How much does it cost to double glaze a three-bed house?

Thinking about double glazing the windows of your three-bed house? It’s a smart move for boosting your home’s energy efficiency and can make a substantial difference to your heating bills and comfort. 

The cost of double glazing a three-bedroom home is, of course, one of the leading concerns for homeowners looking to upgrade or replace their current windows. 

It’s a big decision, and the price tag can vary depending on the number of windows and the type of frames you choose.

Let’s dive into what you can expect to pay for the entire project.

Before delving into the specific costs of double glazing your three-bedroom home, it’s essential to understand the costs associated with double-glazed windows in general. 

Window costs vary based on several factors, including the frame material, the type of glass and any additional features, such as coatings that improve energy efficiency.

• Material: Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC), wood and aluminium are the most common materials, each with different price points and benefits.
• Glass type: Standard double glazing is the norm, but upgrades such as low-emission coatings or triple glazing can add to the cost. Fittings such as handles also affect prices.
• Size and style: Large windows or bespoke shapes and styles will increase prices.
• Installation: Labour costs can vary depending on the company and complexity of the installation.

The average cost of a standard uPVC double-glazed casement window ranges from £500 to £620. If you opt for wooden frames, the price can increase to between £1,500 and £1,850 per window, due to the material’s higher cost and the craftsmanship required. 

Aluminium windows generally sit in the middle, offering a modern look with prices ranging from £1,000 to £1,250 per window. 

It’s also possible to purchase cheaper budget windows or considerably more expensive high-end windows.

Something else to consider is how many windows you’re replacing. On average, a three-bedroom house has 8 to 10 windows. 

Detached three-bedroom houses may have 12 or more sizable windows, depending on the size and style. Semi-detached or terraced three-bedroom homes likely have eight to nine windows or fewer. 

You also need to consider the cost of installing windows. 

Installation costs for double glazing vary widely depending on several factors, including the difficulty of the installation, the property’s location, the type of windows being installed and the company providing the installation services. 

• Accessibility: Higher floors or hard-to-reach areas can require scaffolding or specialised equipment, increasing costs.
• Property age: Older properties might present unforeseen challenges, such as non-standard openings or the need for additional remedial work, which can extend the time and cost of installation.
• Window removal: The cost to remove existing windows can vary, especially if they are large, in a state of disrepair or contain hazardous materials, such as lead-based paints or asbestos.
• Location: Labour costs can be higher in certain parts of the country, particularly in London and southeast England.

Given these factors, the table below shows approximate costs for a standard three-bedroom house using uPVC, wood and aluminium frames for 8 to 10 windows.

*The above figures for window installation costs are approximate and will vary. 

It’s important to get an itemised quote from your chosen contractor to understand all the potential costs involved. Understanding exactly how much it costs to double glaze a three-bed house requires thorough communication with the installer and a site assessment.

It’s also wise to factor in a contingency of around 10 to 20% for unforeseen issues that may arise during installation.

Remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best in the long term. Investing in quality materials and skilled installation can save you money on repairs and replacements in the future.

Terraced houses often have fewer windows than semi-detached or detached houses, due to less exposed exterior wall space. Typically, they have around 6 to 8 windows. 

• uPVC windows: Average casement window costs alone are £4,000. Including installation, the total estimated cost is around £45,050. If sash windows are present, as is likely for Victorian and Edwardian terraces, this could increase to at least £500 for each window. 
• Wooden windows: The base cost for 8 wooden windows is approximately £12,000, which could rise to £13,600 for all-sash windows. Adding installation, the total estimated cost ranges from £13,050 to £18,150 for casement windows.
• Aluminium windows: On average, Aluminium casement windows cost between £8,000 to £10,000. With installation, the estimated total cost is £9,050 to £13,150. 

It’s worth noting that many terraced houses are older and may have conservation considerations (especially in the case of older Victorian terraces) or require bespoke window solutions, which could affect the final price.

Semi-detached homes are some of the most common in the UK and generally feature 9 windows. 

