Bay windows are classic features of any house, that add a touch of romance and freshness to a room by allowing a lot of light in and seemingly to expand the size of the interior. Bay windows are popular features due to the character they can add to any home.
As bay windows protrude out from the property instead of simply slotting into a vertical gap in the wall, they can provide space for a beautiful window seat to sit and admire the view! There are a range of different designs of bay windows available, so before committing to any installation you should be sure you know what design would best suit your needs and property.
Our guide takes a comprehensive look at bay windows, including how much it costs to add a bay window to your home, what affects the cost of installing a bay window, how you can save money, and the best way to find a window fitter for your new bay window feature!
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How Much Does a Bay Window Cost?
The cost of a bay window is dependent on a range of factors, ranging from style of the bay window to size. The table below breaks down the estimated cost of different types of bay windows installations.
| Style | Estimated Supply Cost | Estimated Labour Cost | Time Required | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three section | £1,000-£1,500 | £250-£275 | One to two days | £1,250-£1,775 |
| Four section | £1,600-£1,900 | £250-£275 | One to two days | £1,850-£2,175 |
| Five section | £2,000-£2,500 | £250-£275 | One to two days | £2,225-£2,775 |
| Painted Timber and Aluminium Bay Windows | Estimated Supply Cost | Estimated Labour Cost | Time Required | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three Sections | £1,200 to £1,400 | £550 to £750 | Two days | £1,750 to £2,150 |
| Four Sections | £1,600 to £1,900 | £600 to £800 | Two days | £2,200 to £2,700 |
| Five Sections | £1,800 to £2,000 | £700 to £1,000 | Two days | £2,500 to £3,000 |
There is a lot of design flexibility when it comes to bay windows, but the usual set up is a main centre window with smaller side windows at either end. The number of sections in a bay window can also differ, meaning you can choose how many or how few sections you’d like depending on the available space you have and your preferred design.
A three section bay window is estimated to cost between £1,250 to £1,775 including both supply and labour costs.
A four section bay window is estimated to cost between £1,850 to £2,175 including both supply and labour costs.
A five section bay window is estimated to cost between £2,225-£2,775 including both supply and labour costs.
If you’re thinking of installing a new bay window in your property and would like some help to find the perfect installer, use HouseholdQuotes’ easy to use search function to compare quotes from different installers and find the best deal for you!
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What Affects the Cost of Fitting a Bay Window?
There are a few factors which will have a big impact on the final cost of a new bay window installation project. We take a closer look at these factors below, so you’ve got an idea of what to keep in mind when it comes to make a budget for this kind of project.
Size of Bay Window and Number of Sections
The size of the bay window you want installed will definitely have an impact on the final price of installation. Bay windows can come in sizes from 2400mm x 1200mm to 400mm x 1500mm, depending on how big you want them to be.
As you may have guessed, the larger the size of the window and the more sections you want installed, the more expensive the cost of installation will be due to larger supply costs.
The labour cost for installing a larger bay window could also increase, as it could take more time and need more labourers to accurately fit and instal a new bay window that’s larger than one that’s smaller. Bay windows need to be installed very meticulously which is why it could take between two to three labourers to fit the window.
If you decide you’d like more than one bay window fitted in your property, this will also increase supply and labour costs.
Type of Bay Window
Within the bay window family, there are a range of bay window designs that you will need to consider and choose from before installation.
Box Windows
Box bay windows tend to have straight lines and corners that give the window a rectangular shape – much like a box. These tend to be the most common type of bay window available and are easily recognisable.
The estimated cost for this type of window is between £1,000 to £2,500.
Bow Windows
A bow bay window is curved, like the shape of a bow and has smooth curving lines on the inside and outside of the property. These types of windows usually have between four to five sections and as such are more expensive than box windows.
The estimated cost for this type of window is between £1,500 to £3,000.
Circle Bay Window
This is a similar style to a bow bay window as it is a curved design with smooth, round lines. The difference is that a circle bay window has a more prominent curve to the front of it which can allow in even more natural light.
The estimated cost for this type of window is between £1,500 to £3,500.
Oriel Bay Window
An oriel bay window protrudes much father out than other bay window variations which in turn adds more space to the interior of the room. This is a very luxurious type of window, but it may take some time to have installed due to how large the extension is.
The estimated cost for this type of window is between £1,500 to £2,500.
Type of Material Used
Different types of materials can be used when it comes to creating a bay window. What type of material you choose for your own installation depends on what type of aesthetic you’re hoping to achieve with your bay window as well as the type of budget you’re working with.
uPVC
uPVC is one of the favourite materials used for bay windows as it’s extremely low maintenance and low cost. uPVC can dramatically change the final cost of a bay window installation, but for those who may want a more grand and high-quality appearance of the bay window, it may be best to consider other materials.
