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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But, if you want to learn more first, keep reading.

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. The price of double glazed windows generally rises as the openings get larger or you add more units.

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

Where the opening is turned into a projection, the cost of changing a bay window will be higher as there’s more frame and glass involved.

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 Cost of a New Window Opening

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 glazing and triple glazing costs on tilt-and-turn windows if you want better insulation.

Typically, glass is priced separately depending on your 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.

Modern aluminium windows can be very thermally efficient, especially when the frames include a thermal break. They also tend to have slimmer frames than uPVC and, like uPVC, need very little maintenance. 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%.

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Labour Cost to Create New Window Opening & 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.

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Factors That Impact the Cost of Creating a New Window Opening

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 glazing costs and triple glazing costs will also impact your overall price.

In some homes, especially period or listed, the cost of secondary glazing is a simpler way to boost warmth without replacing the whole window. In listed buildings you’ll usually still need listed building consent, even if full planning permission isn’t required.

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 in the UK are usually rated for energy efficiency on a scale from A++ (most efficient) down to E, depending on the scheme used.

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 you’re looking at quotes, make sure the fitters include taking the old windows away. If they don’t, you’ll usually end up paying extra for disposal.

If the glass has misted up or the seal’s gone and that’s part of the reason you’re changing things, research blown window replacement costs to get a good idea of what people pay.

Making Good, Rendering and Painting

Cutting a new opening isn’t just about fitting a frame. Once the window’s in, the wall needs tidying up inside and out. Sometimes it’s only a bit of plastering. Other times you’re into patching render or repainting a whole run of wall so it all looks even again.

Home rendering costs sit somewhere between £2,200 and £8,500, depending on the property size, access and the finish you choose. You won’t need a full-house render just for one window. But if the existing coating is cracked or dated, many people use the moment to sort the whole elevation.

The same happens with paintwork. Once you start patching render or brickwork, you may need to repaint that side of the house so everything blends. The cost of painting a typical two-storey, three-bedroom house tends to fall between £950 and £1,150, though the price changes with house size, condition and how easy it is to get to the walls.

Resealing Windows and Doors

After the new window’s in, it’s worth checking the rest of your windows and doors for draughts. There’s no point investing in a new opening if cold air is still creeping in elsewhere. Fresh sealant makes a real difference to heat loss.

The cost of resealing windows and doors depends on how many you have. The sealant itself is cheap at around £6 to £12, but the labour is what you’re really paying for. Most people spend somewhere between £30 and £75 per window or door to have the job done properly.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding may be needed if the new opening is high up. It keeps everyone safe and gives fitters the space they need to work.

It adds to the overall cost, and the price climbs with height and how long the scaffolding stays up. Bigger houses or awkward layouts tend to need it for a few days, so factor that in when you’re budgeting.

Permits and Regulations in Planning

There can be extra costs if you need planning permission or if your home has design rules you need to follow. Some styles or colours cost more, so it’s good to know your options early on.

It’s worth getting clear on the rules before work starts so you don’t hit any surprises halfway through the job.

What's Involved in Installing a New Window Opening?

Cutting a brand new opening into an external wall isn’t really a “have a go on Saturday” sort of job. You’re dealing with the structure of the house, weatherproofing and a lot of heavy kit.

If it’s not done properly, you can end up with damp, draughts and, in the worst case, a weakened wall. That’s why bringing in a qualified builder or window installer is better than trying to cut the opening yourself.

With MyJobQuote, you can get free, no-obligation quotes from local window installers and builders who do this kind of work all the time. Once you’ve found someone you’re happy with, here’s a simple overview of what’s involved when a professional creates a new window opening:

Before the Job Starts

• Finding the spot — The fitter has a quick look at the wall first. They’re mainly checking there’s nothing hiding in there that could cause trouble — pipes, wires, odd bits of timber.
• Getting things straight — Once they know the window can go there, they measure up properly and sort out what support the wall will need. Any paperwork gets sorted at this stage too so the job isn’t held up later.

During the Job

• Clearing the area — Anything in the way gets taken off. Sometimes it’s just trim or plasterboard. Sometimes it’s a run of cladding that needs lifting so it doesn’t crack.
• Opening the wall — The support goes in first so the wall stays put. After that, the opening is cut out bit by bit, and they shape it so the new window will actually sit right.

After the Job

• Getting it all back together — The window goes in, gets levelled, and then everything around it is patched up. Inside, that means plasterboard. Outside, whatever finish was there before gets made good again.
• Final checks — They’ll open and close everything a few times and make sure the seal is tight. If the cill took a knock along the way, the cost of a window sill replacement is just a small extra.

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).

That doesn’t mean you can ignore Building Regulations. Cutting a new opening and fitting a lintel counts as structural work, so Building Control still needs to approve the opening and how it’s supported. A FENSA or CERTASS installer can self-certify the window installation itself, but that doesn’t cover the structural alterations to the wall.

For new windows on an upper-floor side elevation, planning permission usually isn’t needed if the glass is obscure and either the window is fixed shut or any opening parts are at least 1.7 m above the internal floor level.

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, it’s treated as an extension, so you may need planning permission depending on how far it projects and whether it still falls within your permitted development limits.
• 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.

Single-Hung Windows

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 window creates a sort of water-resistant "umbrella" when it’s open.

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

Tilt and turn windows became popular in the UK from the 1980s onwards, especially as uPVC double glazing took off. 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 is harder to use with standard insect screens.

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-Opening Windows

One of the most important factors to consider when deciding between inward and 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

Checklist: Hiring a Contractor to Install a New Window Opening

Someone’s about to cut into your house, so ask these first:

• Are they FENSA or CERTASS registered? That way they can sign off the window bit properly and hand you the paperwork.
• Will they handle building control? A new opening needs sign-off, so check if they sort it or tell you exactly what to send in.
• Do they have public liability insurance? If something gets damaged, you want them covered, not you.
• Is making good included? Ask if plastering, trims and sealing round the window are part of the job, not an extra.
• Is access or scaffolding in the quote? Upper floors need a tower. Make sure it’s priced in now, not added on later.
• Have they done this type of cut-in before? Get them to show you a window they put into a solid wall, not just a like-for-like swap.
• Can they itemise the quote? You should be able to see labour, window, lintel and disposal as separate bits.