New Window Opening Cost

Are you looking to have a new window opening added to your home?

In this complete window guide, we'll explore the costs associated with new window installation and what you can expect the job to involve.

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How Much Does Installing A New Window Opening Cost?

Investing in good windows pays off in the long run. High-performance windows can improve your property's energy efficiency and help it to rise in value, making it more appealing to potential buyers.

So, what is the cost to create a new window opening?

The cost of replacing a window is based on the size and style of the window. For example, a small, double-glazed casement window, such as one found in a bathroom or utility room, can cost as little as £240.

Rooms with bigger windows, such as those found in living rooms or bedrooms, can cost between £460 and £700.

If you want wooden-framed windows rather than uPVC, the cost will be higher, usually at least double the price, and prices can skyrocket if you use less common woods - individual windows can cost thousands of pounds.

New Window Opening Prices

Take a look at the table below for the new window opening installation cost:

Supply Only Costs

The type of window you choose will significantly impact your project's price. We've compiled some average prices for the supply of windows by material to give you an idea of the price difference you'll be looking at.

Tilt and Turn Window Costs

Many modern designs are available for uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. Some manufacturers will even make them match your existing home decor. However, even though these colours are available, many experts recommend standard white uPVC or one of the many woodgrain effect prints.

Single-opening tilt-and-turn window prices in the UK range from £270 to £380 for 1.2m x 1.2m frames, supply only.

A double-opening window of the size costs £350 to £460, with larger sizes costing more.

Modern windows do more than just look good. They come standard with high-end security locks, with additional options for more diverse security solutions. You can choose between double and triple-glazed tilt-and-turn windows to help you save money on energy.

Typically, glass is priced separately depending on our choice of double or triple glazing. Manufacturers and suppliers also offer discounts as incentives to purchase more.

Aluminium Window Costs

Aluminium frames are more costly than uPVC frames, but they will provide your home with long-lasting, durable, and aesthetically pleasing windows.

A 600mm x 900mm window costs £540 to £670, 900mm x 1,200mm costs £700 to £860, and a 1,200mm x 1,200mm aluminium window costs between £800 to £1,080.

Aluminium windows have a higher thermal efficiency than uPVC, slimmer frames, and require less maintenance than wood. Aluminium frames can be supplied in various colours to match the style of your home.

Timber Window Costs

Timber frames are the most expensive option, but they can add significant value to your home, especially if you are concerned with overall aesthetics.

Timber windows cost £880 to £1,050 for 600mm x 900mm, while 900mm x 1,200mm cost £1,250 to £1,380, and 1,200mm x 1,200mm cost £1,400 to £1,580.

Wooden windows provide a beautiful and elegant finish and are ideal if your home is from a specific era. Timber frames are available in various hardwood and softwood species and finishes.

However, it's important to remember that they require more maintenance than uPVC or aluminium windows, as well as being more expensive.

Composite Windows Costs

Composite windows are typically at the higher end of the price spectrum. Timber is expensive, and the additional aluminium cladding raises the price even more.

The cost of installing double-glazed composite windows throughout a house could range between £11,500 and £16,500. If you choose triple glazing, the glass cost will rise by about 25%.

Additional Costs

With your new windows installed, other jobs may crop up as a result of the change. Let's look at some additional costs of installing new window openings so you know what to expect.

New Front Door

Your front door gives visitors and passers-by their first impression of your home. If your current front door isn't looking its best, it's a good idea to replace it.

The cost of replacing a front door in the UK varies greatly depending on the type of door being installed, your location within the UK, and the project's complexity.

A standard front door should cost between £550 and £2,750, while a custom-made door is likely to cost between £2,200 to £4,800.

However, if your front door looks a little grimy or faded, it may not be necessary to replace it entirely - you can just paint it.

Painting Exterior Doors

The cost of painting an exterior door depends on the door's size, type, material, and how many layers of paint and primer are required.

Typically, painting an exterior door without additional work can cost around £160. However, painting an exterior door with glass panels that require knotting and sanding can cost £270 per door.

