InstaBidsHow much does it cost to replace windows in Raleigh?
$15,236 was the median declared permit value for data years 2023-2026 in Raleigh, NC. Residential window replacement permits issued in Raleigh declared a typical range (middle half of 268 City of Raleigh permit data points, Raleigh, NC, 2023-2026) of $9,232 to $26,108.
Updated 2026-10-28
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| What was measured | Median declared value | Declared value range (middle half) |
|---|---|---|
| Residential window replacement permits issued in Raleigh declared | a median declared value on building permits of $15,236 | the typical range (middle half of 268 City of Raleigh permit data points, Raleigh, NC, 2023-2026) was $9,232 to $26,108 |
Declared permit values are what applicants reported to the city; final contract prices can differ.
How measured: residential single-job permits; declared values below the low-value floor for the same job removed (6 rows). Source: City of Raleigh, Open Raleigh - 'Building Permits' (BLDS-aligned, daily updates, 2000-present), data read 23 October 2026.
These figures are estimates from City of Raleigh, Open Raleigh - 'Building Permits' (BLDS-aligned, daily updates, 2000-present), data years 2023-2026, read 23 October 2026, for Raleigh, NC. They are not a quote, and they are not a promise of what any contractor on InstaBids will charge. Your price depends on your home, the materials and the contractor. Get written bids before you decide.
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What the job includes, the line items to ask for and how to compare bids: the national window replacement cost guide.
What do Raleigh window permits declare?
Each Raleigh figure above is a declared permit value: what the applicant told the permit office the window replacement job was worth when applying. It is not an invoice.
The records come from City of Raleigh, Open Raleigh - 'Building Permits' (BLDS-aligned, daily updates, 2000-present).
The selection covers residential building permits whose descriptions match the job. The dataset excludes standalone electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits.
Before matching, the selection left out 1 permit for a new dwelling or work not on an existing home and 7 permits for legalisation, as-built work, revisions, supplements or renewals.
Of the 286 matched permits, 274 carried a declared value. The low-value check removed 6 records, leaving 268 permits behind the figures.
What does the national survey measure?
The national survey records what households in the United States reported for "Added or replaced doors or windows". The hired-out row keeps finished jobs handled by someone the household hired. The survey combines doors and windows in one item.
| What was measured | Median | Typical range (middle half) |
|---|---|---|
| Households in the American Housing Survey that hired someone to add or replace doors or windows reported | a median of $4,000 | the typical range (middle half of 1,477 American Housing Survey data points, the United States, 2021-2023) was $1,300 to $10,000 |
| When the household fitted them itself | a median (572 American Housing Survey data points, the United States, 2021-2023) of $750 | — |
How measured: hired-out finished jobs, survey-weighted, not adjusted for inflation; do-it-yourself jobs the same way. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Housing Survey 2023, data read 16 October 2026.
These figures are estimates from U.S. Census Bureau, American Housing Survey 2023, data years 2021-2023, read 16 October 2026, for the United States. They are not a quote, and they are not a promise of what any contractor on InstaBids will charge. Your price depends on your home, the materials and the contractor. Get written bids before you decide.
Full national guide: How much does it cost to replace windows?
A survey answer records what a household reported paying, while a declared permit value records what an applicant reported when applying.
What does ENERGY STAR say about landlords replacing windows?
ENERGY STAR's window page says that "any contractor or landlord replacing a window must use lead-safe work practices to prevent lead dust hazards", in a warning about houses built before 1978.
Source: ENERGY STAR (U.S. EPA), Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights, read 16 October 2026.
Which window rules does Raleigh publish?
Example rule, Raleigh Historic Development Commission historic-window guidance: “Retain and preserve windows that contribute to the overall historic character of a building, including their functional and decorative features, such as frames, sashes, muntins, sills, heads, moldings, surrounds, hardware, shutters, and blinds.”
Source: Raleigh Historic Development Commission, read 9 November 2026.
Example rule, Raleigh Historic Development Commission historic-window guidance: “Match the original in design, dimension, material, and quality of material.”
Source: Raleigh Historic Development Commission, read 9 November 2026.
Example rule, Raleigh Historic Development Commission historic-window guidance: “Consider compatible substitute materials only if using the original material is not technically feasible.”
Source: Raleigh Historic Development Commission, read 9 November 2026.
Example rule, Raleigh Historic Development Commission historic-window guidance: “If a historic window or a door is completely missing, replace it with a new unit based on accurate documentation of the original or a new design compatible with the original opening and the historic character of the building.”
Source: Raleigh Historic Development Commission, read 9 November 2026.
Example rule, Raleigh Historic Development Commission historic-window guidance: “If additional windows or doors are necessary for a new use, install them on a rear or non-character-defining facade of the building, but only if they do not compromise the architectural integrity of the building.”
Source: Raleigh Historic Development Commission, read 9 November 2026.
Example rule, Raleigh Historic Development Commission historic-window guidance: “It is not appropriate to remove any detail material associated with windows and doors, such as stained glass, beveled glass, textured glass, or tracery, unless an accurate restoration requires it.”
Source: Raleigh Historic Development Commission, read 9 November 2026.
Example rule, Raleigh Historic Development Commission historic-window guidance: “It is not appropriate to use snap-in muntins to create a false divided-light appearance.”
Source: Raleigh Historic Development Commission, read 9 November 2026.
Example rule, Raleigh Historic Development Commission historic-window guidance: “It is not appropriate to replace clear glazing with tinted or opaque glazing.”
Source: Raleigh Historic Development Commission, read 9 November 2026.
Example rule, Raleigh Historic Development Commission historic-window guidance: “If a historic window or door unit is deteriorated beyond repair, replace the unit in kind, matching the design and the dimension of the original sash or panels, pane configuration, architectural trim, detailing, and materials.”
Source: Raleigh Historic Development Commission, read 9 November 2026.
Example rule, Raleigh Historic Development Commission historic-window guidance: “If replacement of a deteriorated historic window or door feature or detail is necessary, replace only the deteriorated feature in kind rather than the entire unit.”
Source: Raleigh Historic Development Commission, read 9 November 2026.
Example rule, Raleigh Historic Development Commission historic-window guidance: “It is not appropriate to remove original doors, windows, shutters, blinds, hardware, and trim from a character-defining facade.”
Source: Raleigh Historic Development Commission, read 9 November 2026.
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Sources for the figures on this page
- City of Raleigh, Open Raleigh - 'Building Permits' (BLDS-aligned, daily updates, 2000-present), https://services.arcgis.com/v400IkDOw1ad7Yad/arcgis/rest/services/Building_Permits/FeatureServer/0, read 23 October 2026. InstaBids computed medians and middle-half ranges.
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Housing Survey 2023, https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/ahs/data/2023/ahs-2023-public-use-file--puf-.html, read 16 October 2026. U.S. government work; no endorsement implied.
- ENERGY STAR (U.S. EPA), Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights, www.energystar.gov/products/res_windows_doors_skylights, read 16 October 2026.
- Raleigh Historic Development Commission, cityofraleigh0drupal.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/drupal-prod/COR10/RHDCGuidelines.pdf, read 9 November 2026.