By Emily Rivers
Last updated 24th July 2023

If you live in an old property, it is worth upgrading your windows and doors. Fitting energy-efficient windows in your property can reduce energy costs by up to 15% annually. Upgrading doors to doors that let light and air in a room also can reduce energy costs.

A conservatory will add value to any property as well as give your family an extra room to use as a dining room, living room, or even a play area for the children. You can be as creative as you like when it comes to using the extra space.

What does a windows, doors and conservatory fitter do?

If you are planning to build your dream house or upgrading your property, and in need of someone who specialises in installing windows, doors, conservatories and glazed curtain walls, then you will need the skills of a window fitter.

A window fitter will;

  • Remove old windows, doors and conservatories
  • Measure the space needed for new doors and windows
  • Build conservatories, glasshouses or orangeries
  • Fit new doors and windows, making sure they are weathertight and improve the homes overall energy efficiency 

A window fitter will work with different types of window and door material, like wood, metal, uPVC and aluminium fittings.

Cost to fit windows, doors and conservatories

Which is better; wood, metal, uPVC or aluminium windows?

For those wanting a house with a reduced carbon footprint, aluminium is far more environmentally friendly than uPVC. Although uPVC windows have a better energy efficiency rating than the older aluminium window frames. New aluminium frames have improved their thermal insulation.  When it comes to which material will last longer without needing to be replaced soonest, again aluminium beats uPVC with 50 years lifespan rather than uPVC 30 years. If this is your forever home, then the longer lifespan of the window frames and door frames make up for the higher cost of aluminium versus uPVC. A regular casement aluminium window starts from £500 as opposed to the same window in uPVC starting from £200. 

Aluminium suits a more contemporary home. Out of the different materials, the least characteristic is uPVC. Wood offers more character appeal and looks better in older homes, especially a Victorian or Edwardian home, but has more maintenance requirements needing to be treated, weatherproofed and painted every few years to avoid wood rot. uPVC plastic frames and aluminium frames at least only require a wipe down now and then, when washing windows and doors, to keep them looking like new.

uPVC windows do block out more sound than aluminium so if you live on a busy street, it may be worth your while to go for uPVC for a quieter home experience. Both uPVC and aluminium are stronger and more durable than wood, so if you are not certain about your neighbourhood, go for a more secure frame and of course a frame that allows window locks. They both also come with the option to double glaze or even triple glaze for additional insulation.

How much will it cost to fit windows and doors?

Fitting a new external door can take a window and door fitter about two hours of labour as they need to first remove the old door, inspect the overall health of the frame and then hang the new door. 

If replacing the frame or casing as well as the door, this will be another two hours of labour. The door fitter will need to cut around the casing and then pull it out of the wall. A touch up of plaster and paint might need to be added to the wall, the fitter will usually be able to do this for you to avoid you having to still get a painter afterwards.

If the window fitter is just installing a new window without having to remove an old window, this usually takes about 30 minutes. Allow an hour per window to remove an old window, replacing it with a new window. Upgrading frames from rotten wood frames and replacing it with uPVC is completely do-able and the window fitter will just need a few more hours labour, as after cutting out the frames from the walls, there might need to be some work repairing the walls making the walls sturdy and ready for the new frames to be fitted.

Cost to fit windows and doors

Per

Average total labour cost

Replacing an external door with frame

Per day

£200

Putting in a new external door only

Per day

£110

Fitting 3 new windows with upgraded frames

Per day

£150

Fitting new patio doors

Per day

£180

Upgrading patio sliding door for a bi-fold door

Per day

£210

What to consider when getting a new external door?

If replacing your external door and the size of the door is the same as your previous door, a door fitter will examine the condition of the door frame and most likely be able to fit the door to the existing frame. The door frame might need a repair to ensure it is in the best condition, thermal and secure wise. This might be a hole that needs to be filled in or a bit of wood rot that needs to be treated.

Most doorways are set sizes but it is not the case that one door fits all. The door fitter will need to correctly measure and size up the door. Hardwood doors can be shaved to allow for the perfect fit whereas uPVC doors cannot be cut to size.

