Replacing windows in your home can seem like a lot of hassle, especially as there’s a multitude of choices for you to pick from – from style and material to whether you opt for double or triple glazing.
Getting double glazing with uPVC frames fitted into the average 3 bedroom property will cost between £3,000 and £5,000. However, in order to get the most competitive price on new windows, it’s advised that you secure at least two quotes to ensure you are getting a fair and competitive price.
Whilst there’s no standard price for window replacement, there are a few things that can add a decent chunk to the price. This guide will talk you through everything to do with window prices in 2021 and the reasons you should seriously consider new windows for your home.
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How Much Does it Cost to Replace Windows?
The amount that you will be looking to pay to fully replace your windows will vary dramatically depending on a variety of factors. From styles and materials to installation and labour costs, you may not find the average cost to actually be very accurate.
Generally, the below table illustrates how much a double-glazed window will cost:
| Frame Material | 600 x 900mm | 900 x 1200mm | 1200 x 1200mm |
| uPVC | £250 – £400 | £400 – £600 | £650 – £900 |
| Aluminium | £550 – £700 | £650 – £800 | £750 – £1000 |
| Timber | £850 – £1000 | £1200 – £1400 | £1350 – £1500 |
You will certainly need an installer to visit your home to give you an accurate quote for your windows, as otherwise, you could end up with a window that exceeds your budget.
It’s important to ensure that you have a budget in mind and stick to it when deciding on which windows you would like in your home – obviously, the more windows that you are replacing, the higher the budget will need to be.
On top of this, you’ll need to decide whether double or triple glazing could benefit your home – this could add anywhere up to 30% onto the cost of the price of windows, which will hike up the price dramatically if you are opting to replace every window on the property.
Which are the cheapest window styles?
There are plenty of window styles to choose from, and this can, of course, affect the price of your window. It’s important that you choose a window to flatter your home and to look good, but to also fit your budget, and luckily there’s a style of the window at most price points.
Sash windows Prices
Sash windows have a certain charm that works well on period properties. They have small planes of glass that are separated by a sash-looking glazing bar and open by sliding the glass pane up and down.
They’re relatively cheap, often costing between £500-£900 and have plenty of benefits that could mean they are a great option for your home.
Because they’re usually crafted from timber, sash windows are the top choice for homes in conservation areas – especially on Georgian and Edwardian buildings. As well as this, these windows don’t have hinges, which means that they can’t slam shut, preventing damage to the glass.
Bay windows Costs
Bay windows are arguably one of the most attractive types of window on the market, protruding outwards from the property and giving panoramic views of the outside world. There are three types of bay windows: box, bow, and circle, and each of these give a slightly different look to the property.
Whilst these windows are visually appealing and can help to open up the home, making it feel more spacious, they are often more expensive, costing between £1000-£2400. They are also trickier to install than other types of windows, which can mean that the installation cost is expensive.
Check out our complete guide on the price of new windows, if you want a rough idea of how much you can expect to pay (including installation). You can also read about the various window styles available, as well as double glazing, triple glazing and decorative windows.
Casement windows Costs
As one of the most popular window choices in the UK, you will recognise casement windows as the standard, hinged on one side windows that swing outwards to open. Not only are these windows cheap – often costing as little as £150 – but they have lots of design options, making them customisable for your home.
These windows have plenty of positives: they are versatile, suiting most materials and designs; they have great insulation properties as they are fully sealed when shut, and these windows are simple and reliable.
The only real drawback of these windows is that they don’t suit all properties – for example, on a period property, a bay window often suits the building far more than a casement window.
Dual turn window Prices
Dual turn windows are made of two separate sections, each with their own handle which controls the motion, and they tilt as they turn outwards to open.
These windows look good, allow for effective ventilation, and can be cleaned easily, but they can fluctuate in cost between £500-£2000, depending on the size and materials used. They are a great option for replacing your windows, however, if your budget allows.
Tilt and turn window Prices
Tilt and turn windows open inwards from the top of the window, which is not only safer for homes with children in but also means that they are easier to clean.
These types of windows take up very little space, which is great for smaller rooms like utilities or bathrooms, but they are also great for insulation as they are air-sealed when shut. Tilt and turn windows are mid-range in terms of price, costing around £500, although they have plenty of benefits which justify this price.
What are the cheapest window frames?
When picking new windows, the material used will also affect the overall price. There’s a material for every budget, from cheaper uPVC to expensive timber frames. Some of the most popular materials to use include:
uPVC Window Prices
Because it’s one of the cheapest materials for window frames, many people in the UK opt for uPVC windows – it’s also almost always used on new build homes. The main draws of this material include its low maintenance, price, and fairly attractive design. Although, these windows are not as long-lasting as some of the others on the market.
Aluminium Window Prices
Aluminium is a versatile material that’s not only strong and durable but also lets natural light filter into the home effectively, in turn reducing the need to turn your heating on prematurely.
