Window Fitting and Window Replacement Pricing Guide UK 2026
By Tom Ellis
How much does a window fitter cost in the UK? Window fitting covers far more than simply ripping out an old frame and putting a new one in. A professional glazing quote must account for meticulous measuring, removing old frames safely, installing new frames securely, heavy glazing, sealing, trimming, internal making good, access equipment, structural lintels, waste disposal, and FENSA compliance certification.
This definitive guide explains typical window fitter prices in the UK in 2026, breaking down hourly and day rates, uPVC vs aluminium vs timber costs, sash window restorations, full-house double glazing projects, bifold doors, Velux rooflights, and the exact commercial formulas required to quote fenestration projects profitably.
Contents
Window Fitter Hourly & Day Rates (2026)
Hourly pricing is strictly for minor repairs (hinges, locks, blown units). Complete replacement projects are invariably quoted as fixed project prices.
Hourly Rates (Repairs & Maintenance)
- Basic window fitting:£25 – £35 / hr
- Experienced fitter:£30 – £45 / hr
- Specialist installation / Glazing:£35 – £50+ / hr
- Timber / Sash specialist:£35 – £60+ / hr
- Emergency boarding/repair:£50 – £100+ / hr
Fitter & Team Day Rates
- Sole trader / New fitter:£175 – £250 / day
- Standard fitter:£200 – £300 / day
- Experienced fitter:£250 – £350 / day
- Two-person fitting team:£350 – £600 / day
- Specialist/large installation team:£500 – £800+ / day
Regional Window Fitting Rates UK
Window labour prices vary considerably around the UK. Location heavily dictates delivery costs, fuel, parking, congestion charges, and scaffold pricing.
| Region | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
|---|---|---|
| London | £35 – £55+ | £300 – £450+ |
| South East | £30 – £45 | £250 – £375 |
| East of England | £27 – £40 | £225 – £350 |
| South West | £27 – £40 | £225 – £350 |
| Midlands | £25 – £38 | £200 – £325 |
| North West | £25 – £38 | £200 – £325 |
| Scotland | £25 – £40 | £200 – £325 |
| Yorkshire and North East | £25 – £35 | £190 – £300 |
| Wales | £25 – £35 | £190 – £300 |
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How Much Labour Does It Cost to Install a Window?
A straightforward replacement window requires: Window + glazing + removal + fitting + finishing + disposal + certification. What is the pure labour element?
Labour Cost (Per Window)
- Removal of old window:£25 – £30
- uPVC window (Standard install):£80 – £150
- Timber window installation:£90 – £175+
- Aluminium window installation:£100 – £200+
- Large/Heavy window:£150 – £300+
- Sash window restoration/fit:£150 – £400+
- Bay window installation:£300 – £800+
- Roof window (Velux) labour:£300 – £800+
Productivity Rates
For straightforward replacements, a competent fitter or team can generally install 2 to 4 standard windows per day. A fitter will complete far fewer when dealing with heavy bay windows, sash weights, heritage timber, or second-floor access.
uPVC, Aluminium & Timber Window Prices
Broad 2026 supply-and-fit benchmarks across the three primary frame materials.
uPVC Windows
The most common, cost-effective replacement option. Low maintenance and excellent thermal performance.
- Small casement:£300 – £500
- Standard casement:£350 – £600
- Large uPVC window:£500 – £1,000+
- uPVC Sash:£600 – £1,200+
Aluminium Windows
Selected for modern homes, slim sightlines, large glass areas, and contemporary extensions.
- Standard casement:£475 – £800+
- Large / Slimline:£700 – £1,200+
- Tilt and turn:£700 – £1,400+
- Premium / Custom:£1,000 – £2,500+
Timber & Composite
Essential for period properties and conservation areas. Composites combine timber interiors with aluminium exteriors.
- Small timber casement:£850 – £1,000
- Standard timber casement:£900 – £1,500
- Timber sash:£1,400 – £3,000+
- Composite casement:£1,000 – £1,500+
Steel / Crittall-Style Windows
Highly sought-after heritage and industrial aesthetics.
Casements, Bay Windows & Sash Restoration
Bay windows require substantially more labour as they contain multiple joined sections and structural load-bearing corner posts.
Bay & Bow Window Prices (Supply & Fit)
- 3-section bay / bow:£1,000 – £1,400 (Avg £1,250)
- 4-section bay / bow:£1,500 – £1,800 (Avg £1,650)
- 5-section bay / bow:£1,900 – £2,400 (Avg £2,150)
- Composite bay / Steel bay:£2,000 – £3,500+
Casements & Tilt-and-Turn
- Small flush casement:£300 – £450
- Large flush casement (1200x1200mm):£450 – £800
- Tilt & Turn (Standard):£500 – £1,200+
- Tilt & Turn (Premium/Custom):£1,000 – £2,000+
Sash Window Restoration vs Replacement
Sash windows are vital for SEO as they can be restored or replaced. Restoring sound original timber is often vastly more economical.
