Your windows are one of the first things that people will see as they come up to your property, so it’s important to keep them looking their best. Plus, you’ll want them to be thermally efficient and have good soundproofing qualities to keep your home as comfortable as possible. But we all know new windows can be expensive – so how much do you need to budget? Find out in our cost guides that tell you how much to expect to pay for a variety of window-related jobs.
Budget window cost
If you’re looking for new windows on a budget, uPVC is the material to go for. uPVC, or unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, is a robust material that has good thermal properties, is available in many colours and finishes, and is virtually maintenance-free. For uPVC casement windows, you should budget between £700-£1,200 per window, while uPVC sash windows cost around £1,000-£1,500 per window.
Mid-range window cost
If you want windows that aren’t made from plastic and look great on period homes, a good mid-range window option is wood. Wooden windows have been used on period homes for many years and can improve your home’s kerb appeal. It’s worth remembering that wooden windows will need more maintenance than uPVC. They’ll need treating every few years to keep them weather-resistant, otherwise they may rot. Wooden casement windows cost around £1,500 each, while wooden sash windows are significantly more at around £2,500 each.
Luxury window cost
The most luxurious type of window material is aluminium. Aluminium windows are extremely thermally efficient, offer thinner frames to allow more light in through your windows and are very low maintenance. You can buy aluminium window frames in various colours, but the most on-trend shade at the moment is a dark grey, often called ‘anthracite grey’. Aluminium casement windows cost between £1,500-£2,000 per window, while aluminium sash windows could cost between £2,300-£2,700 per window.
Cost Guides for Other Common Window Jobs
Window FAQs
Is it cheaper to replace all windows at once?
It’s usually cheaper to replace all your windows at once. Most window installers will charge you less in labour per window if you have all your windows replaced at the same time rather than replacing one or two. Installers can work more efficiently when they’re replacing all your windows at once, saving time over a number of windows. While it’s a costly investment, replacing all your windows at once ensures that they’re all the same quality, have the same thermal properties and all look the same. Replacing windows one by one risks differences in appearance and you may notice draughts more from the older windows as you become used to the new ones.
Should I replace 20 year old windows?
Yes, it’s a good idea to replace 20 year old windows, as they won’t be as thermally efficient or secure as newer models on the market. However, since windows are expensive, we understand that you’ll want to keep your windows for as long as possible. Signs that your old windows need replacing include feeling draughts near them, noticing damage around the seals and condensation or misting in between the two panes of glass. If you notice this kind of condensation, it means that the double glazing unit has ‘blown’, which means that air is getting inside the unit. The window won’t be as thermally efficient any more, meaning that warm air will escape and cold air can come in through your window.
What time of year is best to replace windows?
The best time to replace your windows tends to be spring or autumn. Temperatures are milder in these months and there is less chance of extreme weather, making it easier for installers to fit your new windows. You might find that installers are willing to offer you more of a discount in the autumn as they try to get all their sales wrapped up before the colder winter weather sets in, so you may want to investigate this first. While you may want to consider installing your windows in the summer to avoid feeling draughts as your windows are replaced, window companies may charge more due to hotter temperatures slowing down installation.