There are many reasons you may want your windows repaired. A pane can break, or wood can rot and mould. Windows may stick, or moving parts may break inside the casing. If the mechanism is too old, replacing the entire frame may be your only option. Repairs in windows can cost from $50 to $60 per hour.
Costs in Australia
Window replacement costs excluding the necessary materials are influenced by the labour costs around the country. Here are some examples of average labour cost per state.
State | Average window replacement labour costs per hour |
New South Wales | $60 |
Victoria | $55 |
Queensland | $50 |
South Australia | $50 |
Your home glass replacement cost will range from $50 for a simple fix to $1,000 for a complicated repair on a large or complex window. Emergency glass replacement will raise labour costs. For repairs outside of business hours, a glazier may ask for as much as $150 an hour.
Labour costs will go up with the complexity of the repair. A wooden frame will require a carpenter while other repairs may only need a glazier. A simple glass replacement will be more expensive if you decide to upgrade to a double-glazed window.
Type of window – A broken window repair cost will be the most affordable for single-pane windows. A double-pane window will be more expensive due to two panes of glass and moving parts. Prices rise again with three-pane bay windows, multi-pane bow windows, or multi-pane louvres.
Material – Glazed windows are more expensive than plain glass. With double glazing, two panes are separated by air providing insulation which can keep out intense heat. This insulation can quiet exterior noises, making it a must-have for busy urban areas. Low emissions glass or glass tinting are good ways to keep heat out, too. While these treatments cost more, they can reduce furniture fading and human exposure to harmful rays.
Size – The cost of replacing windows and frames rises with complexity. Irregular shapes and large sizes increase costs. A sliding glass door will be extraordinarily expensive.
Frame style – The window frame replacement cost depends on the material. Wooden frames tend to be the most expensive to repair. On the other hand, you aren’t likely to repair vinyl, fibreglass, aluminium or composite. You’ll be more likely to replace the glass.
Type of Window
The type of window will be the initial factor that changes the cost of your window repair or replacement. The cost varies due to the size and shape of your existing window.
Type of Window | Average Reported Replacement Costs |
Single-hung windows | $50 – $100 |
Double-hung windows | $350 – $400 |
Fixed pane windows | $50 – $100 |
Bay windows | $500- $1,000 |
Bi-fold windows | $1,250 (per square metre) |
The Material of Window Frames
The cost of your window replacement or repair is also influenced by the material of your window frames. Keep in mind that these reported prices vary with the different number of windows.
Type of Window Frame | Average Reported Replacement Costs |
Vinyl | $350 – $750 |
Wood | $800 – $2,000 |
Fibreglass | $600 – $900 |
Aluminium | $150 – $400 |
Composite | $250 – $1,100 |
Type of glass
Just as the window type and frame influence replacement costs, so too does the type of glass you are wishing to change your window with. The size of your glass will significantly influence the price.
Type of glass | Average reported costs per square metre |
Low emission or low e glass | $220 |
Double glazed glass | $200 |
If you’re looking for more detail and benefits on the different window types, frames and glass, read more about them here on in our window installation cost guide.
Creating an accurate estimate
Licencing and qualifications
Glaziers can install glass or acrylic windows and doors. Licencing throughout the country varies by state. You may want to ask if your glazier is a member of a state glazing association. If you’re looking to install wooden windows, you may need to hire a carpenter who is required to be licenced when working with windows. You can read more about the different licence requirements across the country here.
How to save when hiring
* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources
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