What window installation includes with Top Sash
When we replace your windows, the price covers the whole job. No surprise add-ons on install day.
- The windows. Custom-made to fit your openings to a fraction of an inch.
- Removal and disposal. We take the old sashes, weights, and storm windows away.
- Lead-safe work practices on any home built before 1978.
- Insulation and air sealing around each new window. On older homes, that’s often the empty weight pockets that let cold air pour in.
- Interior and exterior trim, caulk, and cleanup.
- The building permit. Massachusetts treats window replacement as an energy code project, so a permit is required. We pull it with the Waltham Building Department (or your town’s office) and handle the inspection.
What might cost extra: rotted framing we find once the old window is out, changing the size of an opening, or new exterior trim on a house with damaged siding. We’ll tell you before we touch it.
Shop by window style
Pick the style that fits the room, how you want it to open, and the look of your house.
Double-Hung Replacement Windows
The classic New England window. Both sashes slide up and down and tilt in for cleaning. Right for most Colonials, Capes, and Victorians.
Casement Windows
Hinged on the side, opens with a crank. Seals tight when closed and catches side breezes. Great over a kitchen sink.
Bay & Bow Windows
Three or more windows that push out from the wall. More light, more space, and a spot for a window seat.
Sliding / Double-Slider Windows
Sashes glide side to side. Good for wide, short openings and basements.
Awning & Hopper Windows
Awnings hinge at the top so you can leave them open in the rain. Hoppers hinge at the bottom and are common in basements.
Picture & Specialty Shape Windows
Fixed glass for big views, plus arches, circles, and custom shapes.
Tilt & Turn Windows
Opens two ways from one handle. A European design with a very tight seal.
Basement & Egress Windows
Brighter basements, plus egress windows and window wells sized for a safe way out of a bedroom.
Shop by frame material
The frame is the biggest driver of price, looks, and how long your windows last.
Vinyl Replacement Windows
The best value. No painting, ever. We install ProVia Endure and ProVia EcoLite, both made by ProVia in Ohio.
Fiberglass Replacement Windows
Stronger and more stable than vinyl. Marvin Essential and Elevate use Ultrex fiberglass. Andersen's 100 Series and A-Series use Fibrex composite.
Wood & Clad-Wood Windows
Real wood inside, low-maintenance cladding outside. Marvin Ultimate is our go-to for historic homes. Andersen 400 Series and E-Series work here too.
Energy, sound, and older homes
The right glass and the right window for the house you live in.
Energy-Efficient Windows
ENERGY STAR windows with double-pane or triple-pane Low-E glass and argon or krypton gas. Built for Climate Zone 5 winters.
Soundproof Windows
Laminated sound glass for busy streets. On a Coolidge Corner job, it raised the sound rating (STC) from 27 to 30.
Historic Window Replacement
New windows that keep the original look of Colonials, Capes, and Victorians, including homes in historic districts.
The brands we install
We keep our lineup tight on purpose. We’d rather know
three great brands inside and out than sell ten.
Marvin
A family-owned window maker since 1912. We install all three Marvin collections: Essential (Ultrex fiberglass inside and out, Marvin’s most affordable line), Elevate (fiberglass outside, wood inside), and Ultimate (premium clad-wood with the most exterior colors, built for historic and high-end homes). Marvin is our top pick for older Colonials in Brookline, Newton, and Waltham.
ProVia
We’re an Official ProVia dealer and carry all four ProVia window lines: EcoLite, Aspect, Endure, and Aeris. Endure is our go-to. It’s premium vinyl with the most color choices and a lifetime limited warranty that transfers to the next owner. Have your own builder? As a dealer, we can also supply ProVia products without installation.
Andersen
We’re an Andersen Certified Contractor and install the full Andersen line: the 100 Series (Fibrex composite), 200 and 400 Series (wood inside, low-maintenance vinyl cladding outside), and the architectural A-Series and E-Series. A great fit if your home already has Andersen windows and you want replacements that match.
Not sure which one fits your house or budget?
We’ll bring samples and quote your options side by side.
Need new doors too?
We also supply and install ProVia entry and storm doors, plus ProVia and Marvin sliding patio doors. Many homeowners do both in one project.
What does window replacement cost?