Aluminium
Aluminium is a relatively new emerging material to use in bay window creations. It is a more expensive option than uPVC, but it does add a lot more design flexibility to the creation of a bay window as well as producing a more expensive appearance.
Timber
Timber bay windows are often passed over due to the naturally disadvantageous qualities of the material – it will eventually degrade, particularly in bad weather conditions, and can put a lot of strain on the structure of the property.
It can, however, create beautiful bay windows that look spectacular.
Skip Hire
If you’re having your opening made wider for the bay window, you will have bricks and other waste for disposal. If it’s not included in your window installer’s quote you might have to hire a skip.
Skip hire starts at around £95 for a mini skip and £200 for a medium-sized skip. If you need a large skip then you should expect to pay between £300 and £390.
Type of Glass
Most householders will have double glazed windows which give excellent thermal insulation. Other householders choose to have triple glazing.
Triple glazing has three separate layers of glass for better noise reduction and thermal insulation. Other glazing choices include having toughened and laminated glass.
Toughened glass will fall into small blunt pieces if it is broken. This makes it much safer than standard glass which breaks into dangerous shards.
Laminated glass contains a layer of plastic. This extra layer means that when the glass is broken the glass will stay in the frame.
It makes it safer and more difficult for burglars to gain entry.
Decorative Glass
If you want part or all of your windows to have a pattern, then you can have decorative glass in your bay windows. This is achieved by tinting, acid-etching, silvering or by using ceramic paints.
Self-cleaning Glass
This is glass that has been coated so that any dirt on your windows is broken down and the rain or sun (depending on the coating) then removes the dirt. You will still have to clean your windows though, but not as regularly as with standard glass.
Acoustic Glass
Acoustic glass absorbs any sound-waves that hit the glass and therefore the sound coming into your home is reduced. The glass has two panes and a laminate PVC sound dampening core.
Acoustic glass is a good solution if you live on a busy main road as it will cut down the noise pollution from the traffic and any other noises on the street outside your home.
Location
As with all home renovation or construction projects, where you are located in the UK will undoubtedly impact the final cost of installation.
If you’re located in central London, you can expect the prices for shutter installation to be two to three times more expensive than prices for installing window shutters in a property located in the Western or Northern regions.
How Can I Save Money on New Windows?
If you’re hoping to save money on new bay windows opt for a smaller size window with fewer sections – this will reduce money on supply costs and potentially labour costs too.
Take into consideration what the window will be made from. uPVC is your cheapest option, but you might want to take into account the impact this could have on the overall appearance as it will be clearly made of plastic.
Unfortunately, we do not recommend trying to instal a bay window yourself as a sneaky way of cutting costs. Bay windows are delicate and have a lot of steps to their installation that need to be carefully carried out by someone with experience.
If they’re installed incorrectly they have the potential to cause damage to the structure of your home, which could be very expensive to fix. They also require extremely detailed and accurate measurements, which may be beyond an amateur’s ability to carry out.
Don’t make your window opening any larger than it is. This will save you labour and glazing costs.
For example, a three-section uPVC window will be a total of between £1,200 and £1,600 to supply and fit. If you make a larger window opening and instal a five-section uPVC window, it will cost you between £2,300 and £3,000.
A great way to save money is by using HouseholdQuotes to find professionals within your area to suit your budget and requirements when it comes to installing new bay windows. You can use our search function to compare quotes from vetted tradespeople and find the best deal for you!
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What’s Involved in Fitting a Bay Window?
Firstly, some key measurements will need to be taken over the area where the bay window is going to go. A style and design of bay window must be chosen, which will then lead to further dimensions being noted down.
Any potential problems will then be checked for – such as dry rot – and noted down so that the installers will be aware of what to expect when they begin the job.
Your bay window will then be made to your specific requirements if it’s being made to order, or a ready-made purchase will be sent to the property with the installers.
The existing windows and tracks will then be removed in one piece and taken out of the way of the property. The interior windowsill and casing will then be removed, with the exterior frames also being removed.
Any problems will be rectified at this point before the bay window is installed.
The installers will then ensure that the surface for the window frame is flat, level and secure. The opening will then be sealed to ensure no moisture can damage the surfaces.
The frame of the bay window will then be lifted into the opening and secured with temporary screws. The support cables for the window will then be installed and once the frame is level, the support cables will be tightened into place.
Once the frame is completely attached, the centre window will be secured into the panel, with the side panels inserted into the frame after. Once everything is set and levelled, the window will be secured into place permanently.
The installers will then carry out any necessary finishing and trim work for the surrounding area of the window.
