Prices for 10 new windows + 1 patio door in Madison, WI in late 2025
This is in no way a guarantee of prices from any company. Every project is different with many different options that can significantly change the price.
How much do new windows actually cost?
In Madison, WI in late 2025 - early 2026; 10 windows 1 patio door vinyl white insert replacement.
If we look at the largest local window replacement companies, (lines 7-14) the price for a typical house is $17.5k-22k. But, How come the most expensive companies are more than 2x the price of the lest expensive ones? Do you get what you pay for? What are the differances between companies?
Before we get started, There are important details I'd like to point out about the table above.
(FF) Full Frame replacement costs more because you are replacing all the interior trim. The alternative to a full frame replacement is an insert or pocket installation, where the old trim is kept.
Windows made of Fiberglass or Composite materials are more expensive than vinyl. Some companies don't offer vinyl windows.
What does "sales bs" mean? Thebco's sales men repeatedly lied to my face about factual information. But, I have also heard good things about them from other people. Maybe I just got a bad salesman and maybe they actually have a good company. I don't know.
Quick Tips
You can negotiate your price with some (but not all) companies. Mad City, The Exteriors Company, Thebco, Window Nation were openly willing to basically negotiate their price with me. If you want to save money, never pay the price they give you. Negotiate with them or tell them a competitor gave you a lower quote.
Some companies that give a same day signing discount will drop their price even lower if you wait a day.
There is a lot of BS with some company's sales and marketing. Sales like get 50% off labor and buy 2 get 2 deals are not real! It is marketing money magic they play with their numbers hoping that they fool you into thinking you are getting a deal. The same goes with prices that are only good for that same day. I think if you came back to a company after 6 months and said you had gotten other quotes and that you would choose them if they gave you the same day price they had offered 6 months ago, that they would say yes.
PSA: You have a 3 day right to cancel home service contracts
DON'T GET SCAMMED! Ask your friends who have lived around Madison for a while what they have heard about Mad City. Or ask any of the other companies that come to your home. I give no comment.
Exclusive windows only technically exist. For every "exclusive" window, that we have seen, there exists a nearly identical brand in everything but name.
Who is the best?
This is just the opinion of 1 window installer (even thought the opinion is based on years of experience and dozens of conversations with other installers and sales men as well as seeing dozens of other companies installations and products/brands)
If you want to spend the most to get the best: Renewal by Anderson by Waunakee Remodeling. But, it is easy to get an almost identical window (less color options and hardware) for almost half the price.
If you want to pay the least now, Window world. But, I think you would be better off hiring a small local company.
Otherwise, I personally would avoid anyone using a lot of sales tactics, because then you are paying for their sales skills/BS instead of their product. If you do that, I think you'll be just fine.
My Thoughts
I wouldn't hire any of the most expensive companies, other than Waunakee Remodeling maybe. I had a good sales experiance with them, but I've heard mulitple people say they were very high pressure salesmen. I also had a great experiance with the sales men from Pella, but I preffer Andersen windows to Pella as a product. That is why I say Waunakee Remodeling.
In the middle price tier: I had a good sales experiance with Genesis Exteriors, Ridgetop Exteriors, Heins Contracting, and The Exteriors Company
For the lowest prices: I haven't heard anyting bad about anyone except for Windows World once in a while. However, I do like how Windows World has a very detailed price sheet.