Every house is different, so we don’t post one-size-fits-all prices. A small basement window and a 10-foot bow window are very different jobs. Here’s what moves the number.
What moves the price
- The size of each window and how many you’re doing
- The product line: Marvin, Andersen, or ProVia, and which series
- Insert vs. full-frame install
- What we find once the old window is out: rot, worn trim, or missing stops
- Exterior trim: PVC, aluminum wrap, or keeping your existing trim
- Exterior color, grilles, and hardware finishes
- Glass upgrades like triple-pane or laminated sound glass
- The building permit
That’s why we come out and look before we quote. Then we match the window to your house, your expectations, and your budget.
Making it easier
Insert or full-frame replacement?
There are two ways to replace a window. We’ll tell you which one your house needs.
Insert replacement
Also called pocket replacement. We keep your existing frame and trim and fit a new window inside it. It's faster, cleaner, and costs less. About 70% of our jobs are inserts.
Full-frame replacement
We take the whole window out, down to the rough opening (the framed hole in the wall). Then we flash, insulate, and set a brand-new window and frame. We do this when the old frame is rotted, out of square, or when you want a different size or style.
Our window replacement process
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Free in-home consultation
We look at every window, talk about your goals, and show you samples.
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Precise measuring
Every window is measured by hand and checked for square.
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Ordering
Your windows are made to order. Plan on about 5 to 6 weeks.
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Permit
We file it with your town while the windows are being built.
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Install day
Most homes are done in 1 to 2 days. We cover floors and furniture, contain dust, and clean up every night.
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Walkthrough and support
We check every window with you, show you how to tilt and clean them, and register your warranty.
Trust the Process.
Love the Result.
Live the Dream.
Installation is an art. Every home is a little different, so our 5-star-rated crews take the time to get each window right, with real care for your home.
Energy savings and Climate Zone 5
Waltham sits in IECC Climate Zone 5, which is code-speak for “cold winters.” Here, the windows that matter most are the ones that keep heat in.
Quick note: the federal tax credit for windows ended December 31, 2025. Mass Save is the incentive to use in 2026.
Look for a low U-factor
U-factor measures how fast heat escapes through the window. Lower is better. ENERGY STAR's current Northern-zone standard asks for a U-factor of 0.22 or lower. An old single-pane window can be four or five times worse than that.
Our standard glass package
Double-pane Low-E glass with argon gas. Low-E is a microscopically thin metal coating that bounces heat back into the room while still letting light through. Argon is a harmless, clear gas sealed between the panes that slows heat loss.
Want even more?
Step up to triple-pane glass with krypton gas between the panes. Krypton insulates better than argon in the narrow gaps of a triple-pane unit, so it's a good pick for the coldest rooms or the windward side of the house.
Lead-safe window replacement for older homes
Waltham has a lot of homes built before 1978, especially around Prospect Hill, the South Side, and the Bleachery. Old window frames are one of the most common places to find lead paint, and taking them out creates dust.
We're a Massachusetts Lead-Safe Renovation Contractor (LR4694) and an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm (NAT-F251059-1). That means plastic containment, HEPA vacuums, careful cleanup, and a crew trained to do it right. Your kids and pets stay safe.
Recent window projects
Chestnut Hill, MA: 1929 Colonial
The old windows were single-pane wood with ropes, weights, and storms. The homeowners wanted to keep the home’s original look. Elevate gave them real wood inside and a fiberglass exterior that won’t rot.
Coolidge Corner historic district, Brookline, MA: 1922 Colonial
Out went the old single-pane aluminum windows. In went Ultimate windows with laminated sound glass, which raised the sound rating (STC) from 27 to 30.
Contemporary home: Andersen casements
Dark-framed Andersen casement and picture windows with crisp white trim, set into navy vertical siding. Inside, the wide glass keeps the view open to the yard.
“I just wanted to tell you how much we’re enjoying our windows. They are beautiful, for starters, and we are living in this lovely, quiet, cool bubble right now. It may be hot outside but it’s in the 70s in our place. So happy that you helped us to create this nice space.”