Whilst aluminium windows are incredibly popular, they are more expensive than uPVC and, without proper (albeit simple) maintenance, the frames can become water damaged, which leads to rust and stains on the window. This can sometimes mean that they don’t last as long as other types of windows, although this can be avoided if they are cared for properly.
Timber Window Prices
Timber is probably the most attractive window material, and especially popular with those living in a period property. This is because it has a certain charm that is near impossible to replicate with uPVC or aluminium. Timber is also great in the winter as it is brilliant at retaining heat in the home, although, often costs more as a result.
Composite window Prices
Composite windows are a popular choice for UK homeowners as they combine the best qualities of two materials, which results in a strong, durable window that looks great. These windows are usually made from timber and aluminium – combining timber’s attractiveness with the strength of aluminium cladding, these windows are light and high-quality.
The main benefits of composite windows include:
- They are incredibly strong and long-lasting
- Great insulation properties – they help the home to retain heat which can help to save you money on your heating bills over time
- They have great environmental benefits as they can help rooms in your home that struggle to retain heat, like conservatories, to heat up without increasing the energy used
- These windows are very low maintenance, just requiring a wipe down occasionally
- Because they are a combination of materials, the design and style possibilities are endless
Whilst these types of windows have plenty of positives, they are usually far more expensive than others, although they are the best option for most homes.
Why Should I Replace My Windows?
Windows are made to last a long time, often anywhere up to 50 years. However, there are some reasons why it might be beneficial to replace the windows on your home before this, including:
Are your windows old and worn?
If your windows are worn out or showing signs of damage, it’s probably time to replace them.
This is particularly relevant if you have timber windows as if they begin to rot, it is incredibly difficult to rescue them, and replacing them is often the best thing to do.
Are your windows soundproof?
Windows should act as a sound barrier to the outside world
If you are finding that you are having lots of disturbance in your home, it means that you should replace your windows.
Are your heating bills high?
High energy bills could indicate that your windows are not sufficiently insulating your home and heat is escaping.
Whilst it may seem counteractive to spend more money replacing your windows, this could save you lots of money in the long term.
Are your windows difficult to open?
If your windows are difficult to open and close, it’s actually an issue of safety as this is a route out of your home in an emergency. This means that you should replace your windows as soon as possible.
Are your windows leaking water?
Leaky windows indicate that condensation is forming as moisture is getting into your home. This can eventually lead to mould, which can be serious, so you should replace your windows to prevent this.
Are your windows drafty?
If you can feel a draft in your home, even when the windows are closed, it’s possible that the seals on your windows are broken, or that the window is not closing properly.
Are your windows double glazed?
If you don’t have double glazing on your windows, you may find that your home is cold, damp, and susceptible to outside noise. Double (or even triple) glazing can prevent this and make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable to live in.
How to measure your windows?
Measuring your windows can seem like a difficult task, but with the right knowledge, it’s actually very simple. You should record measurements in millimetres (mm) and get someone to help you if needed.
Make sure to measure the aperture or brickwork opening on the outside of the building and be sure to take care when measuring windows on high floors – leave it to a professional if you can’t access them safely.
Double Glazing
Opting for double glazing on your windows is highly recommended but does bump the cost up significantly. Basic double glazing will cost anywhere from £350-£600 per window, although this will depend on the size of the window, the materials and style, as well as the rates charged by the installer for labour.
It’s thought that homes with double glazing installed save around £160 a year on energy bills, making it worth the initial investment. Other benefits of double glazing include:
- It helps to reduce noise from the outside world
- Great for insulation
- Reduces the risk of condensation on windows
- Can make your home more secure
- Increases property value
If you live in an area close to a train line or motorway, it might even be worth considering triple glazing, as this has all the above benefits but goes a step further to ensure your home is insulated and noise from the outside is reduced.
Getting a Quote for Your New Windows
Before committing to a company, it’s a good idea to get multiple quotes and undertake your own research into window installation. Also be sure to ask around, as word of mouth is often the most reliable method of research in terms of tradespeople.
For an accurate quote, it will be necessary for a FENSA/GGF registered tradesperson to visit your home in order to give you an accurate price – though, it’s important to remember that they should not be pushy, and you have no obligation to go with them for your new windows.
What should your window quote include?
When getting a quote, you should make sure that the total cost covers the following:
- A full survey of the building
- Window frames and sill
- Proof of an energy efficiency rating (the higher, the better)
- Security
- Type of glass pane
- Handles and locks
- Labour costs
- Sealants, silicones, and trims
- Removal and disposal of the old window frames
You should get quotes from multiple installers and compare – this way you’re not being overcharged, but an extremely low quote would indicate a poor level of service. It’s often worth getting a quote from a major installer like Everest or Anglian, as well as a local fitter.