- Sash cord replacement:£120 – £160
- Full draught-proofing:£200 – £400 / window
- Full timber restoration:£300 – £800+ / window
- Complete replacement (Timber):£1,000 – £3,000+
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Double, Triple & Acoustic Glazing
Window quotes should never be compared purely on aesthetics. The true cost lies in the U-value, gas fills, warm-edge spacers, and Low-E glass coatings.
Triple Glazing Premiums
Triple glazing is substantially heavier, requiring stronger frames and heavy-duty hinges, making it significantly more expensive than standard double glazing.
- Single triple-glazed window:~£1,200
- 2-bed flat (4 windows):£4,800
- 2-bed terrace (5 windows):£6,000
- Semi-detached (8 windows):£9,600
- Detached (12 windows):£14,400
Soundproof / Acoustic Windows
Utilises asymmetrical glass panes and acoustic laminate layers. Vital for properties near roads, airports, and railway lines.
- Acoustic premium per window:£200 – £1,000+
- Casement 1100x900mm:~£895
- Large Casement 1400x2100mm:~£1,860
- Large Acoustic Sash (1225x2480mm):~£4,760
Secondary Glazing
An incredibly cost-effective alternative to complete replacement, specifically designed for listed buildings, conservation areas, and heritage sash windows where the original exterior must remain untouched.
+£50–£150 per unit
+£100–£300 per unit
+£50–£200 per unit
+£150–£250 per unit
Window Repairs, Blown Units & Hardware
One of the most useful questions for homeowners is whether the entire window actually needs replacing. Good window fitters generate massive revenue through repairing misted units and broken hardware.
Replacing Failed Sealed Units (Glass Only)
Condensation between panes, misting, cloudy glass, or damaged perimeter seals mean the argon gas has escaped. Replacing just the glass unit is vastly cheaper than a whole new window frame.
- Small sealed unit:£80 – £150
- Standard double-glazed unit:£100 – £250
- Large / Toughened unit:£150 – £400+
- Average "Blown Unit" Repair:£100 – £300 / unit
Hardware & Security Repairs
Lintels, Cills & Creating New Openings
Cutting out brickwork to create a completely new window or drop a window into French doors involves structural engineers and Building Control. It is not standard window-fitting labour.
Window Cills & Masonry
- Internal window board:£100 – £250
- External uPVC cill:£100 – £250
- External Stone cill:£250 – £600+
- Damaged masonry repair:£300 – £1,000+
Installing Structural Lintels
If a new opening is created or an old failing timber/brick arch support needs replacing with a concrete or steel Catnic lintel.
Current guidance gives an average of around £600 for cutting out brickwork and installing a lintel with acrow props.
Creating a New Window Opening
A completely new window opening requires: Structural calculations, Building Regulations approval, removing outer brick and inner blockwork, installing damp-proof detailing (DPCs/Cavity Trays), supplying the lintel and window, internal plastering, and external making good.
- Typical Project:£1,500 – £4,000+
- Large Structural Openings:£4,000 – £8,000+
French, Patio & Bifold Door Prices
Converting existing windows into French doors or installing large rear-elevation aluminium bifolds are major high-revenue projects for fitters.
Patio & French Doors
- French Doors (Supply & Fit):£1,500 – £2,500
- Premium French Doors:£2,500 – £4,000+
- Sliding Patio Doors:£2,000 – £4,000
- Large 3-panel sliding systems:£4,000 – £6,000+
Bifold Doors (Supply & Fit)
- uPVC Bifolds:£2,000 – £4,500
- Aluminium Bifolds (UK Average ~£5k):£3,000 – £7,500
- Timber Bifolds:£3,500 – £8,000+
Labour Element Only: £600 – £1,500+
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Velux, Roof Windows & Rooflight Prices
Roof windows are substantially more complicated than wall installations because they involve interacting directly with the roof structure, slates, and weatherproofing flashings.
Velux / Pitched Roof Windows
- Replacement Velux (In existing hole): £550 – £1,500 (Avg £1k)
- New Velux installation (From scratch): £750 – £1,750 (Avg £1.2k)
- Labour Element Only: £300 – £800+
Flat Rooflights & Lanterns
- Standard Rooflight Installation:£750 – £2,000+
- Large Rooflights / Lanterns:£2,000 – £5,000+
- Flat-roof Rooflight (Structural):£1,000 – £4,000+
Waste Disposal & Scaffolding Costs
Heavy double-glazed glass units and solid timber frames cannot be put in domestic bins. Disposal and upper-floor access are massive hidden costs.