• uPVC windows: The average base cost for the windows ranges from £4,500 to £5,580. 
• Wooden windows: The cost of 9 wooden windows will range between £13,500 and £16,650. 
• Aluminium windows: For aluminium windows, the average cost is £9,000 to £11,250.

Detached homes don’t share any walls with neighbours and thus have a greater potential for numerous and varied windows. Generally, this number sits around 10. 

• uPVC windows: The base cost for uPVC windows is £5,000 to £6,200. 
• Wooden windows: Wooden windows alone cost £15,00 to £18,500. 
• Aluminium windows: Aluminium windows cost between £10,000 to £12,500. 

The costs of double glazing a detached home are subject to wider variation. For instance, a detached house with unique architectural features might require bay or custom-made windows, thus boosting costs. 

You’ll also need to consider the potential for a more complex installation process due to varied window locations, including higher floors or hard-to-reach areas.

While the cost of double glazing a three-bedroom bungalow could be similar to that of a terraced house, fitting the windows may be considerably cheaper due to the lack of need for scaffolding. 

However, some bungalows feature extra-large windows to enhance natural light, which can be more expensive to double glaze. Below are the costs of double glazing a three-bedroom bungalow with 8 large (1,200 x 1,200mm) windows.

• uPVC windows: For uPVC windows, the cost is £4,960.
• Wooden windows: Wooden windows are £18,500.
• Aluminium windows: The cost for aluminium windows is £10,000. 

Functionality, aesthetics and energy efficiency are the primary considerations when choosing window styles for a three-bedroom house.

Casement windows are among the most popular due to their versatility. They can be tailored to fit modern buildings and complement traditional cottage-style homes. Their tried-and-tested design provides excellent ventilation and security, making them a practical choice. 

Sash windows – another popular style – are characterised by their vertical sliding mechanism and are a staple in Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian homes. They’re ideal for homeowners looking to maintain the period character of their property but can be more expensive due to the complexity of their design and the craftsmanship required to manufacture and install them.

Other window types include bay windows, tilt-and-turn windows, fixed windows, rooflights and bow windows. 

Choosing the right material for your window frames is as crucial as selecting the style. Each material comes with advantages and considerations, especially concerning cost, durability, maintenance and aesthetics.

uPVC frames

uPVC is popular due to its cost-effectiveness and low maintenance requirements. It’s resistant to rot, warping and corrosion, making it a durable option for most homes. uPVC windows can also provide good thermal and acoustic insulation. 

However, some may find the aesthetic of uPVC less appealing than natural materials, and it may not be suitable for certain property styles, particularly older or listed buildings where original features need to be preserved.

Wooden frames

Wooden window frames offer natural beauty and a traditional look. They are more environmentally friendly than uPVC, as wood is a renewable resource. In conservation areas or period properties, wooden frames are often required to maintain the area’s character. 

Wood requires more maintenance than uPVC, needing regular treatment to prevent weathering, rot and insect damage. The initial cost is higher, but many find the classic appeal and potential for customisation to be worth the investment.

Aluminium frames

Aluminium offers a sleek, modern look and is known for its strength and longevity. It’s also lightweight and can support larger panes of glass with slimmer frames, allowing for a more contemporary design with increased natural light. Aluminium frames are low maintenance and recyclable, making them a more environmentally friendly option than uPVC. They can be more expensive than uPVC but are usually cheaper than wood.

Double glazing your three-bedroom home is a significant but worthwhile investment that can enhance the energy efficiency, security and overall value of your property.

The costs involved vary greatly depending on the style and material of the windows you choose, as well as the specific requirements of your property type – be it semi-detached, terraced, detached or a bungalow. 

In terms of materials and designs, while uPVC windows provide a cost-effective and low-maintenance solution, wooden and aluminium frames offer distinct aesthetic and environmental benefits that may better align with your home’s needs or character. 

Overall, you’re looking at a minimum cost of approximately £4,000 to £12,000, but this could reach between £5,000 and £15,000 or more if you’re considering high-end windows or require complex installation.

As far as styles go, casement and sash windows are the most popular choices, each with advantages regarding design and functionality.