Bay and bow windows are a beautiful addition to any home. An elegantly arched bow window or a bold
angled bay window can make your home bigger, brighter, and bring the beauty of the outdoors inside.
A few major advantages to installing bay or bow windows include allowing more natural light into the home, increasing ventilation, creating additional seating space, and adding curb appeal from the exterior of the home. These windows are designed to create a comfortable, light-filled spot to sit and enjoy an outdoor view. Adding a window seat to your bow or bay window can be a quick and easy room addition.
The Difference Between Bay and Bow Windows
A bay window typically consists of 3 windows that form a box that jut out of the side of the house. The most popular style of bay window is a picture window in the middle with two casement or double hung windows on the sides. 
The bow window is simply a bay window that is created with a curve or circular shape, instead of a box shape. Picture windows are the most popular style for bow windows.
Bow or bay windows can be used to replace an existing bow or bay window, or installed in most other large window openings.
Determining the Cost of Bay and Bow Windows
There are many factors that affect the cost of installing a Bay or Bow window in your home. Because of this, it’s difficult to give an estimated overall cost without giving an in-home consultation.
However, a typical window can range from $400 each to $2,000 each, and that may or may not included installation. A bay or bow window might have 3-5 windows each. On average, the cost of one bay window ranges from $3,000-$10,000.
Here are the cost factors to be aware of when considering bay or bow windows
Replacement or New Construction
The cost can vary greatly depending on if you are replacing an existing bay window or if you are changing another style of window into a bay or bow window.
Replacing a bay window with another bay window is the cheapest of the two options. Because the only change would be the windows themselves, you do not have to pay for any construction costs.
If you want to install a bay window where another style of window already exists, there will be additional cost for the construction, paint or stain, and potentially electrical work. They will need to build the seat, add insulation and sheet rock, and paint or stain.
Choice of Window Materials
Another factor for the cost of a bay window is the type of materials used. There are different types of glass, frames, screens, finishing, and hardware that vary in cost.Size and Quantity of Windows
The larger the window and the more windows ordered will increase the price. A bay window typically has 3
large windows, while a bow might have 5-7 smaller windows.
Labor Costs
Often times, labor costs are added onto the original quoted cost of the windows. At Southwest Exteriors, our quote is inclusive of all labor costs. The estimate given at the in-home consultation is always final and fully inclusive, unless the client makes changes in style, quantity, or material of the product.
Bay and Bow windows tend to be on the pricier side of a replacement window project, but they add value and beautiful to the home like no other!
If you are curious about the cost of your window project, schedule an appointment with Southwest Exteriors now!
