What Should Be Included in a Double Glazing Quote?
A double glazing quote should be a specification, not a price on a business card. Here is everything that should appear in writing before you compare anything.
Key takeaways
- A proper quote names the frame profile, glass specification and energy rating.
- It states whether disposal, making good, scaffolding and certification are included.
- It shows the VAT-inclusive total, the payment schedule and the guarantee terms.
- If a line is missing, assume it is excluded and price it yourself before comparing.
The difference between a quote and an estimate is not just the word at the top. A quote is a fixed offer to carry out a defined scope of work. If the scope is not written down, the price is not fixed, whatever the document says.
The product specification
- Every opening listed individually, with sizes and location in the property.
- Frame material, profile name, manufacturer and colour, including any dual-colour option.
- Glass specification: cavity width, low-emissivity coating, gas fill, and any acoustic, solar or toughened panes.
- The window energy rating, typically A to A++.
- Which windows open, and the opening type for each.
- Hardware: handles, hinges, restrictors, child-safety catches and trickle vents.
- Where safety glass is used, particularly doors and panes below 800mm.
The work specification
| Item | What should be stated |
|---|---|
| Removal | Old frames and glass removed and taken away |
| Disposal | Who disposes, and the cost if it is extra |
| Making good | Internal plaster, trim, sealant and external pointing |
| Scaffolding | Included or not, who arranges it, who insures it |
| Structural work | Any lintels, bay roofs or opening alterations |
| Certification | FENSA or CERTASS registration and the certificate |
| Timescales | Lead time, installation duration and start date |
| Access | Working hours, parking arrangements, who is on site |
The commercial terms
- The total price, VAT-inclusive, and the rate applied.
- A payment schedule, with a deposit no larger than necessary.
- A price validity period, typically 30 to 90 days.
- The guarantee: what is covered, for how long, and whether it is insurance-backed.
- The cancellation rights and cooling-off period for a contract signed at home.
- The complaints procedure and who to contact if something goes wrong.
What is usually excluded, and what it costs
| Excluded item | Typical cost if added later |
|---|---|
| Disposal of old windows | £10 – £25 per window |
| Internal making good and plastering | £300 – £800 per house |
| Scaffolding | £500 – £1,500 |
| New bay roof | £600 – £1,500 |
| Lintel or structural repair | £500 – £2,000+ |
| Blinds, curtains and decoration | Your own cost |
How to respond to a thin quote
Do not argue about the total. Send the installer your list of required inclusions and ask for a revised quote. A good firm will reissue it without drama. A firm that cannot or will not itemise its scope is telling you something useful before you have paid anything.
The bottom line
A usable double glazing quote names the product, describes the work, states the terms and shows VAT. If any of those are missing, ask for them in writing before you compare prices, because otherwise you are comparing four different jobs.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Quotes to domestic customers must show VAT-inclusive prices, and the rate should be stated. Ask for it in writing if it is not on the document.
It should be stated either way. Many quotes exclude it and charge £10 to £25 per window afterwards, so confirm before you compare totals.
A quote is a fixed price for a defined scope. An estimate is an indication and can change. For a purchase of several thousand pounds, insist on a quote.
You should receive one. It proves the work complies with building regulations and is commonly requested by solicitors when you sell the property.
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