Depending on the type of door, size, number of coats required, and material, an exterior door paint job can take anywhere between 2 to 4 hours.

If you want a low-cost option, you can do it yourself. However, if you want the job done correctly, it's always in your best interests to find a qualified painter and decorator.

Rendering

Home rendering costs range anywhere from £2,200 and £8,500, depending on the size of your home, the difficulty of access, and rendering methods used. A small bungalow, for example, will cost significantly less than rendering a large, detached property.

Painting a House

In the UK, the average cost of painting a two-storey, three-bedroom house is between £950 to £1,150.

Your price will vary depending on the size of your home, its design, the materials used, and the tradesperson's daily or hourly rates.

When you hire an expert painter and decorator to paint the exterior of your home, you usually pay for all materials, supplies, and labour. In most cases, you will need to erect scaffolding before having the exterior of your home painted.

Resealing Windows and Doors

When windows and doors are not sealed properly, cold air can enter the property, and your home's heating can escape through those gaps. In the long run, this results in higher energy costs. Regularly resealing your windows and doors is a good way to reduce your long-term energy costs.

The estimated cost of resealing your windows and doors is determined by the number of windows and doors being resealed. The materials are relatively inexpensive at around £6 to £12.

The cost of resealing double-glazed windows, single-glazed windows, and doors will typically range between £30 and £75 per window or door.

Labour Costs and Timescales

Let's take a look at some new window installation examples to give you an idea of labour costs and timescales. These scenarios focus on fitting new windows in a historic home.

In this scenario, the uPVC casement window measures approximately 1,500mm x 1,150mm, and must be custom-made due to its non-standard size.

After the new window opening installation, the outside and inside must be repaired using age-appropriate methods. This is likely to cost between £380 and £500 for two men to finish this in one day, plus materials.

If you want to replace it with a wholly painted softwood window, installation costs are likely to be between £500 and £600, plus materials. A fully treated, but unpainted, hardwood window will cost the same as a softwood window.

Replacing an old Victorian sliding sash window with a new uPVC window costs around £700 in labour. To trim down your supply costs, you can use the existing counterweights that have been appropriately adjusted to the weight of the new sashes.

This task will typically take around 2 days to install and make good inside and out. Materials are not included.

These timescales and prices are estimates and may differ from what is charged. A typical carpenter's or window fitter's rate, on the other hand, is around £175 to £200 per day, while a labourer charges around £120 per day. It's important to note that VAT may also be added to these prices.

Cost Factors of Installing a New Open Window

We've discussed the base price of windows and the labour costs associated with them, but there are a few other factors that can affect the cost of replacement windows.

Purchasing vs Fitting

Purchasing windows and installing them are two distinct processes. In your budget, you must include an allowance to pay for the labour of installing the windows. For an additional fee, your supplier may also install windows.

Most of the time, you'll need to find a builder or other specialised window contractor to install the windows once you've purchased them.

Window Size and Openings

Window openings in older homes may not be standard sizes, or they may not be square and level, necessitating a custom solution.

Because it's not as simple as some modern fittings, your fitter may need to make more changes during installation, which may increase the cost.

Colour of the Frame

Colour selection is critical. Your costs will be lower if you're happy with standard white UPVC. Woodgrain is more expensive, but it is the only way to achieve a natural look if you're opting for a uPVC window, and not a natural timber frame.

The good news is that there are lots of colour and wood grain effects available. Some of these will be pricier than others, with grey uPVC typically costing 10% more than white, and wood grain effect uPVC costing 15% more than white.

Window Design

After you've determined how many windows you'll have and how big they'll be, you'll need to decide on their style.

Here are a few options:

• Simple glass
• Lead-based glass
• Casement windows
• Bay windows
• Bow windows
• Sash windows

You'll also need to decide how many openers you want and whether they need locks, which affects the overall cost.

Glazing Style

Choosing between double or triple glazing will also impact your overall cost.

The latter may be the best option in a cold, harsh climate because it provides the most heat efficiency. However, double glazing will suffice for most standard properties in the UK.

Glass Types

Another option is the type of glass you use. This can be normal, toughened, or obscured, each of which provides different benefits.

