Sash cord replacement typically costs $150-$450 per window, with an average near $275 when a contractor replaces cords on one double-hung sash and restores normal operation. Window size, stuck or painted joints, access to the weight pockets, and local labor rates can push a repair higher.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-window cord replacement | $150 | $275 | $450 | Typical contractor repair, including labor and cord |
| Per sash | $100 | $200 | $350 | Price depends on sash access and number of cords |
| DIY materials | $10 | $25 | $50 | Cord, fasteners, and basic supplies; tools extra |
| Multiple-window project | $400 | $900 | $1,800 | About 3-6 windows, with possible volume savings |
What a double-hung window cord repair usually costs
For a standard wood double-hung window, expect roughly $150-$450 to replace the cords on one sash. A simple repair with clear access may land near $150-$225; replacing cords on both upper and lower sashes or addressing worn pulleys can bring the total to $300-$600. Historic windows, difficult access, or repairs to the sash itself can exceed that range.
Rates generally assume ordinary residential access, replacement cord suited to the sash, and no major wood repair or repainting. Contractors may quote per window, per sash, or by labor time. Assumptions: standard wood window, ordinary access, and typical U.S. contractor rates. For a basic one-sash repair, $200-$350 is a practical budgeting range.
How cord, labor, and pulley work appear on a quote
The cord itself is inexpensive; most of the charge covers opening the sash, accessing the weight pockets, fitting the new cord, and testing the balance. A written estimate should clarify whether both sides are included and whether it covers pulley service, cleanup, and reassembly.
| Quote component | Typical price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement cord and fasteners | $5-$25 per window | Appropriate sash cord and attachment hardware |
| Removal and reinstallation labor | $100-$300 | Taking out the sash and securing replacement cords |
| Pulley cleaning or minor service | $15-$75 | Cleaning, lubrication, or small adjustments |
| Wood or sash repairs | $50-$250 | Small repairs to damaged joints or cord attachment points |
| Paint or finish touch-up | $25-$150 | Limited touch-up after access or reassembly |
Labor commonly runs about $75-$150 per hour, but many contractors apply a minimum service charge of $125-$250. The cord may cost only a few dollars per side, but the work can require careful disassembly and balancing.
Why sash size, paint, and pocket access change the price
Large or heavy sashes need stronger cord and more careful balancing. Windows wider than about 36 inches or taller than 60 inches may take longer to remove and reset than a small sash. Replacing cords on both sashes can roughly double the cord work, though not always the setup time.
Painted-shut edges, brittle glazing, or blocked access panels add labor and increase the chance of finish damage. A window with sealed weight pockets may require additional carpentry, while a broken pulley or missing counterweight turns a cord-only job into a broader repair. Ask whether the estimate includes both sides of each sash and any pulley or wood repairs discovered after opening the window.
How to lower the sash cord replacement bill
Grouping several windows in one visit can reduce the effective cost per window by avoiding repeated travel and setup charges. Prepare a list of every affected window, note whether the upper sash also slips, and request one quote that separates cord replacement from optional finish work.
Keep the scope to functional repair if matching paint or stain is not essential. Avoid authorizing new pulleys or full refinishing unless inspection shows they are needed. For a straightforward window, DIY can save labor, but it involves handling a heavy sash and working around counterweights; damaged glass or fragile historic trim may make professional service the safer choice. Compare itemized quotes for the same number of sashes, cords, and included repairs rather than choosing on the total alone.
How long a contractor needs for each window
A clear-access repair often takes about 1-2 hours per sash, including removal, cord installation, and testing. A complete double-hung window with two sashes may take 2-4 hours. Paint removal, stuck fasteners, weight-pocket repairs, or careful work on historic trim can extend the visit to half a day or longer.
At $75-$150 per labor hour, a two-hour repair represents $150-$300 in labor before materials, travel, or minimum charges. Confirm whether the contractor bills by the hour or uses a per-window rate, and ask how extra repair time is approved.
When pulley, weight, or wood repairs add charges
Cord failure is not always the only problem. A seized pulley may need cleaning or replacement, while a missing or mismatched counterweight can prevent the sash from staying open even after new cord is installed. Minor pulley service may add $15-$75; replacing a pulley or correcting a weight problem can add roughly $50-$200 per window, depending on access and parts.
Rotted wood, loose joints, cracked glass, or damaged sash corners require separate pricing. Small carpentry repairs often add $50-$250, while extensive restoration can exceed $300. Request a call or written approval before work expands beyond the cord replacement in the original quote.
How regional labor rates affect a multi-window project
Contractor rates in large coastal cities and high-cost metro areas can be about 15%-30% above a typical national estimate. Smaller towns and rural areas may run 5%-15% below metropolitan pricing, although travel fees or limited contractor availability can erase those savings. Older homes in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic markets may also need more delicate trim and paint work.
For example, replacing cords on four standard windows might cost $600-$1,200 in a lower-cost market and $800-$1,500 in a high-cost city. Complex historic windows can exceed those figures. Use local written quotes for the same window count and repair scope to make a meaningful comparison.