How much will it cost to replace my windows?

This article will give you decent information on how much you should expect to pay for PVCu double glazing. There are different types of double glazing, but we will stick with the most popular which is a casement window. I will give a guide price lower in the article of what the company I work for would charge. This will give you a benchmark of what a small (4 fitting team), local, keenly priced operation in the South West of England will offer. The video below shows a casement window and what to look for when shopping around. This is actual information from myself who prices daily. The aim is to give a realistic picture of what is out there. Some smaller operations may be lower, larger will certainly be more. Some companies will be just hugely inflated see- Avoid Overpaying. I have seen some articles online where the author has clearly plucked a supply only cost from Google then added £100. That isn’t accurate, there is a variety out there. The table below aims to combat that.

• Go Local – Always
• Get 2 Quotes – At least
• Get Recommendations
• “Sales” Aren’t Genuine

What is a casement window?

A casement window is the most popular residential window. It is a cheap, durable, efficient glazing method that can come in a multitude of colours. It is described as a casement / lipped casement window, in that you can see the opening casement as it is on the outside of the window. (Think the part that stands out because it opens.). Many are unbothered by the fact that you can see where the openings are, but a good designer will make a customer aware of this and design with their preference in mind. The video above shows a small hand sample. You’ll find them everywhere.

Energy Efficiency / Glass

Most casement windows on the market will be A or A+ rated. B rated is however acceptable for building regulations on replacements. (See why building regs applies here). Don’t let a salesman tell you his window is super special because it is A rated and others are not. They pretty much all are!

They will all have a coating on the inside pane of glass which reflects heat back into your room, acting like a mirror. They will be argon filled – a denser gas than air so a better thermal barrier. There is likely a “warm edge spacer” separating the glass (not colder metal). There may also be a low iron content glass on the outside which allows for solar gain a factor in the overall energy rating). U value is the accurate measure for heat loss, the lower the better. My take is don’t get too caught up on these things as the installer and fabricator are far more important don’t shoot me, just my opinion. Expect a U Value measure of heat loss through a surface) between 1.4 and 1.0. Energy saving glass is explained quite well on the Pilkington Glass website here

The Frame – expect to see multiple chambers on a window on a cross section. As in the image.

Comparing Windows

I always start here with the proviso that the surveyor, fitter and fabricator will be more important than the product itself. Use recommendations, reviews, research and get a couple of quotes at least.

As well as the energy efficiency, gauge how sturdy the product is. See how the window locks, if it rattles, (especially on the vent secondary lock) position. Once you see more than one window you will get a feel for the locking mechanism, hinge and general quality of the product on offer.

Summary – Cost Guide Below

Affordable, popular, the best choice for many. The below is what a small company (that I work for) in Somerset charge. This information is here as a guide. There will be higher and lower cost, but I know that we are competitive in the local marketplace. There may be a one person operation lower, and legitimate companies higher, but avoid overpaying with this guide in mind.

• Go Local – Always
• Get 2 Quotes – At least
• Get Recommendations
• “Sales” Aren’t Genuine

White Casement Window Cost

Coloured Casement Window Cost (Standard – not special order).

Why windows cost what they do?

A glazing company must do more than just buy and fit a window. Below is a breakdown of why a window costs more than just the frames.

Built into the cost you pay is:

• Materials- the window frame, glass, handles
• Indirect Materials – fixings, silicone, trim, add ons, cleaners
• Installation – a skilled fitter to install
• Survey – an experienced installer to measure for manufacture
• Storage and Checks – somewhere to keep the product and someone to check quality so nothing goes wrong on installation
• Marketing
• Sales – Salesperson and Materials – whether that is the installer or part of a company, time is required to provide a quotation
• After Sales – engineer visits, often servicing long guarantees – often 10 years
• Transport for both sales, fitting and service engineers
• Showroom – not in all cases but in some
• Bed debt/ dispute – sometimes things need to be resolved if there is a dispute
• Mistakes – they happen and have to be factored in to the overall business

A single person business may fill all of these roles but they need to be factored into the cost. A window plus labour for fitting alone won’t be sustainable. On the other hand, some companies including the nationals) have sliding commission structures which don’t accurately reflect the costs of a window at all.

The best strategy is to get several quotes, preferably from recommendations. Read how to avoid salespeople overcharging you to make bigger commission here.

I hope this article has helped you. If you would like a quotation within an hour of the BA11 postcode I would be happy to provide one. You can get in touch on the contact me page here