Many people wish to change their windows, but as glass prices may be of concern they ask themselves ‘how much do replacement windows cost?’ New windows can be very cost-effective. They can reduce your fuel bills and carbon footprint as well as increase the value, security and appearance of your home – find out about the cost of new windows.
The cost of new windows may put some people off initially, but when you consider the benefits they bring you, you may want to reassess. You can answer the question of new windows and how much they cost easily below.
in this article
Why install new windows
Save money: According to Energy Saving Trust states by simply replacing your old single-glazed windows with new B – rated double glazing, you could save a significant amount of money every year.
Quiet: Along with maintaining your house warmer, installing new windows will reduce noise pollution.
Carbon footprint: If you are concerned about the environment, then installing newer energy-efficient windows will be an excellent choice, as you will use less fuel and generating less of the co2 that leads to global warming, normally 680kg a year.
Heat: Newer windows tend to be more energy-efficient and so will be better keeping the heat where it belongs, inside your house. This means that the home will stay warmer for longer, meaning less demand for central heating.
Cost of New Windows
The cost of a new window is determined by the type of window you’re after (frame material, glass panel) and how many frames you need to replace. The cost of new windows or replacement window costs can vary significantly from the discount windows also widely available on the market. Nevertheless, budgeting is an important part of planning the cost of windows for your home.
Factors affecting new window cost
The cost of replacing windows with new models will vary according to several factors, including the size of your frames (height x length); what type of glass you want (single or double glazing, low-E UV resilience etc.); what material the casement is made from (including the colour and style); and whereabouts in the UK you live (prices tend to be a bit more expensive in cities, especially around London).
In addition to the cost of new windows you will buy, you’ll also have to factor in the installation cost. While this is something you could do yourself, it’s best to hire a professional to fit your new windows for you. Installers registered with a self-assessment scheme like FENSA will also be able to provide you with a certificate to prove your windows meet building regulation standards.
DIY window installation
If you choose to self-install, you’ll have to pay for an inspector to come and check your windows comply. Installation costs vary from company to company and depending on what area of the country you live in. Installers may charge a fixed fee for installing all windows, charge an hourly rate or a per window rate.
Get deals
To make sure you get the best deal, you should compare several different quotes from at least three separate contractors who specialize in new windows; each of them will be able to offer specific details about your particular requirements – and if possible, even send out a surveyor for an (often free) preliminary inspection of the windows on your property. So long as you build a good rapport with your chosen employer and check all references and qualifications beforehand, you are sure to find the right new window price for you.
The average cost of new windows
The average window replacement cost is around £400 per window. The table below presents the average prices for the most popular types of windows per unit, including VAT and installation costs:
| Material / Window type | Casement | Sash |
|---|---|---|
| uPVC | £150 – £900 | £730 – £1,100 |
| Wooden | £700 – £1,500 | £1,100 – £1,900 |
| Aluminium | £540 – £960 | £1,200 |
On average, expect to pay around £2,200 for a flat with four Upvc windows and around £5,500 for a property with 10 windows. For a 4-bed house, you usually have to spend over £7,500 to fit new double-glazed windows. The final cost will always depend on the size and number of windows and the material you use for the window frames. The better frames and glasses you use for your new windows, the higher the cost.
Factors influencing replacement cost
The cost of replacing windows will depend on the size and the material, as wooden frames are more expensive than uPVC frames, but many people prefer the look of timber frames. The final decision on replacing your windows is up to you, and you will need to choose what you can afford and what will suit the look of your home. Expect to pay anywhere from £400 to £1,500.
Understanding the costs behind window replacement
To understand the costs behind installing replacement windows, you have to consider both salary and materials. You will generally pay a tradesperson £150 per day, and if they require the help of a labourer, that will cost on average an additional £100 per day.
If the glass replacement job requires scaffolding, it will cost at least an extra £175 per day. On top of this, you have to take into account the actual cost of the glass replacement. So if you have just one single glazed window pane to be replaced, it will cost on average £100 for the tradesperson to supply and fit the new pane of glass; this cost will usually involve a clean-up.
Replacement window costs
The UK’s average double glazing prices may vary from year to year, as will the cost of replacement windows can change according to where you live, how many windows you’re replacing, and what shape, size, and type of frames you choose.
Window replacement varies greatly, ranging from £400 to £1,500 depending on several factors such as the size, style, and material of the window to be replaced. Take into account that you or your contractor may need to rent scaffolding to complete the window replacement, so you must add this to the glass cost.
How much do specialist windows cost?
Specialist windows will usually cost considerably more to replace as the work is more highly skilled and the materials more costly. A stained glass window usually costs between £50 and £130 per square metre to replace. A sash window costs quite a considerable amount, on average £1,300 per window replacement, which is £600 more expensive than a Upvc window, which only costs approximately £700 per window.
