden away inside the frame. However, they do allow for more glass and better weather resistance. They do require a bit more effort to handle though, and can be more vulnerable to breaking.
Are your costs comparable to what I’ve seen elsewhere?
Yes. We get that it’s sometimes hard to compete with more heavily advertised companies with large advertising budgets, and online ordering portals that will beat you up with extra fees. We’re proud that we’re able to provide great service at a reasonable price for all Canadians — no matter where you live or how big or small your project is.
How are the costs broken down?
Each step of the process begins with the customer submitting an order via their online portal. From here, Shutterboys’s customer service representative will follow-up with a phone call to ensure everything is ok and all of the info and requirements needed for the final quote has been submitted. This usually includes: A pre-work inspection to confirm that everything is available, necessary permits have been acquired, and what materials / work are required to complete the job. Once this has been confirmed, the customer service rep will submit the quote directly to the installer to get approved. After approval, the quote will go through a few other changes and then finally, once its ready, the customer gets a notification email containing all of the information and details needed to schedule and commence the installation.
Some items you may expect to see in the final quote include: (note that these are not mandatory): Pre-Purchase Inspection, Permits, Materials, Labor, Financing, Shipping.
What is included in the estimate?
Here are some things that will be included in the estimate once the quote goes through all of the steps. Most of these are in addition to anything discussed earlier – so you should see the final cost more than likely slightly higher since those items are already accounted for :
Pre-purchase Inspection: At this point, you won’t need a building permit unless there are significant changes needed, such as a patio roof, addition, etc., in which case you would then need to apply for a construction permit for these types of modifications after the pre-purchase. Otherwise, the pre-purchase is a simple in person inspection where a building inspector goes over your plans and inspects for any missing licenses, code violations, etc., to confirm your permit has been properly obtained. Once this step is completed, you should receive a copy of the report to share with the builder.
Labor Requirements: The amount of labor needed and associated fees for the job varies slightly depending on certain factors. For small jobs up to 7 panels, you can expect between one to three laborers. On large jobs, you can expect to pay between four and six laborers. All of this assumes no subcontractors are used. Each of the workers must complete a WCB Form WHMIS Certificate and obtain the appropriate insurance coverage and license prior to starting the job. In reality, I’m guessing Shutterboy’s estimates are higher because the estimate includes extra charges for these requirements, since it’s basically the same thing every time.
Financing: There are several ways in which financing is provided by Shutterboys, ranging from credit cards to cash payment. The fee for this is determined after the quote has gone through its final approval by one of Shutterboys’s financial associates.
Shipping: Depending on location and weather conditions, these large windows often take at least 4-12 weeks to deliver, so having that built in to the price isn’t too bad.
All-in-all, I believe Shutterboys’ quotes are pretty accurate. But of course, there will always be variations and differences in the actual quoted pricing, depending on the type of window or door ordered, its dimensions, the number of panels, any special requests placed, etc.
What’s not included in the estimate?
There are several aspects that are excluded from the quote since they cannot be predicted until the job commences. All of these include: Any additional costs incurred due to unforeseen events (such as unavailability of materials), any unexpected issues (such as bad weather) requiring the addition of overtime wages for the crew, or any unexpected expenses/repairs.
One example of these additional costs, could be if the window manufacturer decides to send a different sized and shaped window instead of the one originally ordered. Or if the installer doesn’t receive all the necessary permits and needs to request them. Another example would be if a storm or hurricane suddenly causes damage to your property requiring extensive repairs. All of these are beyond any of our control and could result in increased spending, which is why these things are not included in the initial estimate.
So now that you understand what’s included in the quote, let me explain in more depth what’s not included:
Any fees incurred due to unforeseen circumstances (such as missing material, unavailability of material, unavailability of a contractor during a busy period, etc.)
Materials and work that have not been delivered by the installer yet. It’s important that you understand that you could still potentially use the materials you’ve ordered, if they are available, but the installer hasn’t yet arrived with the goods and materials.
Installation costs, such as any fees for additional employees, overtime, materials, supplies, etc.
Additional projects or jobs that were not indicated in the quote. The installer is responsible for providing details regarding any additional jobs needed before the quote is approved and finalized. This is also true if the original estimate does not include any fees relating to an anticipated increase in square footage given material shortages induced by COVID-19 lockdown(s).
Why might the prices change?
During the current pandemic (COVID-19 lockdowns), we’re experiencing the effects of “panic buying” and “spending less” for anything and everything. As the supply chain has become increasingly unreliable at times, the demand for many products has spiked and the prices have consequently dropped. For custom made windows and doors, the window manufacturers typically have set a price based upon anticipated volumes. However, as sales are impacted by the pandemic, window manufacturers have had to lower their prices for consumers who have opted for quantity purchases in order to mitigate potential losses in revenue due to slow season pricing (and ultimately lower profits).
