COST GUIDES
Window fitting cost: UK prices guide 2026
Updated 07/26
Need a new window installed? Whether you’re installing a new window where there wasn’t one previously or you’re replacing an old window that can’t be repaired, you’ll want to know how much to budget.
Fast Facts
Average labour cost to fit a uPVC frame: £80 per window
Average cost so supply and fit new Velux window: £1,250 per window
Average window fitter hourly rate: £25–£35 per hour
Keep reading, and we'll take you through all the costs involved in fitting a new window - including average prices for different kinds of window, and window fitter hourly rates.
What's the cost of installing a new window?
| Item | Unit | Cost - low | Cost - high | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Install uPVC window frame | Per frame | - | - | £80 |
| Install wooden window frame | Per frame | £80 | £100 | £90 |
| Install glass | Per pane | - | - | £27.50 |
| Remove old window | Per window | £25 | £30 | £27.50 |
| Dispose of waste | Per ton | - | - | £150 |
| Cut out brick & install lintel | Per opening | £300 | £1000 | £600 |
| Install new Velux window (incl. supply) | Per new window installation | £750 | £1,750 | £1,250 |
| Replace Velux window (incl. supply) | Per window replacement | £550 | £1,500 | £1,025 |
| Obtain FENSA certificate | Per window | - | - | £25 |
| Last updated: July 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
The average labour cost to fit a standard uPVC window is £80.
Labour to fit a wooden window is a little higher, averaging £90.
These costs are just for labour - a full supply-and-fit quote will be higher because the window unit itself is included. Always check what a quote covers before comparing prices.
Other costs are involved, including the frames themselves, glass, sills, waste disposal, and removal of the old windows.
If you're replacing just the glass rather than the whole frame, that's a separate job with its own pricing.
uPVC window installation cost
For the frame itself, expect to pay around £80 per frame for a uPVC unit. Add £80 per window for installation.
uPVC is the most popular frame material for replacement windows in the UK. It's lower maintenance than timber, widely available, and usually the most affordable option to fit.
Wooden window installation cost
A timber frame costs around £90 per window in labour costs to fit.
Timber frames are slightly more expensive than uPVC at around £100 each.
Velux window installation cost
Fitting a Velux window, or skylight, costs an average of £1,250 for a brand new installation (supply and fit), or £1,025 to replace an existing one.
The exact price depends on the size of the window, your roof type, and how much access work is needed.
Velux installs are more complex than standard wall windows. The fitter has to work in the roof slope, seal around the frame to prevent leaks, and often coordinate with a roofer. That's why the price is higher.
FENSA certificate cost
A FENSA certificate costs around £25 per window. You'll need to factor this into your window fitting costs.
All replacement windows in England and Wales must be fitted and self-certified by a FENSA-registered installer in order to comply with building regulations.
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Window fitter hourly rates
Hourly rates for experienced window fitters are typically £25–£35 per hour, or £200–£250 per day.
Rates in London and the South East tend to be higher than the national average.
Most straightforward replacement jobs are quoted on a fixed-price basis rather than an hourly rate. Hourly rates typically apply to smaller call-out jobs, for example if a window needs adjusting or a seal needs replacing rather than a full installation.
If your fitter quotes hourly for a full replacement, ask for a fixed-price alternative so you can compare properly.
What affects the cost of window fitting?
Frame material, window type, and whether you're cutting a new opening are the biggest cost drivers. Here are the main factors to check before you get quotes.
Frame material: uPVC is the most affordable option to supply and fit. Hardwood timber costs more for both the material and the labour. Aluminium frames sit in between, depending on the style.
New opening vs replacement: Cutting a brand new opening into brickwork and installing a lintel adds around £27.50 to the job. A like-for-like replacement that uses the existing opening is significantly cheaper.
Window type and size: A bay window or large patio-style window costs more than a standard casement. Roof windows (Velux) are the most expensive to fit - you'll need to pay extra for access equipment and weatherproofing work.
Scaffolding: This may be needed for upper-floor windows or roof installs. Add around £40 and £150 per day if scaffolding is required.
Number of windows: Most fitters offer a lower per-window rate when replacing several at once. If you're replacing all the windows in your home, it's worth getting a combined quote rather than pricing each one separately.
Location: Labour rates in London and South East rates are typically higher than the rest of the UK.
If you're choosing between window styles, a bay window or large patio-style window costs more to fit than a standard casement, due to the extra weight and the number of sections involved.
You can also explore sash window costs separately if you're considering that style.
