Replacement Window and Door Contractor Business
Sell, supply and install energy-efficient double-pane windows and doors directly to homeowners and landlords.
- $10k-40k
- 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 run the whole job: visit the home, measure, quote, order windows from a manufacturer or distributor, then install with a small crew. You focus on double-pane, energy-efficient windows and patio or entry doors.
Your first three steps
- Check your state and city rules for a contractor license, business license and sales tax on materials, then register your LLC and get an EIN
- Set up accounts with a window manufacturer or local distributor and compare pricing, lead times and warranties
- Get insurance and a written contract template, then offer your first quotes to neighbors, landlords and local property managers
Who pays
Homeowners replacing old or drafty windows, landlords and small property owners, and sometimes local builders.
How it makes money
You charge per project, covering the product markup, labor and trim. Jobs are often a few thousand dollars each, and referrals and reviews bring repeat work.
Skills that help
- Carpentry and installation
- Estimating and quoting
- Selling and talking with homeowners
- Managing suppliers, schedules and a small crew
Watch out for
- Contractor licensing for home improvement varies by state and sometimes by city, so check with your state board
- General liability insurance, workers' compensation once you hire, and often a bond, so check what your state requires
- EPA lead-safe (RRP) rules may apply to older homes, so check requirements before bidding
- Deposits, special-order windows and delays can strain cash flow, so check your state's rules on deposits and written contracts
- Wrong measurements on custom orders are costly, so measure twice
- Manufacturer warranties and product claims about energy savings need to be accurate
🔒 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 contracting business?
Startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $40,000, depending on your vehicle, tools, insurance and how much you fund up front for orders and deposits. Treat this as an estimate and get your own quotes.
How much can a replacement window contractor earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on how many jobs you win, the size of your crew and the price of the windows you supply. This is revenue, not profit, and it is an estimate.
What licenses and rules should I check before installing windows for homeowners?
Check home improvement contractor licensing with your state board and your city, since it varies. Also check insurance and bond requirements, EPA lead-safe (RRP) rules for older homes, and your state's rules on deposits and written contracts.
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