Change back door to a window
Considering buying a house, but I will need to make the most out of the space in a small kitchen as there's not enough room for a washing machine. So i'm thinking of removing the back door to the garden, bricking it up halfway, then putting a new window in on that wall above the sink and washing machine. Leaving the plumbing in place.
How much would that cost?
I am also then considering changing a living room window into a single back door, to regain access to the back garden. How much would that cost?
Thanks!
Asked by Sammi on 30th Jan 2025
Expert Trade Answers
"Here’s a rough estimate for both jobs:
1. Removing the Back Door & Installing a Window Above the Sink
• Bricking up halfway: £400–£800 (depends on materials and finish)
• New window supply & install: £500–£1,200 (uPVC being the cheaper option, aluminum or timber being more expensive)
• Plastering & finishing inside: £200–£500
• External render or brick matching: £300–£800 (depending on finish)
• Total estimated cost: £1,400 – £3,300
2. Changing a Living Room Window into a Back Door
• Removing the existing window: £100–£300
• Cutting down the brickwork for door opening: £500–£1,000 (structural work, may need a lintel)
• New door supply & install: £800–£2,000 (material choice matters—uPVC is cheaper than composite or aluminum)
• Making good internal & external finishes: £300–£800
• Total estimated cost: £1,700 – £4,100
Total for Both Jobs:
• Low-end: ~£3,100
• High-end: ~£8,400
All rough estimates depending on various factors; Final cost will depend on materials, location of the work area, and any unexpected structural work."
Answered on 30th Jan 2025 - Member since Jan 2025 -
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"Depending on quantity and specifications of door and window around 3 to 4 k"
Answered on 31st Jan 2025 - Member since Nov 2022 -
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"many different ways and outcomes and without seeing the job can never give an accurate estimate but based on the information provide.
Estimate for bricking the backdoor up and installing a window and making good be between £1200 - £1600
Estimate for changing window to a door would be and making good be between £1600 and £2200
Hope this helps"
Answered on 31st Jan 2025 - Member since Nov 2018 -
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"Removing door
tieing in new brick work, insulate cavity
Install new window and cil
Scratch coat (if plastering externally)
Dot and internally
Float coat externally
Skim inside
Shouldn't take 1 person more then 2 and a half days so depending on rate I wouldn't pay more then 500 in labour materials on top of course"
Answered on 9th Mar 2025 - Member since Feb 2025 -
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"You will need to install a door to the rear not just consider it
You would be looking at around £2000 for the first part and about the same for the second total of around £4000 if I’ve read it right"
Answered on 16th Feb 2025 - Member since Apr 2022 -
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"Without looking I would allow a rough cost of about £2500-£4000"
Answered on 3rd Feb 2025 - Member since Feb 2025 -
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"If the owner has the materials probably looking at £350"
Answered on 15th Apr 2025 - Member since Apr 2025 -
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"Hiya this would depend on the type of door/ window your are looking for middle range pvc door and double glazed window, I would estimate £1600 fully restored inside and out"
Answered on 5th Apr 2025 - Member since Mar 2025 -
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"1. Bricking Up a Back Door and Installing a Window Above a Washing Machine
Scope:
Remove existing external door
Brick up the lower half with matching materials (e.g. concrete blocks rendered externally)
Install a new double-glazed window above worktop height
Leave existing plumbing and drainage in place
Typical Costs:
Labour & materials: £950 – £1,300
Includes brickwork, window supply & fit, insulation, plastering inside, external making good
Window only (standard uPVC unit): £200–£350
Optional: lintel fitting or structural support if needed
Regulations:
You’ll likely need to notify Building Control, as this alters external walls and involves structural changes. Planning permission is not normally required if materials match and it’s not in a conservation area.
2. Converting a Living Room Window into a Single Back Door
Scope:
Remove window unit and create a door opening (check for lintel above)
Supply and install a new single external door (uPVC or composite)
Brickwork adjustments and internal plastering
External threshold and sill work
Typical Costs:
Labour & materials: £1,200 – £1,800
Door costs range from £300–£800 depending on type
Includes structural adjustments, making good inside and out
Regulations:
Building Regulations approval is needed to ensure the structural opening is safe and thermally efficient. Again, planning permission likely not required unless in a listed or conservation property."
Answered on 2nd Apr 2025 - Member since Jan 2023 -
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"Removing the back door, bricking it up halfway, and installing a new window
Brickwork & plastering: £500–£1,000
New window (supply & installation): £400–£800
Labour (builder & window fitter): £500–£1,000
Total estimated cost: £1,400–£2,800
2. Converting a living room window into a single back door
Structural work (cutting the wall and installing lintels if required): £500–£1,000
New door (supply & installation): £700–£1,500 (cost varies based on material and design)
Labour (builder & door fitter): £500–£1,000
Total estimated cost: £1,700–£3,500
Additional Considerations:
If structural reinforcements (such as lintels or support beams) are required, this could add £300–£800.
Building regulations approval may be required, particularly for structural changes, with application fees ranging from £200–£500.
If the property is in a conservation area or listed, additional permissions may be needed, which could increase costs."
Answered on 2nd Mar 2025 - Member since Mar 2025 -
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