Windows in Boston

From a howling Nor'easter that rattles the sashes to a humid August day that makes you blast the A/C, Boston’s weather is relentless. Your windows are the frontline defense for your home. That constant cycle of freezing winters and sticky summers puts immense strain on frames and seals, leading to drafts, high energy bills, and constant maintenance. Whether you're preserving the historic charm of a South End brownstone or modernizing a Dorchester triple-decker, you need windows built to handle the character and climate of Boston.

Mr. Remodel connects you with the city's elite, licensed contractors who specialize in Boston’s unique housing stock. We partner with pros who don’t just install windows; they understand the nuances of the Mass Save program, the strict guidelines of the Boston Landmarks Commission, and the right materials to withstand our four-season climate.

Get a free, no-obligation quote from a vetted Boston window expert.

Why Homeowners in Boston Use Mr. Remodel

1. Masters of Historic Preservation

Replacing windows in neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, Back Bay, or Charlestown requires more than just a contractor; it requires a preservation expert. Our network pros have extensive experience navigating the complex approval process of the Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC). They know the difference between a 6-over-6 and a 2-over-2 sash and can source historically accurate wood windows that will get your project approved.

2. Maximizing Mass Save® Rebates

A window project is the perfect opportunity to improve your home's energy efficiency, and Mass Save offers generous rebates to help you do it. The contractors we connect you with are experts on the program, supported by sponsors like Eversource and National Grid. They'll help you select high-performance, ENERGY STAR® certified windows that maximize your rebate and drastically lower your heating and cooling bills.

3. Solving Old Home Problems: From Drafts to Lead

Boston's beautiful old homes come with unique challenges. Single-pane glass from the 1920s, rotted wooden sills from decades of damp winters, and the potential hazards of lead paint in older window frames are common issues. The teams we recommend are EPA Lead-Safe Certified and skilled in addressing these core problems, ensuring your new windows are installed safely and into a structurally sound, weatherproof opening.

Average Cost of Window Services in Boston

Window costs in the Greater Boston area are among the highest in the nation due to labor rates and the prevalence of custom work for older homes. Here are some typical estimates.

Common Window Challenges in Boston

1. Wind-Driven Rain & Nor'easters

Boston winters are defined by powerful Nor'easters that batter homes with horizontal, wind-driven rain and snow. This moisture forces its way into tiny cracks, causing drafts and leading to water damage and rot. We recommend windows with superior weatherstripping and high structural ratings (DP Ratings) designed to withstand these hurricane-force gusts and keep the weather outside.

2. Salt Air Corrosion

For homes in East Boston, South Boston, or along the waterfront, the salty sea air is a constant threat. It corrodes metal hardware like locks and cranks and can degrade certain frame materials. We recommend fiberglass frames, which are inert to salt, or vinyl windows with corrosion-resistant stainless-steel hardware to ensure long-term durability.

3. Historic District Regulations

You can’t just put a standard vinyl window in a Beacon Hill brownstone. The BLC has strict rules about material (often requiring wood), muntin patterns (the grids), and sash dimensions to preserve Boston's architectural heritage. Our partners are adept at creating proposals that satisfy these requirements while integrating modern, energy-efficient glass.

4. Extreme Temperature & Humidity Swings

The swing from a humid 95-degree day in July to a bone-dry 10-degree night in January is brutal on building materials. This causes windows to expand and contract, which can break seals and lead to foggy glass (condensation between the panes). We install double or triple-pane windows filled with argon gas to insulate against these extremes and maintain a comfortable interior.

Compare Wood Windows vs. Fiberglass Windows

This is the ultimate decision for many Boston homeowners, balancing historic authenticity with modern performance.

Option A: Historically Accurate Wood Windows

• Best For: Homes in BLC-regulated historic districts (Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill).
• The Benefit: The only option for true historical preservation. Offers unparalleled beauty and is a natural insulator. Maintains the property's architectural integrity and value.
• The Trade-off: The most expensive option, requiring regular maintenance (painting) to protect the wood from moisture and prevent rot.

Option B: Fiberglass Windows

• Best For: Homes outside historic districts, especially in coastal areas like Southie, or for homeowners who want the look of wood without the maintenance.
• The Benefit: As strong as steel and incredibly stable; it won't warp, rot, or corrode. It can be manufactured to mimic the look of painted wood, sometimes gaining approval in less strict historic areas.
• The Trade-off: Higher cost than vinyl, but offers far superior longevity and strength. The wood look is very good, but may not pass muster with the strictest BLC reviewers.

Expert Advice: If you are in a designated Boston Landmark District, Wood Windows are your starting point and likely your only option. For any other home in the Boston area, Fiberglass Windows offer the best possible performance and durability to combat our harsh coastal climate.

Serving Greater Boston

From the heart of the city to the Route 128 belt, Mr. Remodel has a qualified pro for your window project.

• Boston Neighborhoods: Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South End, North End, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, West Roxbury, Charlestown, South Boston.
• Surrounding Cities: Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton, Quincy, Medford, Arlington, Waltham.

FAQ: Windows in Boston

Do I need a permit to replace windows in Boston?

For a simple, same-size window replacement, a Short Form permit is often all that's needed from the Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD). However, projects in homes governed by the Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC) require a separate, more detailed review and Certificate of Appropriateness before any work begins.

How do I get a Mass Save rebate?

The process starts with a no-cost home energy assessment. A certified window contractor can then install qualifying ENERGY STAR windows. They will provide the necessary paperwork for you to submit to the Mass Save program, which can result in thousands of dollars in rebates.

Can I use vinyl windows in a historic district?

Generally, no. Boston's historic districts are very strict, and the BLC almost always requires wood windows that match the original architectural appearance. Fiberglass is sometimes considered on a case-by-case basis, but vinyl is typically rejected outright.

How do I verify a contractor's license in Massachusetts?

All home improvement contractors must be registered with the state. You can verify their license number and check for complaints on the official Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Program website. Always ensure they have HIC registration and proper insurance.

My home was built before 1978. What about lead paint?

This is a critical safety consideration in Boston. Any reputable contractor working on older homes must be EPA Lead-Safe Certified. This means they are trained to follow strict Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rules, which include containing the work area, minimizing dust, and using specialized HEPA vacuums to ensure the safety of you and your family during the project.

What are triple-pane windows, and are they worth it in Boston?

Triple-pane windows have three layers of glass instead of the standard two, with gas (like Argon) filling the spaces between them. For the Boston climate, they offer the ultimate in insulation and soundproofing. While they have a higher upfront cost, they can be worth it if your goal is maximum energy efficiency to combat our cold winters or to dramatically reduce city noise.

My current windows are always foggy. Will new windows do that?

That fog you see is condensation trapped between the panes of glass, which means the seal has failed. This cannot be repaired; the window must be replaced. New, high-performance windows have advanced, durable seals that prevent this failure. You may occasionally see condensation on the outside of the glass on a cool morning or the inside, but the view itself will remain clear.

How long does a typical window installation take?

A professional crew is remarkably efficient. For an average project of about 10 windows in a Boston triple-decker or single-family home, the entire on-site installation is usually completed in just 1 to 2 days. They work by replacing one window at a time, ensuring your home is never left open to the weather for more than a few minutes.

Get Your Free Boston Window Quote

Don't suffer through another drafty winter or sweltering summer. Whether you're navigating a historic commission review in Back Bay or simply trying to lower your Eversource bill in West Roxbury, Mr. Remodel is your direct link to Boston's most trusted window experts.

Ready to bring modern comfort to your classic home? Request Your Free Quote Today.