I want my home to be more energy-efficient. What should I do?
It would help if you considered replacing windows with double glazing for a more energy-efficient house as they will keep the cold out and the heat in. If you replace all standard windows with double glazing, you could save from £35 to up to £155 on your yearly energy bills.
Double glazing on existing sash windows will cost you from £500 – £800 per window, while when installing double glazing by using your existing Upvc frames, the cost starts only from £250 per window. Of course, the size of the window ultimately determines the replacement cost of a window.
The table below shows the yearly savings on heating bills for double glazing.
| Energy rating | Detached | Semi-detached | Mid terrace | Bungalow | Mid-floor flat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-rated | £120-155 | £80-110 | £65-85 | £55-75 | £40-55 |
| B rated | £110-140 | £75-100 | £60-80 | £50-70 | £35-55 |
| Crated | £105-135 | £75-95 | £60-75 | £50-65 | £35-50 |
Who should fit my replacement windows?
If you live in England and Wales, the best way to make sure that your replacement windows are fitted properly and to regulation standards you will need to choose a window fitter who is registered with one of the official Competent Person schemes FENSA, Certass or Network Veka Installers. Window installers registered with one of these will give you a certificate when they have finished saying that the windows have been fitted in compliance with all regulations. If you don’t use a registered installer, you will have to seek building control approval before window installation.
Replacement window glass price
Are you wondering, ‘how much does glass cost?’ Well, the cost of simply replacing a pane of window glass will vary depending on the size and quality of the glass, including whether it’s double glazed. On average, supplying and fitting a new glass panel can cost from £50- £200.
Window screen replacement costs
You can place a screen over the window or doors to act as a barrier/ filter. Window screens can protect against insects, for example, or stop pets from escaping while keeping the windows and doors open.
So, how much does a new window screen cost? Window screens will cost on average £40 to £80 each, depending on what type you choose.
Window Styles & Prices
uPVC windows installation costs
uPVC windows are a popular choice because they’re cheaper than other materials such as wood and aluminium but are incredibly durable, strong, low maintenance and long-lasting. However, cheap uPVC windows and doors may not suit period properties, and many people don’t find uPVC as aesthetically pleasing as other materials. Upvc window installation prices range from £350 to £500 per window.
Double Glazing windows installation costs
Double-glazed windows have two sheets of glass with a gap in between them, which creates an insulating barrier to keep heat inside. The difference between double and triple-glazed windows is that there are three sheets of glass with triple-glazed, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they are better at keeping your home insulated.
In order to choose the best windows for your home, it is recommended that you look for the BFRC rating and the Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo. Energy-efficient windows come in a variety of frame materials and styles, which may make it difficult for you to choose the best one for you
Double glazing options
Double glazing windows also come in a range of different styles, sizes, shapes and patterns, and can be specifically tailored to the material of your frame – so prices between wooden window frame double glazing and uPVC frame double glazing will also differ depending on your chosen service provider.
You should also make sure you check for all references and qualifications (including liability insurance) before signing on the dotted line – that way, you won’t have to worry about being left with a half-completed job that isn’t likely to be finished any time soon!
Cost of double glazed windows
Well, double glazed window prices vary depending on the size of the window frame and the quality of the panel you choose, not to mention how many windows in your property need updating in the first place. For the uPVC casement window, expect to pay between £250 and £500. Sash prices are twice higher, so estimate from £500 to £100 per window.
Sash windows installation costs
Sash windows are popular in period properties and may look great, but the reality is that they’re often badly fitted and almost always single pane. This can result in a cold, draughty home and extortionate heating bills if you want to install new sash windows though you can get double glazed units fitted and sealed. Still, this can be pricey.
Cost of sash window installation & replacement
On average, to install a new double glazed sash window, expect to pay around £1,300.
Simply repairing or restoring sash windows can be expensive, depending on what state they are in, and the cost entailed is typically more than the average cost of windows and doors:
Sash windows repairs and replacements usually cost between £500 and £1,300.
Bay windows installation costs
Bay windows are a popular design feature associated with the Victorian period; they also provide extra light and seating and make the room appear larger. Prices for bay windows are as follows:
New bay windows can cost from £2,000 to £8,000 per window to install, depending on the frame used, the type of glazing and the construction of your property.
Upgrading existing bay windows with double glazing costs from £1,000 to £3,000
Wooden windows installation costs
Wooden window frames are more eco-friendly to produce, are naturally insulating, look attractive and are especially suited to period properties. You can also easily customise wooden frames by painting or carving them. However, they do require regular maintenance to avoid rotting or warping. A double glazed wooden sash window will cost around £550 to £650.
