Bay Window Replacement Cost

Do you need your bay window replaced and want to know the cost?

The total cost of changing a bay window can range between £1,220 and £2,950. However, there are a number of factors to take into consideration along the way. As such, check out this complete price guide and discover all you need to know about changing your bay window.

What else does this guide cover, then?

We discuss the type of bay windows available, their costs to install (labour fees) and material prices.

We also have a range of local bay window installers that are ready to give you a free quote!

For all the information on changing a bay window - read below!

How Much Does a New Bay Window Cost?

With bay window replacement being such a large and expensive job, costing around £1,220 to £2,950, it’s important to plan what you have in mind before you start searching for the right contractor.

What are bay windows?

A very popular feature in the Victorian age, a bay window is defined as any window that projects outwards from the wall to form a bay. Following its popularity many years ago, it has remained a popular feature in a vast amount of homes across the UK ever since.

They’re such a great choice because of the benefits they bring to the home. The angles of the window provide a wider viewpoint of your property and street, the size of the windows allows for a great amount of natural light, and there’s so much you can do with them when decorating or revamping your room.

How to plan changing your bay window

When planning the type of bay window you’d like, there are a few things to consider such as dimensions and the type of materials to use for the framework. Although first of all, you need to think about the different styles of bay windows that are available:

Let's talk materials...

uPVC is the most used material for bay windows due to its versatility, strength and cost-effectiveness.

You can get different types of designed uPVC from wood effects to plain colours, so uPVC is the best option for this type of renovation. However, some other materials like timber and aluminium are still used for bay window replacements, and we’ll explore their pros and cons later on in the article.

Bay Window Installation Prices

The average cost of a bay window replacement is £2,000, but the price heavily depends on all of these factors.

Plus, you have to consider the size of the bay window you need, how accessible the front of your home is and any added features you would like, like a fixed bench area on the interior.

Below we take a look at different types of bay window, comparing their cost (including material and labour fees) and an estimate on how long the job should take to complete.

Supply Cost of Bay Windows

Let’s focus on the cost impacts on the materials only, by forgetting about the labour cost for this section.

As you can see from the table above, the material that you choose for your bay window will impact the overall cost of the job, along with the number of sections or panels on the window itself.

So, how much does each type of material cost?

Timber and aluminium are very similar in price, but they’re really on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of quality. The reason uPVC and aluminium are taking over timber for a lot of things is that timber degrades over time.

Even when it’s treated, timber can be affected by the weather and moisture. It’s also heavy and requires a lot of joint work to ensure its stability. Aluminium, on the other hand, is lightweight and versatile, with less maintenance required, often making it a more popular choice.

With this in mind, below will give you an idea of material costs only (without labour fees). Please note the number of panels and size of bay windows will impact the exact material cost.

What's the cheapest material for a bay window?

Despite being considerably cheaper other materials, uPVC comes with its own benefits and can be just as strong as the alternatives. However, the problem with uPVC is that some people find it also looks cheap, and the design options are somewhat limited.

However, as it stands today, uPVC is the most popular choice, due to its unrivalled value, when compared to the traditional timber and the modern aluminium options.

Will size affect the overall cost?

Of course, the size of the renovation will impact the overall price of the job. If you’re looking to extend an area 6-foot wide, you’ll naturally pay less than someone wanting to extend a 15-foot area.

The specific price of changing your bay window is almost impossible to determine until you have had contractors visit your home to measure up and work out what's required - especially in terms of material costs.

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Additional Bay Window Replacement Costs

On top of the price of the new bay itself, there are a few additional costs that creep in once the job starts. Some are a necessity to complete the job. Others may be down to personal choice.

The table below gives you a feel for the common extras that often end up on real quotes.

Labour Cost of Bay Window Replacement

Typically, contractors will work at the rate of about £250-£275 per day for a bay window, as it will usually take 2 or 3 people to work on the job at most times.

When you hire a contractor, make sure you’re both clear on what is included in the price in the sense of materials, labour, waste removal etc. There will be quite a lot of wastage and rubble generated from the job, so you’ll need a skip.

Sometimes this is factored into the price but find out, and order one yourself if it’s not provided by the contractor.

Different stages of the job will progress faster than others, especially when it comes to ensuring the accuracy and level of the installations.

You may think that not much is getting done, and to the naked eye that may be true, but there are critical aspects of the job that must be done very slowly and carefully to ensure that the windows are level, in-line and accurate to avoid any costly changes once complete.

