Replacement Window and Door Company
Quote, supply and install vinyl windows and doors for homeowners in your area with a small crew.
- $8k-30k
- Full-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
6,945 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.8% in a year
NAICS 238150 “Glass and glazing contractors”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
You visit homes to measure and quote, order vinyl windows and doors from a distributor or manufacturer, then install them with a small crew. You own the customer relationship from quote to final clean-up.
Your first three steps
- Check your state and county contractor license requirements and form an LLC if you choose to
- Open accounts with one or two window distributors or manufacturers and compare product lines and pricing
- Get insurance, build a simple quote template and win your first jobs through neighbors, local ads and online reviews
Who pays
Homeowners replacing old or drafty windows, landlords and small property managers.
How it makes money
You charge per project, covering materials, labor and a margin. Larger whole-house jobs bring in more, and you can add extra installers as work grows.
Skills that help
- Accurate measuring and quoting
- Installation know-how or the ability to manage skilled installers
- Sales and clear communication with homeowners
- Organizing orders, schedules and deposits
Watch out for
- Contractor licensing varies by state, county and city, so check with your state licensing board before quoting jobs
- General liability insurance, workers' compensation once you hire, and possibly a surety bond depending on your state
- For homes built before 1978, check whether EPA Lead-Safe (RRP) certification applies
- Custom-ordered windows can't easily be returned, so double-check measurements and take deposits
- Check local permit and building code rules for replacing windows and doors
- Product warranty claims and callbacks can cost time and money
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a replacement window company?
Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your tools, vehicle and how you set up your crew. These are estimates only. Custom-ordered windows can't easily be returned, so take deposits and double-check measurements.
How much can a replacement window business make?
Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on how many jobs you complete and the size of your crew. These are estimates of revenue, not profit. Warranty claims and callbacks can cost time and money, so plan for them.
What licenses and rules apply to installing replacement windows?
Contractor licensing varies by state, county and city, so check with your state licensing board before quoting jobs. Also check local permit and building code rules, insurance and possible bond needs, and EPA Lead-Safe (RRP) certification for homes built before 1978.
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