As a result, we’re seeing dramatic price drops across the industry for many products. So far, we haven’t seen this affect our business as a whole. We make most of our orders at our factory in China, so we’re only affected to the extent that product availability fluctuates during lockdowns. And even within these periods of panic buying and decreased revenues, we continue to offer competitive pricing which has allowed us to maintain a healthy margin when compared to other local contractors.
However, if your job falls into these categories, you’ll want to consider using a contingency clause in your contract. Since all of our quotes include a 20% discount off the already discounted price of the product, you can effectively reduce your quote by another 20%. This way, you’ll be paying roughly 80% of the price, assuming you’re a good customer 🙂
This will give you more options to help you manage your budget, while still staying competitive against our competitors!
To sum up, here are the types of scenarios that will influence the cost of your windows and doors throughout the installation process:
Scenario 1: When the manufacturer changes the specification and/or panel design before the job is being performed.
In this situation, the window manufacturer has an established volume for the specific dimensions specified, and if it runs out of stock, it must lower the prices accordingly. Once it starts receiving more product, it will again raise the price back to normal levels.
If you opt for a custom option such as a custom size panel design or unique panel layout, then all bets are off. These could require additional manufacturing costs (for example, a larger mold to create the panels in, longer lead time, etc.) and once they’re completed, you wouldn’t be able to buy additional sizes, since the manufacturer already ran out of stock!
Scenario 2: When the window manufacturer decreases or increases the amount of product you ordered.
In some cases, the manufacturer has received very little stock for the number of panels you purchased. In these situations, it can be difficult to find additional stock on the secondary market for many reasons, including shipping delays caused by COVID-19 lockdowns.
Scenario 3: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the job requires additional labor, material, overtime, etc.
We mentioned the examples above regarding the unanticipated costs that can incur during your job. These may include additional labor hours required for unforeseen issues or delays, or unforeseen additional building permits or inspections needed for minor upgrades.
Another reason for an increased quote is if you have a requirement for additional safety features. Some manufacturers offer a 10 year warranty on their products.
If you’d like to save any money while still getting a quality product, you might consider purchasing the windows and doors in multiple installments. Each installment will consist of two or more panes of glass and framing, allowing you to get more bang for your buck while reducing your overall job cost
Is there anything else I need to know?
No… but feel free to reach out with any further questions and concerns.And finally, if you’re ready to start installing your window and door project, go ahead and click the button below to book a free consultation with one of our qualified estimators via Skype! To keep abreast of project updates, subscribe to our Newsletter to stay informed!
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Old Post: Breaking Down The Cost of Windows & Doors in Toronto
A major way to increase and improve the décor and hydro-bill of your home is by installing energy-efficient windows. As this article suggests, ‘if your home has single-pane windows, consider replacing them with more energy efficient windows, or adding solar shades or tinting film’ . Quality windows Toronto allow light to flood your home and let in air to keep the room fresh. They also provide some form of insulation. Some windows can be customized and decorated by the owner. However, it is possible you find it hard to understand why a particular window installation or replacement may cost so much. This happens when you are ignorant of the manufacturing costs and other unpredictable factors that can cause differences in prices. This article will break down the cost of windows and doors in Toronto. Additionally, it will help you get the best price at a great value. Before we discuss the price of what high-quality vinyl windows will cost you, let’s talk about the different kinds of windows available in the GTA.
Different Types of Windows Sold in Canada
Single hung windows:
this is a simple kind of window. It has a bottom pane called the sash. Only the bottom pane slides. It is commonly used on ground floors for safety reasons when cleaning. It also offers a slight amount of insulation.
Double-Hung Windows:
This type of window has two sashes that slide vertically up and down in the frame. It can be used on higher floors. The sashes are opened inwards and allow for easy cleaning.
Sliding windows:
This is commonly used for larger windows. It has two sashes, a horizontal and stationary sash. The horizontal sash slides over the stationary sash. It is commonly used on the ground floor for safety reasons. Cleaning from a higher floor is dangerous as one has to lean out of an unsecured window. It has a top pane that can be easily removed when cleaning. It also has smaller sills and cases that allows for easy viewing.
Casement windows:
this kind opens like a door. It is hinged to one side, either at the top or bottom. A casement window hinged to the top is called an awning. A casement window hinged to the bottom is called a hopper. It is often used near ceilings and also on basements.