Additional costs to budget for
The fitting fee is just one part of the total spend. Here's what else to factor in:
Removing and disposing of old windows: Budget around £27.50 per window for removal - and bear in mind skip hire or disposal fees may apply on top
FENSA certificate: These cost around £25 per window, and are required for all replacement windows
Lintel installation: If you're cutting a new opening, budget about an extra £600 for brickwork and a new lintel
Decorating after installation: Plastering or repainting inside is not usually included in a window fitter's quote
Extras: You may need to pay extra if you want double glazing, triple glazing, or doors replaced too. If you're replacing windows and doors at the same time, check our guide to double glazing including doors for a combined cost view
Window fitting cost: job estimator tool
Get an approximate quote for your window replacement with our job estimate calculator.
All you need to do is type out a few details, such as the type of windows you want, and the tool will use Checkatrade data to give you a quick idea of how much it may cost.
Job Estimate Calculator
How long does window fitting take?
A straightforward like-for-like window replacement usually takes half a day to a full day per window.
A window fitter can typically replace two to four windows in a day if they're a standard size and easily accessible.
Cutting a new window opening (removing brickwork and installing a lintel) takes longer, often a full day for a single opening. Velux installs also take longer due to roof access and weatherproofing requirements.
Window installation considerations
Planning permission
For most straightforward like-for-like replacements, you won't need planning permission. Permitted development covers replacing windows in a similar style and size to what's already there.
However, the rules may be stricter if:
Your property is listed or in a conservation area, in which case you'll need planning permission even for a like-for-like replacement.
You're replacing side-facing windows above ground floor level, in which case you must use obscure glazing to avoid permitted development issues. Clear glass in a side window at that height typically requires permission.
If you're adding a new window where there wasn't one before, check with your local planning authority before starting work.
Building regulations
A FENSA-registered fitter handles building regulations compliance automatically. They self-certify the work and notify FENSA on completion. This gives you the documentation your conveyancer will ask for when you sell.
All replacement windows must also meet current energy efficiency standards, specifically U-values for thermal transmittance.
If you're repairing the window frame rather than replacing the whole unit, building regulations don't apply in the same way.
Should you fit a window yourself or hire a window fitter?
It's best to hire a window fitter for a number of reasons.
Replacing a like-for-like window in a standard uPVC frame is technically within the scope of a confident DIYer. Kits are available and the process is more mechanical than technical.
There are important caveats, though. Any replacement window still needs to meet building regulations on thermal performance and safety glazing - and only a FENSA-registered professional can provide certification.
Cutting a new opening is a different matter entirely. This involves structural work and isn't a DIY job.
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Benefits of using a checked window fitter
Choosing a Checkatrade window fitter gives you:
Checked and verified tradespeople: Every member passes our checks before they can list on the site
Reviews from real customers: You can read genuine reviews before you book
FENSA registration: Essential for compliance; our window fitters can issue the certificate you need
Quicker access to quotes: Post a job and get contacted by local fitters directly
Find a window fitter covering your area
It's easy to get started finding a trusted window fitter who works in your area. Just enter your postcode into our search tool, and you can browse available tradespeople, reach out for quotes, and compare your options.
We check and verify all of our members, so you know the tradespeople in our directory meet our standards.
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You can also use our quick and easy request a quote feature and we'll get experienced local window fitters to contact you directly.
Or download the Checkatrade app to keep all your conversations with tradespeople in one place.
Window fitting cost checklist
Make sure you've ticked off everything on our handy checklist for the best chance at getting a deal on your window fitting that you're happy with.
Your window fitting cost checklist
Window fitting cost FAQs
Most window fitters charge around £80 per uPVC window for labour. Costs vary depending on the frame material, window type, and whether it's a simple replacement or a new opening. Velux and roof windows typically cost much more.
For a straightforward like-for-like uPVC replacement, budget around £80 per window for labour, plus the cost of the window itself.
A new window cut into brickwork (including a lintel) costs around £600 on top of that.
Window fitters charge an average of £25–£35 per hour, or £200–£250 per day. Rates in London and the South East tend to be higher. Most jobs are quoted as a fixed price rather than an hourly rate.
A window fitter can usually replace two to four standard windows in a day, assuming they're straightforward like-for-like replacements with no access issues. Velux installs or jobs involving new openings take longer - often a full day per window.
Installing uPVC windows where there were none before costs more than a like-for-like replacement, because cutting a new opening into brickwork and fitting a lintel adds around £600 to the job. A direct replacement uses the existing opening and is significantly cheaper.
Replacing all windows in a 3-bed house with uPVC double glazing typically costs between £8,000–£15,000 in total (supply and fit), depending on the number of windows, size, and glazing specification.
This is a supply-and-fit figure. If you supply the windows yourself, labour costs are lower.
Check out our windows hub for more - including our guides to the cost of new windows, blind fitting, double glazing, and more!
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