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Factors That Impact Bay Window Replacement Costs

Changing your bay window isn't as straightforward as buying a window straight out of a catalogue, as there are a number of other cost-affecting factors that include the following:

• Location of the property – Labour costs are usually higher in areas such as London, due to increased living expenses.
• Style of the bay window – More intricate or custom designs usually come with a higher price tag.
• Material used – Modern materials (for example aluminium) cost more than a standard uPVC design.
• Size of the bay window – Larger areas or a complete refit will increase the overall cost.
• Complexity – Difficult or more technical installations may require longer to complete or the hiring of specialist tradesmen.
• Ease of access – Limited access around the property can slow down the job, and in turn increasing labour fees to complete.
• Obstructing walls – The removal of walls or other obstacles may require demolition and will add to the labour costs.

What's Involved in Replacing a Bay Window?

Bay windows look beautiful once they’re in. However, getting one swapped out is a pretty big job. They’re weighty. They’re also awkward to handle. What’s more, everything relies on the measurements being bang on.

If they’re even a little off, you can end up with leaks, draughts, or a frame that never sits quite right. So, it’s best to leave this one to a pro. They do it all the time and know how to get the window in without damaging the brickwork, not to mention the room around it.

Thinking about replacing yours? It’s worth getting a few quotes so you know what you’re dealing with. With MyJobQuote, you can get free quotes from local window installers who fit bay windows day in, day out. Once you’ve chosen someone, here’s the general process they’ll follow:

Before the Job Starts

• Measuring and planning — The fitter measures the opening. Next, they check how the current bay is supported and will then talk you through the style and layout you’re looking for.
• Ordering and booking in — When you’ve agreed on a plan, your installer will order the new bay to size. Any support work is sorted, then the fitting date is booked.

During the Job

• Getting the old bay out — Your window installer will carefully take out the old frame, glass and trims. This means the brickwork and plaster stay undamaged.
• Fitting the new frames — They’ll pop the new frame in. Then, they’ll level and fix back to the wall. Lastly, they’ll install the glass then seal it correctly.

After the Job

• Insulation and repairs — If there are any gaps, they’ll be insulated and sealed. And so that everything blends in, your local specialist will replace or repair any damaged plaster, sills or skirting.
• Final checks — Your fitter checks the openers and locks. Then, they’ll add any last bits of sealant, and leave the area clean and ready for you to decorate.

Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Bay Window Replacements

If you’re installing a brand new bay window in place of flat windows at the front of your home, you’ll usually need planning permission because it’s treated as an extension. If you’re replacing an existing bay window, or adding one at the back or side, it will often fall under permitted development – but it’s still worth checking the rules with your local planning department before you go ahead.

You can now apply for planning permission online on the gov.uk website. In most cases, planning permission is approved or denied within 8 weeks, and in the case of a rejection, you can appeal the decision and provide the evidence that would support whichever grounds they have rejected the request on. It costs £206 to apply for planning permission on an extension.

Choosing a Bay Window

Box Bay Window

Box bay windows usually consist of an outward window at a 90-degree angle on each side to make the extension, connected with a large window at the front.

These types are usually made for ornaments and plants to be kept on the windowsill for decoration. It usually extends to the floor and just above head height, but variations are easy to install.

Pros

• ✔ Allows for more storage space on windowsills
• ✔ Allows plenty of natural light through a large front-facing window
• ✔ Versatile in terms of height and depth

Cons

• ✖ Can look a little out of place
• ✖ Doesn’t allow for much more internal space

Bow Window

The bow window creates a wonderful rounded extension to the front of your home, that also allows for more internal space. With this in mind, bow extensions are usually floor to ceiling to allow for the extra space.

Pros

• ✔ More internal space for things like tables and sofas
• ✔ Lovely frontal design on your home
• ✔ Possible to convert the front bedroom with a bay window to match the living room below

Cons

• ✖ More costly than some other bay windows
• ✖ Requires much longer construction time

Circle Bay Window

The circle bay window is very similar to the bow window, with the only difference being a much more gradual and smooth rounding at the front.

Pros

• ✔ Increased internal space for things like tables and sofas
• ✔ Gradual rounded shape for the front of your home
• ✔ Like the bow window, it’s possible to convert the room above to match the design of the rounded front

Cons

• ✖ More expensive than some other bay windows
• ✖ Requires longer construction time

Oriel Window

Oriel windows are quite elegant and traditional looking, and they’re often seen on older houses, churches and grand historic buildings.