Cheap wooden window frames
Wooden window frames may look great, but people wonder about the cost of new windows and doors made from wood as they can also be more expensive than materials like uPVC. There are, however, some ways you can get your wooden window frames cheaper:
You can pick up second-hand wooden window frames for between £150 and £200 if you do proper research and look for bargains.
Dormer window costs
Dormer windows are installed in lofts and are similar to skylights. Prices for dormer windows will vary depending on how big they are; installation prices also depend on where in the country you live on average -a single dormer window costs around £920. However, you are likely to pay between £600 and £1250 for single unit installation.
Triple glazing costs
Triple glazing means adding a third pane of glass to a window frame which creates two insulating air barriers between the inside and outside of your home. Triple glazing can reduce heat loss through your windows by a third more than double glazing and is popular in frigid countries like Canada. On average, triple glazing could cost you around £500 per window.
Automatic window openers
Automatic window openers are the epitome of convenience. You don’t have to get up from your seat to open or close the window! You can do so at the press of a button, a voice command to Alexa, or have them automatically close based on the room temperature!
New versus. replacement windows
Replacement Windows
Replacement windows are designed to change a current window. The system they have installed means they don’t become a ‘part of the home’, unlike a fresh construction new window.
New Windows
Even though your home isn’t new, nonetheless you can install new windows. The distinction between the two is that building windows requires a partial dismantling of your home’s exterior and a complete rebuild of the area around the window. Although this is more work, the result is a fully customized, well-fitted window.
Building regulations for windows
Beyond the considerations of general glass cost, or the cost of replacing a window panel in isolation, if you live in a listed building or conservation area, it’s best to ask your local building authority about updating your windows, as there may be restrictions.
All new windows in the UK must meet government thermal standards to ensure they are as eco-friendly as possible. So, when you’re choosing new windows, look for ones with a good BFRC rating (between A and G); the Energy Saving Trust also carries a recommended logo for windows that meet the BRFC rating B or above.
The easiest way to ensure that you adhere to building regulations is to hire an installer registered with a self-assessment scheme such as FENSA or CERTASS; they will provide you with a certificate to confirm that your windows meet regulations and inform your local authority of this. If you do not hire a registered window installer, you’ll need to build regulation from your local building authority instead.
What to look for in a Window Installer
Sensible Planning – first of all, you need to find a professional contractor who understands exactly what they’re doing. Before they even get you to sign for the service, they should have carried out a preliminary inspection to see if and how your new window model will fit with the existing frames and decide whether additional construction work might be necessary. They should also check that they have your chosen design in stock, and if not, be prepared to order it in time for the planned installation period.
Flexibility – a good window installer should also be able to work around your schedule. They should put on a tentative time limit for the project. They shouldn’t be juggling too many other demands while simultaneously trying to install your windows – make sure they value you as a customer and aren’t quickly distracted by other more important priorities.
Good Rapport – one of the most important things is to build a good relationship with your
chosen contractor. Whether you’ve hired a self-employed window installer or someone from the various window companies that offer similar services, you need to be able to talk frankly about your plans and ideas and not be afraid to approach them if you feel things aren’t moving fast enough or the chosen design isn’t working out. The sooner you talk, the quicker they’ll be able to take the appropriate course of action and limit the amount of time and money wasted on windows you don’t even want.
Fair Pricing and Fees – most contractors might ask for a small deposit, but the company should cover generally up-front material costs. If they do require immediate payment, check and re-check all the contract information with your solicitor to be certain you aren’t be conned out of a significant sum of money – and if you still aren’t comfortable parting with your cash, abandon talks/relations with the contractor and hire somebody else – you’ll probably save a lot of time in the long run.
Insurance and Liability – most window installers and contractors are affiliated with FENSA – the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme. Established by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), this project aims to regulate standards for window installation and make sure all window regulations are being complied with – so homeowners can be sure of a top-quality job at a fair price. To guarantee your deposit (usually through a Deposit Indemnity Protection Scheme) and make sure your windows comply with all the current thermal and structural standards set out by your local authority, always go with a FENSA registered installer.
References
Double glazing windows advice – http://www.which.co.uk/reviews/double-glazing/article/guides
Energy-efficient windows – http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/home-energy-efficiency/energy-efficient-windows
Double glazing prices – http://www.mylocalprices.co.uk/cost-guide/double-glazing-prices/
Double glazing costs – http://www.theecoexperts.co.uk/double-glazing-costs
Double glazing sales and quotes – http://www.which.co.uk/reviews/double-glazing/article/how-to-buy-double-glazing/double-glazing-sales-and-quotes