Who to Hire for Window Repairs: A Complete Guide

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are deciding who to hire for window repairs, match the issue to the right pro and budget. Drafts, leaks, condensation, cracked glass, rotting or warping frames, broken hardware, and damaged tracks are common problems that worsen if ignored.

Specialists handle complex, warranty‑sensitive work, while handypeople take on minor fixes. Many repairs take an hour to a full day. Handling glass is delicate; poor fitting leads to drafts and frame damage.

Benefits of Hiring a Handyperson for Window Repairs

A handyperson confidently handles minor repairs like weather stripping, recaulking, hinge adjustments, and replacing a single cracked pane. This saves you time and generally costs less than hiring a contractor or window specialist. If you have several small tasks, bundling them can improve efficiency and reduce per-visit costs compared to scheduling separate trips.

• Cost-effective for straightforward fixes

• Handles weather stripping and recaulking

• Adjusts hinges and hardware

• Replaces a single cracked pane

• Saves you DIY time and hassle

• Can bundle other household tasks

• Brings tools for small repairs

• Faster scheduling for quick jobs

• Reduces risk of DIY mistakes

If you have multiple windows with issues or aren't comfortable handling glass, you might want to consider a handyman near you to ensure the job is done safely and efficiently.

Can I Hire a General Contractor for Window Repairs?

General contractors have the skills for deeper repairs but primarily manage larger renovations. They may decline one-off window jobs; if they accept, expect higher costs than a handyperson. Their daily rates are $300 to $500, and hourly pricing for small, short-term work is higher.

A window installation or repair specialist is the right choice for complex work such as rotting frame replacement, reglazing, or large and unusual glass. Specialists diagnose underlying issues and advise when replacement is the smarter long-term move. Some warranties require approved specialists, and hiring others may invalidate coverage.

General contractor pros include broad skills; cons include higher cost and limited interest in small tasks. Window specialist pros include focused expertise and warranty alignment; cons include higher costs for complex repairs.

How Do Pros Repair Windows?

Pros tailor the approach to the problem and window style. They inspect the damage, determine parts, and schedule repairs. Depending on complexity and window size, the work takes from an hour to a full day.

1. Inspect the window and diagnose the issue

2. Determine parts and materials; order if needed

3. Prepare the area; handle glass safely

4. Perform the repair

5. Test operation, weatherproofing, and seals

6. Clean up and review care tips

Common tasks include replacing or fixing cracked glass, installing new weatherproofing, repairing or replacing tracks, swapping hardware, rebuilding rotting or warping frames, and replacing exterior flashing.

How Much Does Window Repairs Cost?

Expect most window repairs to cost $175 to $635. Price depends on window size, frame material, accessibility, the type and extent of damage, and who you hire. A basic cosmetic frame touch-up from a handyperson can be about $75, while a large rotted frame repair by a specialist can reach $800.

Handypeople charge $50 to $150 per hour. General contractors use daily rates of $300 to $500 for longer projects, and their hourly pricing for small jobs is higher. If repairs are extensive, replacing one window averages $750. Consider standard versus specialty glass, labor differences between pros, and hard-to-reach locations that add time.

Repair versus replace: compare the $175 to $635 repair range with a $750 replacement and consider warranty requirements. Align the pro type with job complexity to control costs and preserve coverage.