What’s included in a window quote
The headline price is only half the story. Knowing which window quote inclusions are covered — and which cost extra — is the difference between comparing fairly and comparing two very different jobs.
Supply of the windows
The largest line is usually the windows themselves: the frames, the sealed glass units, the hinges, handles and locks, and any decorative features such as astragal bars or coloured finishes. A clear quote states the exact number of windows, the style of each and the specification. If the supply cost is bundled into one figure with no breakdown, ask for an itemised version so you can see what you are actually paying for.
Fitting and installation
Fitting covers the labour to remove your old windows, prepare the openings and install the new units square, level and properly sealed. This is skilled work, and cutting corners here undoes the value of a good product. The quote should confirm that fixing, sealing with the correct grade of silicone, and adjusting the openers for a smooth operation are all included.
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Get into the quote zone →Making good and finishing
When old windows come out, the surrounding plaster, render or brickwork often needs attention. “Making good” means repairing the internal reveals and external finish so the job looks tidy. Some firms include a reasonable amount of making good; others price it separately or exclude plastering altogether. This is one of the most common sources of a surprise bill, so confirm it in writing.
Waste removal and building control
Your old windows and packaging have to go somewhere. A complete quote includes removing and disposing of the old units responsibly. It should also cover the building regulations side: replacement windows are notifiable, so the installer either self-certifies through a scheme such as FENSA or CERTASS, or arranges a building control inspection. Make sure the certificate is part of the deal, because you will need it when you sell.
Extras that are easy to miss
Watch for items that may sit outside the headline figure: trickle vents, new window boards or cills, scaffolding for upper floors, restrictor stays, obscure glass to bathrooms, and any structural work if an opening is being altered. None of these are unreasonable to charge for, but you want them listed so no two quotes are compared unfairly. If you are pricing a whole house in stages, it can help to look at how firms present window replacement quotes room by room.
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