The final job will be to remove any waste from the property.
How Do I Find and Hire a Window Fitter?
We always recommend you trying to seek recommendations from family, friends or neighbours who may have recently had a bay window installed. This way you can trust their recommendations and potentially even see the quality of the job done for yourself.
You can also search sites such as Fensa or Certass to find suitable tradespeople who will be able to help you with your installation needs.
A tradesperson from Fensa ensures that your installation complies with building regulations, is registered with the local council and is backed by guarantee insurance.
Member companies associated with Certass are assessed with specific requirements to ensure that their tradespeople are competent and work to the standards that they have set out as an association.
HouseholdQuotes can also help you find the right professional! Our search function allows you to compare quotes from vetted traders. All our companies and tradespeople on site are reputable and you don’t have to be concerned that you may run into any rogue traders.
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Ensuring the Professional Is the Right Fit
It’s a good idea to make sure you have a list of questions ready to verify that the professional you are hoping to hire is the right fit for you and meets the correct standards. Use the questions below to make sure your professional is up to the job:
- Ask them for a written quote. Any contractor worth their salt will be happy to provide you with a written quote and this way you will get see exactly what is included in the price.
- Ask for their experience. It’s best to go with a tradesperson who has experience in installing bay windows as they do require specific skills for installation.
- For their references. If they are able to provide you with references you can be sure of their ability and may even be able to see some of their previous work.
- For any photos of their previous jobs. This will offer you the opportunity to see the quality of their work and could also provide you with some good references for you own project designs.
- If they and their tools are insured. This can protect you from lawsuits if they or property is damaged when they come to your home.
- For total peace of mind, be sure to find out whether or not a manufacturer’s guarantee comes with the product.
Final Checklist
Use the below checklist to make sure you’ve got everything in order to hire an installer for a new bay window:
- Decide on the type and number of bay windows you’d like to instal in your property
- Decide what kind of material you’d like the bay windows to be made from.
- Make sure to find out from your local Planning Office whether or not you will need to get planning permission for the installation project.
- Use HouseholdQuotes to potentially save 40% off your project quote and easily compare quotes from qualified installers!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between a Bay Window and a Bow Window?
The main difference between a bay window and a bow window is the shape of the window. Whilst a bay window sticks with straight lines and edges to give a rectangular shape to the window design, a bow window is curved.
Bow windows look like the curve of a bow and then to let in more natural light than a bay window as well as increasing the space of the interior. Bow windows are the more expensive option between the two window types.
Do I Need Planning Permission to Instal a Bay Window?
Installing a new bay window or replacing an old window with a bay window is treated as an extension rather than an installation – this is because the window protrudes out from the house.
Due to this, if you are a replacing an existing bay window then you don’t need planning but if you’re adding new bay windows at the front of your property, you do need planning permission.
If you’re adding bay windows to the sides or back of your property, you usually don’t need planning permission.
If you’re unsure whether or not your property needs planning permission for a bay window installation, it’s best to speak with your local Planning Office beforehand.
Can You Sit in a Bay Window?
It depends on the final design of the window! Bay windows can make perfect window seats, particularly if your bay window is overlooking a beautiful view, but it will need to be designed into the structure of the bay window.
When talking with the professional tradesperson or company that will instal your new bay window, make sure to mention to them that you’d like to add in a window seat to the space and they can ensure there is enough room for the seat.
Can Bay Windows Increase the Value of My Home?
Yes. If your room is bigger and brighter with better views this is going to make your home more desirable.
If you decide to sell your home, a bay window and double glazing could put you ahead of other sellers in your area who don’t have such attractive frontages.
Can I Have Window Blinds on a Bay Window?
Yes, blinds will give your bay window clean, modern lines. You can choose from a variety of bay window blinds including roller blinds, Venetian blinds or pleated blinds.
If you want to read more about window blinds, have a look at our guide for window blinds.
How Do You Measure a Bay Window When Replacing It?
A square bay window consulting of two 90 degree angles is quite a simple process to measure. First, measure the inside sizes of the two panels on either side of the larger panel.
The size of the two corner posts then needs to be added. A standard corner post is 70mm square.
The two posts, therefore, increase the external brick aperture by 140mm. Lastly, the height is measured from both the outside and the inside.
A non-square bay window is far more complicated and will involve calculating angles. You can buy an angle finder tool from suppliers such as Screwfix that will come with diagram examples to help you with the process.
We would, however, recommend seeking professional help for this. If you are having bespoke windows fabricated and delivered to be fitted by a third party then you should definitely have the measurements done by a window fitter.
The measurements can then be passed on to the company fabricating the windows with the knowledge that they will be a good fit when supplied.
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