Windows - minimising cost

Arddon

I reckon windows are going to be quite expensive on a new build i am hoping to start soon...

Leaving aside performance, in terms of u-value, are there other factors which dramatically effect the cost of windows... I do not necessarily want to dramatically reduce the size of them, as I also want to make most of the light...and maintain architectural integrity...

Can anyone advise if there are economies of scale on windows?
i.e. if i have 10 windows in my house, all the same - will it be cheaper than having 10 different window sizes, relatively speaking...my architect has 700mm wide, 800mm wide, 900mm wide etc...can i standardise on all these to save money?

Also are there standard off the shelf window sizes, that are cheaper than custom sizes...i.e can I design my window openings to suit window suppliers in order to keep my costs down?

AluClad is likely more expensive than PVC - the advantage here being only aesthetics?

In terms of function, there are likely different methods of opening that are cheaper/dearer...

any views welcome

delfagio

In terms of size, there would be no such thing as a standard size or off the shelf sizes. All window companies basically manufacture windows to suit what ever size you require.

Changing windows sizes may not be an option now depending on what your planning permission says.

If you are going to change window dimensions, just make sure that all windows to habitable rooms still retain the required fire escape openings required under Part F of the building refs I think (from memory).

AluClad will be twice to three times as dear as uPVC. So if uPVC is costing you 15k expect 35k or more for AluClad.

Triple glazed would be best to go with and may only increase your price over double glazed by 2k. But worth it.

FiOT

Aside from performance all that's really left is aesthetics to budget on.

We got a range of quotes for a range of different styles and performance.

In the end we went for aluclad pvc (not too many companies do this) so it's aluminium on the outside and pvc on the inside. Passive rated, triple glaze, cream outside, white grained inside, side hung and opening as one piece for fire regs (our windows are all 900mm so harder to meet the regs with part opening). This particular window do a deal twice a year for free aluclad so we just paid for the UPVC window, that's the only way we saved money on them, probably wouldn't have bothered paying the extra for aluclad otherwise. They were put in on Tuesday and delighted with them! 23 regular windows, one large corner window into a sliding door, back door and front door - €26,000. Massive chunk of our budget but worth it.

Windows were so difficult to choose and they are really worth spending the money on, they just set the tone for the type of house you want. We're just going to try save money on less important things!

tedimc

I too went with Alu/PVC - I suspect the same company as FiOT.

Some things I learnt from pricing windows, may not be true of all vendors, but for most...

• Doors are a lot more expensive than windows of the same size opening.
• Think carefully if you really need patio/French/sliding door in that spot, or would a window suit?
• Fixed pane panels tend to be significantly less than a window with an opening.
• Every opening adds to the cost - would 1 opening suit rather than two?
• Companies tend to have a maximum glazed panel sizing, over which the price shoots up. It does vary from company to company. You could end up paying hundreds more for only a slight larger window. Find out what the max pane size is.
• Doors and windows in certain locations need toughened glass - extra cost again.
• Some vendors offered to put PVC/cheaper windows in non-critical areas such as en-suites, utility, etc.
• If you tell the sales guy that you need to trim the cost, they can usually come up with a few ideas.
• When it comes to timber alu clad - check the wood type & joints. Some manufacturers have a range of timber to chose from which makes a big difference. Some also use different types of joints.

raypallas

FiOT wrote:

In the end we went for aluclad pvc (not too many companies do this) so it's aluminium on the outside and pvc on the inside. Passive rated, triple glaze, cream outside, white grained inside, side hung and opening as one piece for fire regs (our windows are all 900mm so harder to meet the regs with part opening). This particular window do a deal twice a year for free aluclad so we just paid for the UPVC window, that's the only way we saved money on them, probably wouldn't have bothered paying the extra for aluclad otherwise. They were put in on Tuesday and delighted with them! 23 regular windows, one large corner window into a sliding door, back door and front door - €26,000. Massive chunk of our budget but worth it.

Could you pm me the company details please. Starting our new build soon. Thanks

Arddon

Some good points folks, definitely worth considering...I'm at very early stages, and as you've alluded to FiOT, windows & doors are a huge chunk of budget...
My plans have 25 Window & 3 Doors...1xWindow is a sliding door...3 are large corner windows, 1 with door...1 is a rooflight...so its gonna be expensive...
Of your 21 widows, had you any other "specials" FiOT?

Also, is there an order of expense of the different window options - Fixed Light, Side Hung, Top Guided, Top Swing, Tilt & Turn, Side Swing?


So many options, absolute minefield I'm imagining!

Could ye pm the company ye got pls if you were happy with them?

FiOT

No the rest of ours were very standard rectangles - fit the look of the traditional (ish) house we are building.

We have 5 windows that are fixed panes but all other windows are side hung which fully open or tilt and turn - this is the standard opening for these windows.

We also have 4 velux but paid for those separately - another €1500!!

The windows we got are Internorm, there are 3 suppliers in Ireland - one in the south and 2 in the north.

halfforward

FiOT wrote: »

Aside from performance all that's really left is aesthetics to budget on.

We got a range of quotes for a range of different styles and performance.

In the end we went for aluclad pvc (not too many companies do this) so it's aluminium on the outside and pvc on the inside. Passive rated, triple glaze, cream outside, white grained inside, side hung and opening as one piece for fire regs (our windows are all 900mm so harder to meet the regs with part opening). This particular window do a deal twice a year for free aluclad so we just paid for the UPVC window, that's the only way we saved money on them, probably wouldn't have bothered paying the extra for aluclad otherwise. They were put in on Tuesday and delighted with them! 23 regular windows, one large corner window into a sliding door, back door and front door - €26,000. Massive chunk of our budget but worth it.

Windows were so difficult to choose and they are really worth spending the money on, they just set the tone for the type of house you want. We're just going to try save money on less important things!

Could you PM which company do these I haven't seen them?

BoardsMember

I'd appreciate a PM too please, thanks!

BryanF

All,
Please use the PM function to ask for recommendations

There is no need to derail the thread with PM requests