It juts out much further than other bay windows to allow for a wider vantage point and in the process, causing the room to enlarge.

Pros

• ✔ Lots of extra space in the interior
• ✔ Extends out quite far that really amplifies the extension
• ✔ Looks very elegant and luxurious

Cons

• ✖ Quite a large job due to the size of the extension
• ✖ If there isn’t anything to look at from your window, you’d be far better suited with another style

Bay Window Materials

uPVC Bay Windows

uPVC is a popular material for a number of things, due to its sturdiness, low maintenance, low cost and versatility. However, it’s the low cost that can turn people away from the low costs of uPVC and on to more expensive materials.

Despite the advancement in uPVC designs, they still can look quite cheaply made. The plastic feel and the shiny look suits many, but if it’s not for you, consider the aluminium material for your bay window.

Aluminium Bay Windows

A new emergence in bay window materials, aluminium has become quite the option. While it is more expensive than uPVC, it certainly shows its worth in aesthetics.

Aluminium is easy to work with, lightweight, versatile and allows a far greater amount of designs. If you can fit it into your budget, aluminium is a great material to use for your bay windows.

Timber Bay Windows

A somewhat forgotten material for this type of renovation, timber can’t quite compete with the quality of aluminium and the cost of uPVC. The problem with timber lies in the fact that it degrades over time, whilst costing the same as materials that don’t suffer in weather and bad conditions.

It’s also quite heavy, adding more unnecessary strain on your home structure. Although, if you’re a traditionalist and you have the money in your budget for a timber structure, it’s still an available option.

Bay Window Styles

One of the main decisions to make when installing bay windows is to decide how many panels you want to have in the bay, especially for bow and circle bay windows.

The fewer panels you have, the cheaper it will be, but it will create a more box-like frame at the front of your home. But the fewer the panels, the more light will be let in with fewer frames blocking the sunlight.

By utilising more panels, you naturally receive less light, but you do achieve that smoother, more rounded look.

Benefits of Replacing a Bay Window

There is an abundance of benefits to reap from replacing a bay window, and we’re going to explore them here.

More Natural Light

You’ll have a brighter and healthier home with the influx of more natural light.

There have been several studies linking good natural light to better mood, sleep and overall wellbeing, especially when you team it with real plants and decent ventilation.

Increased Property Value

Extensions to your property, no matter how big or small, will greatly increase the value of your home for further resale. In fact, some people will extend their homes just before putting them up for sale to reap the most money possible from the sale.

It will also increase the kerb appeal of your home to any prospective buyers.

Home Enjoyment

You can use the extra space in your living room for a wide variety of things, from additional space for seating, a work desk or tables for decorations.

This little bit of extra space can really improve the overall look and feel of your home, making it look less cramped and allowing for more space to move your furniture around for different looks at different times of the year.

Bay Window Removal Cost

If you need someone to remove a bay window, either for renovations or to prepare for a much larger extension, it’s advisable to use a professional and not attempt to complete the work yourself.

Firstly, these bay windows are extremely heavy and can cause a lot of physical injuries if somebody with no experience attempts to remove them. Secondly, the damage it can cause to the property can be catastrophic if done incorrectly.

If you wanted to pay someone to remove a bay window, it's likely to cost around £150 for half a day’s labour. This won’t include waste removal so consider hiring a skip or hiring someone to take it to a recycling centre for you.

Checklist: Having a Bay Window Replaced in the UK

• Are they FENSA or CERTASS registered? It means they can sign off the window work and hand you the right paperwork.
• Will they sort building control? A new bay often needs sign-off, so check if they take care of it or if you’ll need to submit it yourself.
• Do they have public liability insurance? If anything gets broken, you want their insurance covering it, not yours.
• Is the repair work included? Find out if plastering, trims and sealing are part of the job, as you definitely don’t want to pay out any extra later.
• Is waste removal sorted, too? Old frames, broken glass and rubble build up fast. Make sure clear-up is in the quote.
• Have they fitted bay windows before? It’s a different skill to switching over a standard window. So be sure they’ve done cut-ins or replacements like yours.
• What about recent work? A few photos of similar bays (before and after) give you a good feel for their finish.