The further you stray from the basic variations, the higher your overall fees.

Energy Conservation

Most new windows are extremely energy efficient and have excellent insulation levels.

Windows have energy-efficiency ratings ranging from A to A+++. The more features there are, the more expensive the windows are.

While they are more expensive up front, energy-efficient gains can save you a lot of money in the long run. This means lower heating costs – and, given that the average lifespan of a window is around 25 years, it's a significant saving.

Taking Out Old Windows

When considering your quote, ensure that your fitters or builders remove your old windows - otherwise, you may be charged more to dispose of them.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding may be required to reach the upper levels of your building, depending on its height.

This will be added to the cost of your project and should be considered if you have a large, tall property because the scaffolding will need to be on-site for a few days to ensure the fitters remove and afterwards install your new windows.

Permits and Regulations in Planning

This includes the cost of applying for permission and any building regulations that may limit you to specific styles or colours, which may cost more.

It's critical to know everything from the start so you don't get caught off guard in the middle of your project.

What's Involved in Installing a New Window Opening?

Before You Start

Determine the best spot for the window installation. You should ensure that the area is free of water pipes and electrical wiring and is located between the wall studs.

Locate the studs using a stud finder. If you can't find a suitable location to install the window because there are too many wires and pipes, consult a professional.

Getting the Area Ready

If your home has vinyl siding, carefully remove it. After you have finished installing the area, the siding will be reinstalled.

Use the dimensions provided by the window manufacturer to mark the window's location on the exterior wall. Measure this, and use a level to ensure that the window is aligned correctly.

Create a Frame

Create a rectangular frame with two headers. At the top, there should be a pair of 2 x 6s that are wide enough to allow for window clearance.

Wood glue and three-inch screws should be used to secure the joints.

Cut the Wall

Cut the wall with a reciprocating saw, ensuring the opening is no bigger than the frame. Next, remove the crown and baseboard while also cutting the sheetrock.

Set up the Frame

Screw the frame into the studs and the window frame. Make sure the window is level, and use shims if necessary.

Install screwsm and check the level regularly until the window is secure.

Replace the sheetrock and patch the wall once the window is in place. Then, install new siding, window trim, weather strips, and caulking.

Can I Install a New Window Opening Myself?

Adding a window to your home's exterior walls can make it feel brighter and more spacious. Working with exterior walls, on the other hand, requires extreme caution.

If the installation is not done correctly, it may result in dampness and draughts. At worst, it could cause serious structural issues.

It is possible to do the job yourself if you are a skilled builder. However, it is not a job suitable for the average DIY enthusiast. We strongly advise you to call a professional to do the work to avoid potentially costly and time-consuming repairs.

Fitting window openings yourself can be time-consuming. Often, you'll need to strategically move the window around in an opening that has altered and transitioned over time.

A reputable installer will wrap the exterior window in coil stock that matches the window colour, ensuring a seamless fit. When you install a new window opening on your own, you risk exposing yourself to various problems.

One of them could be your window opening's warranty. In some cases, the manufacturer will not cover the installation of your window. If anything goes wrong during the installation, they will not cover the damage.

Fitting window openings yourself may also void the manufacturer's warranty.

Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Installing A New Window Opening

If you're remodelling your home, you might want to add a new window opening. However, you must first determine whether you need planning permission.

Here, we look at when you might need to get planning approval to move or add a window to your house.

In most cases, replacing or adding windows to your home's original walls is possible without planning permission, as it's usually included in your permitted development rights (PDR).

Inserting new window openings will not require planning permission if any windows on a top-floor side elevation have obstructed glass glazing and are fitted into a non-opening frame.

However, rules have exceptions, and in some cases, you will need to gain planning permission to add a new window opening to your property. If your property's original permission came with conditions, you'd need approval. Contact your local council to find out if this is the case.

Here are some situations you may need to consider:

• If you're adding a new bay window, you'll need to apply for planning permission because it will be considered an extension.
• If you live in a listed building, you need listed building consent before carrying out any major work on your home, whether external or internal.
• If you live in a designated area, including a national park, conservation area, or AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), you may encounter additional restrictions regarding having a new window opening created.
• If you live in a rented property, you may not have to obtain planning permission from your local council for your new window openings, but you may need permission from your landlord.

