How we estimate window replacement cost
Every estimate combines a national price for each part of the job with a local labor adjustment for your province. Here is exactly how that works and where the numbers come from.
The formula
For each line item we multiply a quantity (driven by the number of windows, their size and style, frame and glazing material, and whether they are full-frame or insert replacements) by a national unit cost, then apply a quality-grade factor. A regional labor multiplier is applied to the labor portion only — materials are priced nationally. We show the itemized result as a ±20% range.
National unit costs
| Line item | National unit cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Old window removal | $92.00 / sq ft | ref |
| Window unit | $418.00 / sq ft | ref |
| Installation labor | $235.00 / sq ft | ref |
| Trim, flashing & finish | $78.00 / sq ft | ref |
| Disposal | $27.00 / sq ft | ref |
Regional labor multipliers
Each province's labor multiplier is its median carpenter wage relative to the national median, from the Government of Canada Job Bank wage data (Carpenters, NOC 72310) — used as a proxy because window installation has no dedicated Canadian occupation code, so carpenter wage is the disclosed labor proxy. Multipliers are bounded to a sane range and applied to the labor share of each line item, so materials stay nationally priced while labor tracks local wages.
Data vintage & limitations
Compiled June 2026 from public cost aggregators and government wage data — these are derived estimates, not live contractor quotes. Local prices vary with project complexity, access, and material availability; always confirm with a licensed contractor before budgeting.