The window quote process explained

Getting new double glazing usually follows the same five stages, whatever your home looks like and whichever installer you choose. Understanding that sequence in advance is the single best thing you can do to feel in control — it stops any one company rushing you, and it makes the eventual quotes far easier to compare like-for-like.

Stage 1: The enquiry

Everything begins with a short enquiry. You share a few basics — where you live, whether you own the property and roughly what you’re after — and you’re matched with installers who cover your area. There is no cost and no obligation at this stage; you are simply opening a conversation. Our guide to getting your first window quote covers exactly what to have ready.

Stage 2: Online estimate or home survey

Some installers offer a rough online estimate first; nearly all will want a proper home survey before they commit to a firm price. Both have their place, and it helps to know when a quick figure is enough and when you genuinely need someone to measure up. We compare the two in online quote versus home survey, and walk through the appointment itself in what happens at a window survey.

Stage 3: The written quote

After the survey you receive a written quote. This is where the detail lives: the frame material, glazing specification, number of openers, any structural work and the guarantee. Prices vary because the products do, so reading a quote carefully matters more than skimming to the bottom line. Our page on understanding a window quote line by line decodes each row, and the window jargon buster translates any terms that trip you up.

Stage 4: Compare, question and negotiate

With three quotes in front of you, the job is to line them up fairly. That means checking they cover the same specification before you look at price at all. Once you understand what each one includes, there is usually room for a sensible conversation about cost. See comparing three window quotes and negotiating your window quote. It’s also worth knowing how long a window quote stays valid so you don’t lose a good price by waiting too long.

Stage 5: From acceptance to installation

Once you accept, the installer confirms the order, manufactures your frames and books a fitting date. Knowing what happens between signing and the fitters arriving takes the last of the uncertainty away — we cover it in from quote to installation day. If you’re still weighing up styles and specifications, it’s worth planning your new windows before you commit, and reading up on what to expect from a window quote, jargon and all.

Follow the journey in order

The guides below follow the same path this page describes. Work through them in sequence if you’re starting from scratch, or jump straight to the stage you’re at. Whenever you’re ready, the wizard takes two minutes.