Coolidge Corner homeowner, Marvin Ultimate project
“Perfectly pleased with the attentive service, the professionalism of everyone from sales personnel to carpenters, and the quality and appearance of the 16 new windows Viva installed. We highly recommend the company. Months later the company re-branded under the new name Top Sash Windows & Doors and installed a large custom shaped window high up on a wall at a peaked ceiling. Once again everyone did an excellent job. All timelines were met, the installation crew was courteous and efficient, and the installation went smoothly. Cost was low compared to national chains/franchises, and quality seems excellent. We will certainly use Top Sash Windows & Doors again for future needs.”
★★★★★ Hugh C., Google review
Top Sash was formerly VIVA Windows: same owner, new name.
“We’re a 5-star rated hard-working team that is eager to meet our next customer.”
Schedule a consultation
Where we replace windows
Based in Waltham, we serve homes in Warrendale, Piety Corner, Cedarwood, the Highlands, and every neighborhood in between.
We also work across:
Window installation FAQs
How much does it cost to replace windows in Waltham, MA?
There’s no one price, because every house is different. The final number depends on the window size, the product line and series, insert or full-frame install, any rot we find once the old window is out, exterior trim and color, and glass upgrades. A small basement window and a large custom unit can be very different jobs. That’s why we come to every home, look at each window, and quote it in writing. We’ve been doing this a long time, and our goal is a solution that fits your house, your expectations, and your budget. We also offer 18 months 0% financing.
Do I need a permit to replace windows in Waltham?
Yes. Massachusetts treats window replacement as an energy conservation project under the state building code, so a building permit is required. We always recommend pulling one, and most of our jobs are permitted. Top Sash pulls the permit with the Waltham Building Department and handles the inspection. You don’t have to do anything. If you’re in another town, we file with that town’s building office.
How long does window replacement take?
Most homes are done in 1 to 2 days once the windows arrive. A big job, like 41 windows on a 1922 Colonial in Brookline, took us 3 days. Custom windows take about 5 to 6 weeks to build after we measure, so plan ahead if you want them in before winter.
What's the best replacement window for a Massachusetts winter?
Look for an ENERGY STAR window rated for the Northern zone, with double-pane Low-E glass and argon gas, or triple-pane with krypton for the coldest rooms. The current Northern standard calls for a U-factor of 0.22 or lower. Marvin, Andersen, and ProVia all offer glass packages that work well in Climate Zone 5. We’ll help you pick the right one for your budget.
Are there rebates for new windows in Massachusetts in 2026?
Yes. Mass Save offers $75 per window when you replace single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR Most Efficient windows rated for the north region. You need a Mass Save Home Energy Assessment first. The federal window tax credit ended December 31, 2025, so it does not apply to 2026 installs.
Should I replace all my windows at once?
Not always. Doing it all at once can save on setup and gets you the full energy benefit sooner. But many homeowners phase it, starting with the draftiest rooms or the side of the house that faces the wind. We’ll help you plan a phase order that makes sense.
What's the difference between insert and full-frame replacement?
An insert window fits inside your existing frame, so your trim stays put. It’s faster and costs less. Full-frame replacement removes everything down to the studs so we can fix rot, add flashing, and insulate the whole opening. About 70% of our jobs are inserts.
Is window replacement safe in a house with lead paint?
Yes, when it’s done by a certified firm. Top Sash is a Massachusetts Lead-Safe Renovation Contractor (LR4694) and an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm. We contain the work area, use HEPA vacuums, and clean and verify before we leave. This matters for any home built before 1978.
Can you match the look of my older home?
Yes. Marvin Elevate and Ultimate and Andersen’s 400 Series, A-Series, and E-Series come with wood interiors, simulated divided lites (grilles that look like old-style separate panes), and colors that fit Colonials and Victorians. We’ve done this in historic districts like Coolidge Corner.
Can I get privacy or decorative glass?
Yes. Ask about obscure (frosted) glass for bathrooms and street-facing rooms, or decorative glass for a stair or entry window. Options vary by brand and line, so we’ll show you what’s available for the windows you pick.
Was Top Sash formerly VIVA Windows?
Yes. Same owner, new name. You’ll see some of our older Google reviews under VIVA Windows.
Ready for new windows?
Get a free, no-pressure estimate at your home. We’ll measure, show you Marvin, Andersen, and ProVia side by side, and give you a clear price.
Serving Waltham and 19 nearby towns · 18 months 0% financing · Licensed, insured, Lead-Safe certified