Removal & Waste
- Removal per window:£25 – £50
- Disposal per window:£20 – £75
- Standard 8-Yard Skip:£200 – £400+
- Heavy commercial glass disposal:£300 – £1,000+
Published guidance places commercial trade waste disposal at around £150 per tonne.
Scaffolding
Working at height regulations (WAHR) mean you cannot install heavy upper-floor or roof windows off a wobbly ladder.
- Basic access / Scaffold tower:£300 – £1,000+
- Full-house wrap (2-storey):£800 – £3,000+
- Complex / bridging conservatories:£2,000 – £5,000+
Full House Window Replacement Costs
A broad planning range for replacing every window in a property with standard white uPVC double glazing.
2-Bedroom Flat
Approximately 4–6 windows
£2,000 – £5,000
2-Bedroom House
Approximately 6–8 windows
£3,000 – £7,000
3-Bedroom Semi
Approximately 8–10 windows (UK Average ~£7,500)
£4,000 – £10,000
4-Bedroom Detached
Approximately 10–15 windows
£5,500 – £15,000+
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Material Markups & Premium Colour Options
Markups cover ordering administration, supplier communication, delivery logistics, yard storage, warranty administration, reordering defects, and cashflow financing.
Suggested Material Markups
- Standard uPVC windows:10 – 25%
- Aluminium / Timber frames:10 – 25%
- Replacement Glass sealed units:15 – 30%
- Hardware (Handles/Locks):20 – 40%
- Small consumables (Silicones/Foam):20 – 50%
Colour & Finish Premiums
Standard smooth white uPVC is always the baseline cheapest option. Coloured foils and custom RAL powder coating incur hefty premiums from the fabricator.
- Woodgrain foil wrap (e.g. Irish Oak):+10 – 20%
- Coloured uPVC (e.g. Anthracite Grey):+10 – 30%
- Dual colour (Grey outside / White inside):+15 – 30%
- Aluminium custom RAL/Bespoke finish:+20 – 50%+
FENSA, Part L & Building Regulations
In England and Wales, replacing external windows, doors, and rooflights is legally required to comply with Building Regulations (specifically Part L for energy conservation and Part K for safety glazing).
Competent Person Schemes (FENSA/CERTASS)
Installers registered with FENSA, CERTASS, ASSURE, or NAPIT can legally self-certify that their installations meet building regulations, rather than the homeowner having to pay the local council for a Building Control application.
- New build properties
- New extensions or conservatories
- Commercial properties
- Minor glass/hardware repairs
- Creating new openings or enlarging existing apertures requiring new structural lintel support.
Conservation Areas & Listed Buildings
Under Article 4 directions or Listed status, standard permitted development rights are removed. Like-for-like replacement (e.g., swapping a timber sash for a uPVC sash) may be illegal without explicit Planning Permission.
Energy Efficiency (U-Values)
Window quotes should never be compared solely on aesthetics. To pass Part L regs, the complete installed window system (frame + glass + warm-edge spacer + argon gas + Low-E coating) must meet strict thermal transmittance U-Values.
Commercial Glazing, Tools & Business Overheads
Commercial Window Fitting
Offices, schools, shopfronts, and curtain walling are priced via tender or schedule of works.
- Commercial installer day rate:£300 – £600+
- Aluminium Shopfront:£2,000 – £10,000+
- Large commercial shopfronts:£10,000 – £50,000+
Specialist Equipment Capital Costs
Calculating Your Minimum Day Rate
Suppose your annual overheads (Van, Fuel, Tools, FENSA certs, Insurance, Warehouse, Marketing) total £35,000. Your desired personal income is £50,000. Total required = £85,000.
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The Window Fitter's Quoting Formula
Window Unit (Frame + Glass + Hardware)
+ Material Markup
+ Installation Labour
+ Removal of Old Window
+ Internal Trims & Sealants
+ External Making Good / Render
+ Scaffolding / Access Equipment
+ Structural Work (Lintels / Brickwork)
+ Waste Disposal (Skip / Glass weight)
+ FENSA / Building Control Certification
+ Business Overheads Allocation
+ Target Profit Margin
= FINAL CUSTOMER QUOTE
Common Pricing Mistakes
- • Pricing every window identically
- • Forgetting the cost of FENSA certs
- • Underpricing 2nd-floor heavy lifting
- • Forgetting plastering / making good
- • Ignoring scaffolding costs
What a Quote Must State
- • Frame material, profile & exact colour
- • Glazing spec (Toughened? Obscure?)