When choosing a new front door, consider the style of the door and ensure it suits the overall look of the property. If the front door opens to a dark hallway, you might want to choose a door that allows light through with one or two windows.

You will want a door that is rust and rot resistant and does not require too much on-going maintenance. A wipe down of the door is better than having to constantly repaint it year on year.

The biggest issue when fitting a new door is that it is not well fitted to the frame therefore not well insulated or waterproof, a professional door fitter should hang the door correctly.

If you are thinking of upgrading outside French patio doors, one of the best face-lifts to a property is to replace old-fashioned patio doors with modern bi-folding doors. This is a relatively easy upgrade for the door fitter to accomplish.

How much will it cost to fit a conservatory?

Having a conservatory fitter fit a conservatory for you is a lot cheaper than getting involved in a house extension. The conservatory will need a foundation and if the conservatory is a replacement, the existing foundation may need to be strengthened or maintained before the new conservatory is built. Once you have chosen your style and shape of a conservatory, having the parts built off site can take about 2 months and then once the conservatory is ready to install, the installation fitting process can be 3-4 weeks of labour time.

The different stages of labour needed during building a conservatory is;

  • Building the base
  • Building the walls
  • Building the roof
  • Fitting conservatory windows
  • Fitting conservatory doors
  • Fitting conservatory lights and wiring up the electrics
  • Fitting conservatory radiators and piping it to the main central heating or electrics

Different types of conservatories require different time scales adding or reducing the overall labour cost;

Victorian

3-4 weeks

Edwardian

2-3 weeks

Lean-to

2-3 weeks

P-shaped

3-4 weeks

L-shaped

3-4 weeks

T-shaped

3-4 weeks

Orangery

4-5 weeks

Sunroom

2-3 weeks

Glass room

1-2 weeks

 

Cost to install a conservatory

Per

Average total labour cost

Installing a conservatory, including building a foundation and taking 3-4 weeks to fit

Per day

£3,325

Installing an orangery, including building a foundation and taking 3 weeks to fit

Per day

£3,000

Replacing only the roof on a conservatory

Per day

£540

Removing an old conservatory

Per day

£600

What to consider when getting a conservatory?

If you are looking for a conservatory fitter to build an extension on your home of a conservatory (a mostly glass extension with a pitched roof) or an orangery (brick structure with large windows similar to a conservatory but often with a flat roof) consider the reason for wanting one built. Will it be a new office, living room or dining room? Having the pre-thought of what the use will be, will help determine the size and layout of the conservatory.

Before finding the perfect conservatory fitter for your home, also consider the position of the property and where would be the best location of the conservatory. As it is mostly glass, you will want it to look out, maximising on views, and not to be north facing where it will be freezing and unpleasant to be in during the winter months, and not fully facing south as it may be too hot to enjoy in the summer months. 

The structure of the conservatory needs to compliment the property, so a more ornate style home with a steep roof might suit a more gothic style conservatory and a contemporary modern home will want a conservatory mirroring the style. The builder can discuss which material (aluminium, hardwood or uPVC) will best suit the style home to compliment the character of your house as well as meet your needs with thermal insulation and security.


Estimates for common window fitter jobs;

JobEstimate
Cost to fit windows, doors and conservatories£160
2. Enter postcode to get estimate
plus materials

