What to check in a window quote

A good window quote is a checklist in disguise. If a quotation shows every item below, you can compare it fairly against the next one and hold the installer to what they’ve written. If it’s missing things, you can’t do either — so ask for them before you decide. Here is the full window quote checklist to run over every quote you receive.

The exact glass and frame specification

This is the detail that actually sets the price. Look for the glass type and its U‑value (the lower the number, the better the insulation), the frame material and profile, the colour or finish, and any trims or cills. “uPVC double glazing” on its own tells you almost nothing — two quotes can both say that and describe very different products.

Every window and door, itemised

Each unit should be listed with its size, opening style (fixed, casement, tilt‑and‑turn) and location in the house. That way two quotes are describing the same job, and you can see instantly if one has quietly dropped an opener or a whole window.

A full price breakdown

One round number hides a lot. A fair quote separates supply, fitting, VAT, scaffolding where needed, waste removal and “making good” — the plastering and decorating around the new frames. If any of these are excluded, that should be stated clearly so you can budget for it.

Lead time and how long the job takes

Check when the survey and installation would happen and how many days fitters will be on site. A realistic timeline is a good sign; a firm that can “start Monday” on every job may be less established than it sounds.

The guarantee — and who stands behind it

Note the length of cover, exactly what it includes, and crucially whether it is an insurance‑backed guarantee. That kind of guarantee is underwritten by a third party, so it still stands if the installer ceases trading — important protection on a purchase you expect to last decades.

Certification and registration

Replacement windows must comply with building regulations. Look for FENSA or CERTASS registration, which lets the installer self‑certify the work and notify building control on your behalf. You should receive a certificate afterwards — keep it for when you sell.

Deposit, payment schedule and cancellation

Check any deposit amount, how it’s protected, the payment schedule, and your right to cancel. For most contracts agreed at home you have a statutory cooling‑off period — a reputable firm will spell this out rather than rush you.

Run this checklist over each quote and gaps become obvious. Anything missing is simply a question to ask before you commit — and comparing several quotes on the same specification is the only way to judge which offers genuine value.