- • Scaffolding included / excluded
- • Disposal included / excluded
- • FENSA certification provided
Window Fitter SEO & Social Media
A window fitting website should not rely on one general "windows near me" page. To win premium full-house replacements and high-margin bifold installations, you need dedicated landing pages targeting specific high-intent searches, combined with a highly visual portfolio.
Location-Based SEO Targets
Create dedicated pages combining your local towns with specific products (e.g., "Aluminium bifold doors in [Town]"). High-value targets include:
Social Media Portfolios
Homeowners want to see neat sealants and clean brickwork. An active social media presence builds instant trust and justifies your quotes.
- Process Videos (TikTok/Reels): Show the process of cutting out brickwork for a new lintel, or replacing a misted "blown" unit. It educates the customer on the structural expertise required.
- Instagram Before & Afters: Showcase the dramatic transformation of rotting timber frames into sleek, flush-casement uPVC or modern aluminium bifolds.
- Local Facebook Groups: Share helpful advice on clearing condensation, adjusting dropped hinges, or FENSA compliance, establishing yourself as the local fenestration expert.
The Final Window Fitting Pricing Checklist
A £4,000 quote and an £8,000 quote for the same house often differ entirely on specification and finish. Ensure your quote calculates:
Window Unit (Frame+Glass) + Hardware/Cills + Material Markup + Labour + Removal + Waste/Skip + Scaffolding + Structural (Lintels/Brickwork) + Trims/Sealants + FENSA Certification + Overheads + Profit
Quick UK Window Fitter Pricing Reference (2026)
Use this table for rapid job estimating and sanity-checking client quotes.
| Window Fitting Work / Service | Typical 2026 UK Benchmark |
|---|---|
| Window Fitter Hourly Rate (Repairs) | £25 – £45 / hour |
| Experienced Fitter Day Rate | £250 – £350 / day |
| Two-Person Fitting Team Day Rate | £350 – £600 / day |
| Standard uPVC Window Labour (Per Window) | £80 – £150 |
| Removal of Old Window & Disposal | £45 – £100+ / window |
| Standard uPVC Casement (Supply & Fit) | £350 – £600 |
| Large uPVC Window (Supply & Fit) | £500 – £1,000+ |
| Standard Aluminium Window (Supply & Fit) | £475 – £800+ |
| Standard Timber Casement (Supply & Fit) | £900 – £1,500 |
| Timber Sash Window Replacement | £1,400 – £3,000+ |
| Sash Window Draught-Proofing / Minor Repair | £200 – £400 / window |
| 3-Section Bay Window (Supply & Fit) | £1,000 – £1,400 |
| 5-Section Bay Window (Supply & Fit) | £1,900 – £2,400 |
| Triple Glazing Premium | £1,000 – £1,500 / window |
| Replace Blown/Misted Glass Unit | £100 – £300 / unit |
| Window Handle / Hinge / Lock Repair | £50 – £180 |
| Replace Window with French Doors (Existing Opening) | £1,500 – £3,000+ |
| Aluminium Bifold Doors (Supply & Fit) | £3,000 – £7,500 |
| Velux / Roof Window (Replacement) | £550 – £1,500 |
| Velux / Roof Window (New Install in Roof) | £750 – £1,750 |
| Install Structural Lintel | £300 – £1,000+ |
| Full House Replacement (3-Bed Semi, Standard uPVC) | £4,000 – £10,000 |
| Scaffolding Allowance (Upper Floors) | £300 – £1,000+ |
| Material Markup Allowance | 10% – 25% |
| Colour Premium (e.g. Anthracite Grey / Dual Colour) | +10% – +30% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a window fitter charge per hour?
Typically around £25–£35/hour, with day rates around £200–£300. Specialist installers and two-person teams (vital for heavy bifolds/bays) will charge more.
How much does it cost to replace a uPVC window?
A standard supply-and-fit uPVC window commonly falls around £350–£600. The pure labour element to fit it is roughly £80–£150, but size, style, and upper-floor access move this substantially.
How much does it cost to replace all the windows in a house?
A three-bedroom semi-detached house might cost approximately £4,000–£10,000 for standard uPVC replacement. Current published examples give an average of around £7,500.
How much does a sash window cost?
Approximately £600–£1,200 for uPVC, £800–£1,500 for aluminium, and £1,400–£3,000+ for heritage timber, according to current published 2026 pricing.
How much does it cost to replace double glazing?
If the glass is misted, replacing only the failed sealed unit (£100–£300) is much cheaper than replacing the entire uPVC frame.
Do replacement windows need FENSA?
Eligible replacement windows and doors in England and Wales must comply with Building Regs (Part L). Installers registered with FENSA or CERTASS can self-certify the work, saving the homeowner from paying council Building Control fees.
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