If you're making changes to your home and need a new window, you'll need to choose the right type of window to suit your personal preferences and the character of your home.

Keep the character of your neighbourhood in mind as well, so you can select a window style that looks in keeping with and complements the existing aesthetic of your home.

Types of New Window Openings

Frame materials, glazing choices, and energy efficiency are all considerations when choosing new windows.

Let's discuss the various types of new window openings and their benefits and drawbacks.

Windows with a Single Hinge

Single-hung windows open vertically, with the lower window panel or sash moving up and down and the upper sash remaining stationary.

The top sash is covered from the inside when you open a window. The movement of these sections is the primary distinction between single and double-hung windows.

Pros

• ✔ Affordable
• ✔ Simple design that suits most home aesthetics

Cons

• ✖ Less interesting style than other window options
• ✖ Can be tricky to clean

Windows with Awnings

Awning windows are ideal for rainy climates because the way the window produces a water-resistant "umbrella" when opened.

They swing open on the outside by pushing the latch or handle outward, which makes them weatherproof and easy to clean.

Pros

• ✔ Easy to clean and accessible from inside
• ✔ Waterproof design

Cons

• ✖ More expensive than simpler styles
• ✖ Not suitable for all buildings (especially those with listed status)

Tilt and Turn Windows

When tilt and turn windows were introduced in the 1980s, they quickly became famous for uPVC double glazing. The tilt and turn's main advantage is its ability to open in multiple directions and be safely left open on a tilt for ventilation.

Unlike casements, which open outwards, tilt, and turn windows open inwards and can be fully opened to allow cleaning of the external glass from inside a home, which is ideal for upper-storey windows.

Tilt and turn windows have an extremely tight seal when closed, making them one of the most energy-efficient frame options. However, tilt and turn windows have a thick frame and are less appropriate for period properties, where they may appear out of place.

Pros

• ✔ Tight seal giving good energy-efficiency
• ✔ Multiple opening options

Cons

• ✖ Expensive due to the complex opening/closing mechanism
• ✖ Not suitable for period properties

Sliding Or Slider Windows

Unlike a traditional sash window, a sliding window opens to the side, sliding horizontally. For example, consider a small patio door. Sliding windows are typically made with a slimmer aluminium frame that allows maximum glass area for a bright window.

Pros

• ✔ Easy to open
• ✔ Lots of natural light due to the slim frame design

Cons

• ✖ Less ventilation than other window styles
• ✖ Can be hard to clean

Pivoting Windows

Pivoting windows have sashes that can rotate 90° to 180° around a horizontal or vertical axis, usually located on or near the centre of the sash. A pivoting window allows for full ventilation but cannot be equipped with a filtering screen.

Pros

• ✔ Versatile opening design options
• ✔ Great ventilation

Cons

• ✖ High cost compared to standard window types
• ✖ Limited security and safety concerns around young children/pets

Inward and Outward Windows

One of the most important factors to consider when deciding between inward or outward opening windows is the location's climate. For example, in a hot, humid climate, flynets may be required on windows to prevent mosquitoes – in this case, inward-facing windows are best because flynets work best when installed outside the frame.

Pros

• ✔ Elegant, attractive design
• ✔ Easy to clean

Cons

• ✖ Inward opening windows come with space limitations
• ✖ Outward opening windows can be susceptible to wind damage if not properly secured

Hiring Contractors for Installing a New Window Opening Checklist

When the time comes to hire your window fitter, here's what you should keep in mind:

• Gather at least 3 quotes from different window fitters to get an idea of local prices.
• Ask for an itemised breakdown of costs to see exactly what's included - will they remove your old windows, is scaffolding hire included, etc.?
• Take a look at their past work to get an idea of their quality.
• Read over their customer reviews to see what past customers have said about their work ethic and skill.
• Check if there are any guarantees or warranties attached to their work if any problems occur soon after fitting.

FAQs