Breakdown of Pricing and Key Factors Affecting Supply & Fitting of uPVC Windows
Replacing your windows with modern, energy-efficient uPVC units is one of the most effective ways to improve the comfort, security, and energy efficiency of your home. But when it comes to cost, homeowners often find a wide range of prices—and understandably wonder why.
In this article, we break down the true cost of installing new uPVC windows and explore all the factors that can influence your quote, so you can make an informed decision.
Typical Cost of uPVC Window Installation
As a starting point, the cost to supply and install a standard small uPVC casement window generally costs around £600 for the most basic version of the window, including materials and labour. Bigger, more complex windows can significantly increase the actual costs based on a few key factors, which we’ll explore below.
There’s no one-size-fits-all price because window replacement involves many components. Here are the main cost-driving factors:
Get a Price for you uPVC Windows
1. Window Size and Design Affect Cost
The size and design of a window significantly impact the overall price. Here’s how:
- Small Standard Windows: These are the most affordable option due to minimal materials and labour.
- Larger Windows: Require more glass, frame materials, and installation time, increasing the cost.
- Multi-Section Frames: More complex to manufacture and fit, with additional hardware and glass panels.
- Bespoke Designs: Arched, circular, or angled windows involve custom manufacturing, which raises the price.
2. Window Types and Pricing
- Casement Windows: Typically the most budget-friendly.
- Tilt & Turn Windows: More expensive due to their versatile opening mechanism and extra hardware.
- Sliding Sash Windows: Generally the most costly option due to their intricate design and traditional styling.
💡 Tip: Stick to standard square or rectangular shapes to keep costs down.
3. Number of Opening Sections
Windows with more than one opening (vent) will cost more due to:
- Additional hinges and handles
- Increased manufacturing complexity
- More time required for installation and adjustments
4. Glazing Specifications
Your choice of glazing greatly affects both performance and price.
Standard double glazing (usually included):
- 4/20/4 sealed unit
- Low-E thermal glass
- Argon gas-filled cavity
- Warm edge spacer bars
- U-value around 1.2 W/m²K
Optional upgrades (extra cost):
- Triple glazing (may reduce the lifespan of your double glazing2)
- Toughened or laminated safety glass
- Obscure or privacy glazing
- Decorative designs (leaded or Georgian bars)
- Integral blinds built into the unit
5. Security and Hardware
Basic uPVC windows typically include:
- Standard handles and hinges
- Secure multi-point locking system
Upgrades like PAS24 enhanced security, fire escape hinges, or child restrictors will have and implication on your replacement window price.
6. Frame Finish and Colour
The most cost-effective option is the standard white uPVC finish, both inside and out.
However, if you choose any of the following:
- External colour and finish
- Internal colour and finish
- Dual-colour combinations (e.g. black outside, grey inside)
…your price per window will increase, as the chosen finish must be custom applied to your new windows. All windows are manufactured and customised by our team in our South Lanarkshire factory.
7. Internal Finishing and Joinery
Standard installations include:
- Basic white PVC internal cills and trims
Additional work, such as:
- Timber liners or reveals
- Plastering or painting around the window
- Decorating
…will incur extra costs and may involve separate trades.
8. External Building Work
Your estimate may not include:
- Replacing old stone or concrete cills
- Lintel replacement or structural work
- Brickwork, render, or roughcast repairs
- Altering or enlarging openings
These are priced on a case-by-case basis after the windows have been surveyed by our specialists.
9. Access Requirements
If your windows are on upper floors, difficult-to-reach areas, or require:
- Scaffolding
- Cherry pickers or specialist equipment
…this will need to be factored for additional as additional labour and safety costs.
10. Guarantees and Installer Quality
Guarantees and reputation should always be factored into the overall cost. It’s important to research your installer carefully. Key things to look for include:
- A 10-year guarantee
- Fully managed projects (with staff and installers directly employed by the company)
- Independent reviews on platforms such as Google, Trustpilot, and Trusted Trader
- Company trading history (how long they’ve been in business)
At Clyde Windows & Construction, you can rely on all of the above. As a family-run business trading for over 15 years, we’re proud to provide high-quality new windows at a fair price. To accommodate fairness we offer a Price Match Promise if you have received a better quote from a competitor, we will be able to match it if the competitor matches our criteria.
What’s Typically Included in a Standard Quote?
A base-level quote usually includes:
- Supply and installation of standard uPVC window
- Energy-efficient double glazing
- Standard white uPVC finish (inside and outside)
- Basic secure hardware
- Internal white PVC trims and cills
- 10-year installation guarantee
Anything beyond this—larger units, special shapes, decorative glazing, internal joinery, scaffolding—will be itemised separately.
What Should You Budget for New Windows?
If you’re budgeting for a full house of new uPVC windows:
- Smaller homes (5-6 windows): £3,500 – £7,500
- Medium homes (8-10 windows): £5,500 – £12,500
- Larger homes or custom installations: £9,000+
You can get an instant estimate using our uPVC Window Cost Calculator or request a quick quote from our team.
When comparing quotes, always check for warranties, industry accreditations, and confirm who will be carrying out the installation—these details matter.
If you’re planning your budget, explore our uPVC Window Finance Options, or simply request a quote and ask our team about the finance plans available.
Get Your personalised uPVC Window Quote!
At Clyde Windows & Construction, we provide clear, itemised pricing with no surprises. All work is carried out by our own in-house team (no subcontractors), and our windows are manufactured in Scotland to the highest security and energy standards.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote & get the best price first time.