to see who is available and get more information

Rates for other trades

Fit windows, doors, conservatories cost in the UK
Fit windows, doors, conservatories cost in the UK (excluding VAT or callout charges)
Location in UKFit windows, doors, conservatories cost
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near London£237
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Birmingham£193
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Leeds£198
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Glasgow£193
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Sheffield£230
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Bradford£197
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Liverpool£199
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Edinburgh£227
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Manchester£208
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Bristol£213
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Kirklees£206
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Fife£253
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Wirral£199
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near North Lanarkshire£194
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Wakefield£197
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Cardiff£204
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Dudley£192
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Wigan£201
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near East Riding£233
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near South Lanarkshire£196
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Coventry£191
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Belfast£310
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Leicester£202
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Sunderland£198
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Sandwell£192
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Doncaster£247
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Stockport£211
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Sefton£198
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Nottingham£209
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Newcastle Upon Tyne£201
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Kingston-upon-Hull£207
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Bolton£204
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Walsall£193
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Rotherham£228
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Stoke-on-Trent£220
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Wolverhampton£193
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Rhondda, Cynon, Taff£196
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near South Gloucestershire£213
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Derby£212
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Swansea£202
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Salford£208
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Barnsley£219
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Tameside£210
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Oldham£208
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Trafford£208
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Aberdeen£225
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Southampton£220
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Highland£212
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Rochdale£206
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Solihull£191
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Gateshead£198
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Milton Keynes£233
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near North Tyneside£200
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Calderdale£197
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Northampton£220
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Portsmouth£221
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Warrington£202
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near North Somerset£214
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Bury£206
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Luton£239
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near St Helens£200
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Stockton-on-Tees£200
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Renfrewshire£195
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near York£197
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Thamesdown£214
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Southend-on-Sea£225
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near New Forest£217
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Caerphilly£201
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Bath£214
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Wycombe£236
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Basildon£230
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Bournemouth£214
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Peterborough£228
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near North East Lincolnshire£199
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Chelmsford£228
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Brighton£226
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near South Tyneside£200
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Charnwood£205
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Aylesbury Vale£234
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Colchester£223
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Knowsley£200
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near North Lincolnshire£210
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Huntingdonshire£230
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Macclesfield£214
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Blackpool£187
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near West Lothian£217
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near South Somerset£251
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Dundee£277
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Basingstoke & Deane£225
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Harrogate£197
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Middlesbrough£200
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Flintshire£202
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near The Wrekin£198
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Newbury£226
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Falkirk£204
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Reading£234
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Wokingham£234
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Windsor & Maidenhead£236
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Maidstone£225
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Redcar & Cleveland£202
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near North Ayrshire£213
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Blackburn£196
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Neath Port Talbot£195
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Poole£214
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Wealden£227
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Arun£224
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Bedford£237
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Oxford£230
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Lancaster£191
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Newport£204
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Canterbury£212
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Preston£192
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Dacorum£238
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Cherwell£229
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Perth & Kinross£274
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Thurrock£233
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Tendring£221
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Kings Lynn & West Norfolk£224
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near St Albans£237
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Bridgend£195
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near South Cambridgeshire£234
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Braintree£227
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Norwich£210
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Thanet£216
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Isle of Wight£219
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Mid Sussex£228
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near South Oxfordshire£233
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Guildford£234
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Elmbridge£237
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Stafford£204
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Powys£194
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near East Hertfordshire£237
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Torbay£188
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Wrexham Maelor£204
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near East Devon£218
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Halton£201
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Warwick£191
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near East Ayrshire£224
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Newcastle-under-Lyme£220
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near North Wiltshire£217
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near South Kesteven£216
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Epping Forest£237
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Vale of Glamorgan£201
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Reigate & Banstead£235
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Chester£201
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Mid Bedfordshire£238
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Suffolk Coastal£218
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Horsham£230
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Nuneaton & Bedworth£193
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Swale£221
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Havant & Waterloo£222
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Teignbridge£195
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Cambridge£229
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Vale Royal£203
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Amber Valley£212
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near North Hertfordshire£239
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near South Ayrshire£213
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Waverley£231
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Broadland£222
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Crewe & Nantwich£222
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Breckland£210
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Ipswich£221
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Pembrokeshire£260
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Vale of White Horse£224
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Salisbury£215
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Gedling£206
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Eastleigh£220
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Broxtowe£209
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Stratford-on-Avon£196
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near South Bedfordshire£237
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Angus£252
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near East Hampshire£223
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near East Dunbartonshire£193
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Conway£200
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Sevenoaks£232
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Slough£237
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Bracknell Forest£234
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near West Lancashire£198
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near West Wiltshire£217
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Ashfield£210
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Lisburn£310
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Scarborough£226
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Stroud£225
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Wychavon£202
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Waveney£212
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Exeter£198
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Dover£221
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Test Valley£221
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Gloucester£224
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Erewash£211
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Cheltenham£224
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Bassetlaw£406
Fit windows, doors, conservatories near Scottish Borders£245