Transom windows:
this kind adds a lot of style to your home. They range in height from a few inches to a couple of feet. They are commonly installed in big ceilings. Homeowners can also customize and choose the kind of design they want.
Picture windows:
this is a stationary window that allows for large amount of light and views of the outdoors. It has a single pane of glass. Its large size can make it difficult to decorate.
BREAKING DOWN THE COST OF WINDOWS IN TORONTO
Price of Single-hung Windows Toronto:
For a full home with an average 200 sq. ft. of window space, installing a single hung window costs about $175-$350 per window.
Price of Double-hung Windows Toronto:
For a full home with an average 200 sq. ft. of window space, installing or replacing a double-hung window costs about $300-$800 per window
Price of Sliding Windows Toronto:
For a full home with an average 200 sq. ft. of window space, it costs about $325-$1200 per window.
Price of Casement windows in Toronto:
For a full home with an average 200 sq. ft. of window space, it costs about $275-$750 per window to install casement windows.
Price of Transom Windows Toronto:
installation or replacement of transom windows can go for the price of 500$ rebate per window.
FACTORS THAT DETERMINE THE PRICE OF WINDOWS IN TORONTO
There are additional factors that can affect the prices of windows you will purchase in Toronto and surrounding areas. These factors cause variation in the price quoted. They include:
Window Size:
the size of a home can greatly affect the price of replacement or installation of windows. In Toronto, this can go for about $3,000 to $7,000 for a three-bedroom, single-story home with ten windows. In a two-story home, this price can be increased to about two times the price for a three-bedroom, single story home.
Extra Window Exterior dressings (decorative awnings, etc.):
for additional decorations and customizations, this certainly comes with additional prices.
Job site location:
You are also charged based on how remote or close your home is to the contractor. In upscale areas, look to pay around 10-20% more for windows. Additionally, the contractor considers the cost of transport and how easy or difficult it is to locate your area. If remote, additional prices are then charged.
Profit:
every contractor wants to make a profit. In Toronto, the profit margin is usually set to about 25%. The conditions of the area of the job site can lead to an increase in this margin. Conditions like the weather, whether hot or cold, the location, size etc. can increase this margin. How difficult the job is, is also a contributing factor.
Time:
a contractor that is asked to finish a job within a short time frame is more likely to charge more. This is because he is required to complete the job and therefore charges more.
Replacing or Re-constructing the frame:
if a contractor has to replace the window frame, he usually charges more. Changing of frame is sometimes necessary, maybe due to the bad condition of the wood or the age of the home or windows. This is called a new construction window and can increase the cost of replacement or installation by 50%-100%. Contractors usually charge from $5,000 to $40,000.
Other unpredictable issues:
some additional factors can also affect the price of window installation. This is often unseen by the contractors. They include: rotten wood, the presence of mold which destroys wood, the age of the home, the type of glass and the window location.
The price quoted by a window contractor in Toronto is for:
Removal of old windows:
this is often included in the quoted price, including the location of the windows to be removed.
Rotten or damaged wood:
you may find it difficult to understand why your contractor is charging more after work started. This is because the contractor won’t know how much wood needs to be replaced until work starts.
Cleaning:
in the price quoted, the contractor also takes on cleaning of the work area.
Details about the window:
a quote should include details about the windows such as brand, style, size, screens, color of the casing and other additional details.
Insulation:
this also includes insulation and weatherproofing around your windows.
Protection:
the contractor also provides sheets and drop cloths. This protects your home’s furniture and other interiors around the work area.
Guarantee:
every contractor should provide a written copy of a full guarantee. This should be given and kept safely for your own protection and other issues that may arise after the work is long completed.
CONCLUSION
Windows can greatly increase the outlook of your home and add more beauty to it. In a bid to cut cost, it is important not to attempt to install windows on your own. This is because professionals are well adept at knowing what to measure and how to measure, the right materials to use and where to get them and other issues that may arise. They also perform the job in a shorter time frame. You most often do not cut cost when you install by yourself. It is advised to get a quote from at least 5 contractors before hiring one. You should also learn about your options, the different kind of windows and the ones most appropriate for your home before purchasing.
Free Custom Doors & Windows Toronto Estimate
At Shutter Boys we have partnerships with some of the best window companies in the GTA. If you’re interested in learning more how our GTA Window Specialists can assist you, call (416) 230-1043 today! For information about the products being sold in our catalog, please see out Window Product Guide for more information! Right now to the end of the summer, when you purchase custom windows through us, Save 50% on the cost of Custom made California shutters or other window coverings toronto to fit those windows! Oh, and make sure you Book A Free in-home Consultations we provide to all our customers!
