How to get double glazing quotes

Getting quotes is the point where research turns into a decision. Done well, it takes an afternoon and leaves you confident about the fair price. Done badly, it leaves you comparing figures that were never comparable. Here is how to do it properly.

How many quotes should you get?

Two or three quotes is the sweet spot. One gives you nothing to measure against; five or six wastes everyone’s time and invites decision fatigue. With three quotes for the same specification you can quickly see the fair market rate and spot any outlier — whether that is a suspiciously cheap job that cuts corners or an inflated price with a big “discount” bolted on. Before you start, planning your new windows around a clear brief helps; this overview of planning your new windows is a useful companion.

Give every installer the same brief

The most common mistake is asking three firms to quote and letting each propose something different. Instead, decide in advance on the frame material, style, glass specification, colour and number of windows, then ask everyone to price that exact brief. If an installer suggests a better option, note it as a variation you can price separately — but keep the core comparison like-for-like. Our buying guide and glossary help you write a brief that is specific enough to compare.

What a good quote should show

A proper written quote itemises everything: the number, size and style of windows; frame material and colour; glass specification and energy rating; hardware and locking; removal and disposal of the old units; making good; the guarantee and whether it is insurance-backed; deposit terms; and the total price with VAT clear. If a quote is a single figure with no breakdown, ask for the detail — you cannot compare what you cannot see. Keep an eye out for the pressure tactics covered in our installer guide: quotes that expire the same day, or discounts that only apply if you sign immediately.

Comparing and deciding

Once you have your quotes, lay them side by side against the same brief. Price matters, but so do the guarantee, the accreditations, the deposit protection and how the firm dealt with you. The cheapest quote is not always the best value, and the dearest is not always the safest. Take your time — a good installer will give you space to decide. When you are ready, choose the firm you trust most and confirm everything in writing before any deposit changes hands. Funding and contribution options may be available for those who qualify, subject to eligibility and a home survey.