Putting a Window in a Brick Wall Cost UK
Installing a new window in a brick wall in the UK is inevitably a little more expensive than replacing an older frame - the average cost is about £900 for the parts and labour depending on several variables, which we'll work through shortly!
Looking for an accurate cost of installing a window into a brick wall? Fill out the form below and we'll put you in touch with local window fitters in your area - compare costs for free! Time complete - 30 seconds.
The bulk of the cost is cutting out the brickwork and installing a solid lintel to withstand the weight of the wall, which will now be resting above your new window. Your contractor will need to cut through the bricks, fit the beam over the opening, and close the gaps in the exposed wall before fitting your window frame and glazing.
Breaking Down the Cost of Putting a Window in a Brick Wall
There are numerous different types of windows, frames and materials you can choose from - including hardwood timber, triple-glazing, toughened glass and soundproofing.
Below we've split the total project cost into the averages for each element, presuming we fit a low-cost, minimal maintenance UPVC window frame.
Note that a wooden frame would add around £20 - £30 to the cost per window, and the price for a Velux window in an attic space would be higher - usually about £1,250 per window, including supply and fitting.
Get quotes for new windows
See how we work below.
Itemised Costs of Fitting a New Window Into a Solid Wall
| Task | Average UK cost |
| Removing an old window | £25 - £30 |
| Cutting out brickwork and fitting a lintel | £300 - £1,000 |
| Fitting a new UPVC window frame | £80 |
| Installing the glazing | £27.50 |
| Waste disposal | £150 per tonne of waste |
We've shown waste disposal costs in tonnes because much depends on the size of your window, the density of the wall, and the volume of brickwork and rubble that your contractor will need to dispose of.
It is usually cost-effective to fit several windows at once rather than one at a time because these costs will be lower overall if you combine the project.
Cost Factors in Fitting a New Window
Multiple pricing elements will feed into your total budget, and it's worth getting at least three quotes to be confident your chosen window fitter is offering a reasonable price.
- Window frames - if you go for timber, aluminium, a composite frame, or coloured UPVC, the costs of the frame supply will be higher than standard white UPVC.
- The number of windows - the more windows you need to replace, of course, the more the work will cost. However, we've mentioned the potential for economies of scale if you plan to install several new windows on your property.
- Condition and age - most modern homes are built with bricks and mortar, but older homes with stonework require specialist equipment. Poor condition plaster, bricks or cladding will require preparatory and decorative work and add to the project's complexity.
- Access - fitting a new window on an upper floor will require scaffolding, and your contractor may quote for this within their price, or you may need to organise the scaffolding separately.
- Window size - the larger the window panels, the more challenging they will be to install. Most new windows require two tradespeople, but large panes and picture windows may carry higher labour costs.
- Glazing type - you could choose standard double-glazing, eco-friendly glass, laminated panels or soundproofing. Any upgrades to the glass in your new window will add a little to the budget.
Finally, it's worth remembering that your location will have a bearing on the costs. If you live in a remote area, contractors will need to budget for the travel time and expenses to reach your property.
Homeowners in London and the southeast also often pay higher trade pricing since insurance and travel costs are steeper in this part of the country.
All new windows should be accompanied by a FENSA certificate, verifying that your window meets regulatory standards - some companies will charge a £25 fee separately.
Costs of Fitting a New Window in an Attic Room
An attic conversion is one of the common projects where a homeowner decides to fit a window in a brick wall.
Most loft spaces are very dark, without any natural light, and a Velux window is the most popular option available, suited to sloping roofs and relatively easy to install.
You can set skylights into the wall or the ceiling. The total cost depends on the type of window you choose, your property and the size - but the average is £750 to £1,750.
Scaffolding will be necessary for this new window project, with a typical cost of £40 to £150 a day, so it's wise to have a rough idea about how long the work is expected to take if you're paying a local scaffolder directly.
Window fitters will usually give you a fixed quote, including all the work, or they might quote a price for the window and a 'per day' labour charge.
Hourly rates are normally around £25 to £35, and we'd recommend you have an upper time limit agreed before the project begins so you aren't working with a potentially endless budget!
Benefits of Putting a Window in a Brick Wall
While adding a new window to your property is a more involved undertaking than replacing an old frame, it can make a marked difference to the light, sense of space, and usability of your home.
It's important to use an experienced window fitter or mason since the work will involve cutting through solid brick, which isn't a job you should try yourself without the skills and equipment necessary.
For example, brick walls usually have layers of plaster, brick and insulation, wiring and pipework, so a professional contractor is highly advisable.
The advantages to fitting a new window can be compelling:
- Making your home feel brighter and more spacious - particularly for darker rooms at the back of a property or when converting the attic.
- Creating two separate rooms - if you are putting up a partition, say to make an extra bedroom, a window will be important to ensure the new space is fit for use.
- Adding value - quality glazing with advanced energy-efficiency glass can be a unique selling point, opening up views to the outside and flooding a space with natural light.
- Ventilation - damp or dark rooms are susceptible to dampness, mould and rot, without enough airflow to keep the space comfortable. A new window will improve the ventilation significantly.
If you have a garden or views from the upper floors of your home, a fresh new window can also be a focal point and make the most of your location.
Checkout this video which shows you what's involved with installing a window into a brick wall:
Frequently Asked Questions - Putting a Window in a Brick Wall Cost UK
Next, we'll answer some of the questions we receive about the costs of installing a window in a brick wall and what sort of costs to expect from your quotations.
What Types of Lintels Can I Choose Between For a New Window?
Lintels are essential to the stability and infrastructure of your building, so you'll need to have one installed if you put a window into a solid wall.
The beam sits above the window frame and supports the wall load since a window frame and glazing aren't strong enough to hold up a large weight.
You can choose between many lintel materials, including brick, timber, steel and concrete.
If in doubt, your contractor should be able to advise on the most suitable materials for your home, depending on whether you plan to leave an exposed lintel or plaster and decorate over the finished brickwork.
How Big a Job is it To Cut Through a Wall to Fit a New Window?
While a contractor will probably prepare a new opening for a window in a day or two, they'll usually want to visit beforehand and inspect the wall density and materials.
Work includes assessing the wall's stability and removing obstructions such as wiring, utility pipes and ducting.
Once the site is ready, your contractor will cut through the brick with an angle grinder to get to the mortar layer underneath - that requires some manual work with a hammer and chisel.
The old brick is removed, the lintel is installed to hold the load, and your tradesperson will drill holes required for the frame installation.
Next, they will insert the window sill and bolt it down, with clamps used to hold it in place before the cement is dried.
Lastly, when the cement block is set, your contract will wet the surface, plaster around the frame, and then carry out any decorating work you've asked them to do.
Can I Install a New Window Myself?
We'd never advise you to try cutting through a brick wall to fit a new window if you don't have professional experience.
That's because if you crack the brick or make a mistake, you could potentially collapse the wall, which would be disastrous. Other hazards include electrical shocks, puncturing power cables or miscalculating the lintel load.
Do I Need Planning Permission to Add a Window to My Home?
You might do - most new windows are allowed under Permitted Development rules, but others will require full planning approval.
It's best to check with your local authority and discuss with your contractor to apply for any necessary permission before work begins.
Get quotes for new windows
See how we work below.