Everything you need to know about window and door installation in San Francisco and the Bay Area, from cost and timeline to permits and Energy Star certifications.
Window replacement in San Francisco typically ranges from $400–$1,200 per window installed, depending on size, style, and frame material. Vinyl double-hung windows are the most affordable; fiberglass and wood cost more but offer superior aesthetics for historic homes. Specialty shapes (bay windows, large picture windows) are priced higher. A free estimate at your home from SF Window Station gives you an exact, itemized price for your specific project, with no obligation to proceed.
Yes. Federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act may apply for Energy Star certified windows and doors installed in your primary residence. Credits can be worth up to 30% of the product cost (up to $600 for windows). PG&E also offers utility rebates for qualifying efficient upgrades. We'll advise you on which products qualify during your estimate.
Every project is different, but we always give you a time estimate when we quote, and we're usually accurate. We work as fast as the job allows without cutting corners, a proper installation takes the time it takes and we won't rush it at the expense of the result. If a project runs across multiple days, your home is always secured at the end of each day; we never leave openings exposed overnight. After your proposal is signed, product lead times typically run 3–5 weeks depending on what you've ordered, custom sizes, specialty glass, or premium product lines may take a bit longer. Our crew works efficiently and cleans up completely before leaving.
In most cases, like for like window replacements do not require a permit in San Francisco. However, changing the size of the window opening, relocating a window, or making any structural alterations to the wall will trigger permit requirements. We assess your specific project during the free estimate and advise you clearly on permit requirements before any work begins.
Our installers protect your interior surfaces and floors before starting. Each window is typically exposed to the exterior for 20–60 minutes during removal and installation. There will be construction noise during the day. Most homeowners remain home during the project, and many work from home without issue. We leave the job site completely clean: no debris, no dust, no leftover materials.
Vinyl windows are the most popular choice: low maintenance, excellent thermal insulation, moisture-resistant, and budget-friendly. They do not require painting. Fiberglass windows cost more but offer greater dimensional stability (they don't expand and contract as much with temperature changes), can be painted any color, and are ideal for historic Bay Area homes that need a wood-like aesthetic without the upkeep. Visit our Vinyl Windows or Fiberglass Windows pages for more detail.
Yes, absolutely. Despite the Bay Area's reputation for mild weather, the combination of coastal fog, persistent winds, and wide temperature swings between morning and afternoon makes high performance glass a meaningful investment. Energy Star windows with Low-E coatings and argon gas fills can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 40% compared to old single-pane or worn double-pane windows.
We carry and install windows from eight trusted manufacturers: Milgard (premium vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum), Alside (affordable vinyl products), Anlin (made in California vinyl windows), Simonton (Energy Star certified vinyl), ProVia (premium entry doors and windows), Marvin (wood and clad windows), Windsor (wood and composite windows), and Weather Shield (custom wood and clad windows). During your free estimate at your home we'll recommend the best product for your home's style, performance needs, and budget.
Yes. We specialize in historic Bay Area home styles including Victorian flats, Edwardian flats, Craftsman bungalows, and Spanish Mission homes. We can match historical profiles in fiberglass or wood, and we work in neighborhoods with strict design review guidelines including parts of the Mission, Noe Valley, and Pacific Heights. We'll advise you on exactly what's possible for your property during the visit.
We serve all of San Francisco and the Peninsula including Daly City, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, San Mateo, Foster City, San Carlos, Redwood City, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and beyond. See our full Service Areas page for more detail.
Yes. SF Window Station holds California Contractor License #976606 and carries full general liability and workers' compensation insurance. We are BBB Accredited and an Energy Star certified installer. We have served Bay Area homeowners continuously since 2011.
Every installation is backed by a 4-year installation warranty covering the installation itself. Product warranties vary by manufacturer: Milgard offers a Full Lifetime Warranty on most residential products; Simonton and other brands offer 20-year or lifetime warranties on glass and frame. We'll provide complete warranty documentation for all products we install.