New windows cost as much as the approved window schedule, performance specification, installation scope and delivery terms require. A generic price per window cannot reliably represent differences in size, frame, glass, hardware, testing, finishing, site work or location.
This guide explains how to build a window BOQ and compare supplier quotations. It intentionally avoids fixed national price ranges because market date, country, currency, tax, project scale and scope can change the result substantially.
Why New Window Prices Vary
| Cost driver | Questions that change the quotation |
|---|---|
| Window size and type | Is the unit fixed, casement, awning, sliding, tilt-turn, louvered or a combined assembly? What are the exact frame dimensions and opening areas? |
| Frame system | Which material, profile series, reinforcement, thermal break, color, coating and corner construction are required? |
| Glass build-up | What are the pane thicknesses, cavities, coatings, spacers, gas fill, safety layers, tint, frit or laminated interlayers? |
| Performance | Which thermal, solar, air, water, structural, acoustic, impact or security values must the complete product meet? |
| Hardware | Which handles, hinges, stays, restrictors, locks, friction devices, screens and access-control items are included? |
| Installation | Does the price include removal, substrate repair, anchors, flashings, sealants, trims, access equipment, testing and making good? |
| Project logistics | What are the quantity, packing, labels, consolidation, trade terms, destination, delivery sequence and site storage requirements? |
A low unit price can exclude essential glass, hardware, perimeter work or delivery. A higher unit price may include those items. Normalize the scope before deciding which quotation is lower.
Create a Window Schedule Before Requesting Prices
Assign every repeated window a mark such as W01 or W02. The schedule should connect that mark to the plans and elevations, then define the minimum information suppliers need to quote the same system.
- Window mark, room or elevation, quantity and floor level
- Structural opening and required frame dimensions
- Window type, handing, number of operable lights and opening limits
- Frame material, series, sightlines, finish and interior/exterior color
- Glass code and complete build-up
- Safety-glazing, privacy, acoustic or security locations
- Required product ratings and applicable test standards
- Hardware, screens, subframes, trims and accessories
- Interface with sill, waterproofing, cladding and interior finishes
- Drawing, sample, testing, installation and delivery responsibilities
Use elevations or sketches for combined windows and special shapes. For material trade-offs, review the aluminum versus wooden window selection guide.
Specify Performance Without Buying Unnecessary Features
Energy, air and water performance should come from the project climate, building design and applicable code. ENERGY STAR advises buyers to select certified products suited to their climate, and the National Fenestration Rating Council provides third-party fenestration ratings. When those programs apply, request ratings for the complete proposed product rather than a glass-only value.
- U-Factor: compare complete-product heat transfer against the project requirement.
- SHGC: coordinate solar heat gain with climate, orientation and shading.
- Visible Transmittance: balance daylight with tint, glare and appearance.
- Air, water and structural ratings: state the test method, specimen size, pressure and acceptance criteria.
- Acoustic performance: define the required complete-window rating and wall interface. See the soundproof window guide.
Do not add triple glazing, special laminates or premium hardware simply because they sound superior. Add them when they respond to a documented performance, safety, comfort or maintenance need.
Separate Supply Cost from Installation Cost
| Cost section | Items to include or exclude clearly |
|---|---|
| Window supply | Frames, glass, hardware, screens, subframes, trims, accessories and factory assembly |
| Design and approval | Shop drawings, calculations, finish samples, glass samples, mock-ups and revisions |
| Testing and quality records | Product reports, project tests, inspection records, certificates and warranties |
| Packing and delivery | Crates or racks, protection, labels, loading, freight, insurance, customs and site unloading |
| Removal and preparation | Existing-window removal, disposal, temporary protection, substrate repair and opening adjustment |
| Installation | Anchors, shims, flashings, membranes, insulation, sealants, trims, access equipment and cleaning |
| Completion | Adjustment, water testing if specified, snagging, spare parts, manuals and handover |
Replacement work often carries more uncertainty than new construction because existing openings can be out of square, damaged or poorly flashed. Record survey assumptions and use provisional allowances only when the final condition cannot yet be confirmed.
Compare Quotations Like for Like
- Match every supplier line to the same window mark and quantity.
- Record deviations in frame series, glass, finish, hardware and ratings.
- Separate base price, options, installation, freight, tax and provisional items.
- Confirm currency, exchange-rate basis, quotation validity and price-adjustment rules.
- Compare trade terms, delivery destination, unloading and storage responsibility.
- Check lead time from approved drawings and samples—not only from deposit date.
- Review warranty scope, exclusions, maintenance obligations and available spare parts.
A useful tender comparison includes an “included,” “excluded,” “deviation” and “clarification required” column. Do not hide unresolved differences inside a single adjusted price.
New Window BOQ and RFQ Checklist
- Latest plans, elevations, sections and window schedule
- Project location, building type, storey, exposure and applicable standards
- Frame, finish, glass, hardware and accessory specifications
- Thermal, solar, air, water, structural, acoustic and safety requirements
- Opening survey and tolerance responsibility
- Shop drawing, sample, calculation and approval workflow
- Net quantities, spares and approved substitution procedure
- Supply-only or installed scope with a clear interface matrix
- Packing, shipping, insurance, customs, unloading and storage terms
- Schedule, inspection points, tests, documents, warranty and maintenance requirements
George House Material can coordinate window schedules, specifications, drawings, samples, factory follow-up, packing and quotations as part of a broader project windows and doors package. Send the schedule and target delivery location through the project enquiry page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a new window?
A single average is not reliable without a market, date, currency and scope. Request quotations from the same window schedule and compare the included frame, glass, hardware, performance, installation and delivery.
What usually increases new window cost?
Larger or special shapes, higher performance, complex glass, premium finishes, heavy hardware, project testing, difficult installation, custom packing and long-distance delivery can increase cost.
How can different supplier quotes be compared?
Use one BOQ and specification, then normalize quantities, deviations, inclusions, currency, trade terms, installation boundary, lead time and warranty before comparing totals.
