1. What Drives the Cost Up?
Here’s what pushes prices toward the higher end:
Premium Timber
We use high-grade Redwood or Accoya timbers that resist rot and last for decades. Accoya alone carries a 50-year guarantee and boosts long-term value. Expect quality timber windows to start around £2,550 + VAT each.
Bespoke Joinery
Off-the-shelf windows are cheaper. Ours aren’t. Each Novells window is built to match your home’s original proportions, mouldings, arches, and glazing bars.
Advanced Glazing
We offer double-glazing designed to look like single glass but perform like modern units, and meet conservation and energy goals.
High-End Hardware
Elegant sash lifts, Brighton fasteners, and period pulleys may only add £20–£40 per item, but across several windows, it adds up. Still, it’s these details that give your home that refined, authentic look.
Full Finishing & Expert Install
A premium price often includes:
- Removing old windows
- Skilled installation
- Draught-proofing
- Painting the new sash windows
- Architrave and bullnose finishing
- Respect for your home throughout
If your project needs extras like scaffolding for a dormer/loft conversion, that also increases the cost.
Planning & Heritage Compliance
Conservation areas add complexity. We handle permissions, conservation officer discussions, and use approved windows. That service adds value, not just cost.
Bottom line: The more care, quality, and heritage integrity your project requires, the more it costs, but it also pays off in performance, beauty, and peace of mind.
2. What Brings the Price Down?
Looking to stay budget-conscious? These choices help reduce the overall cost:
Lower-Cost Materials
uPVC sash windows cost far less, often £1,000 – £2,000 fully fitted, but come with trade-offs in lifespan and aesthetics. Softwood instead of Accoya can also trim hundreds per window
Standard Sizes & Designs
Windows built to standard dimensions without bespoke bars or curves cost less. Fewer shaped panes of glass = less labour = lower cost.
Basic Glazing & Hardware
Skipping slimline glazing, designer fasteners, or decorative ironmongery helps keep your costs lean.
Volume Discounts
Replacing 10 windows at once? That’s more efficient than doing one or two at a time. We can spread travel and setup costs across more units, often reducing per-window cost.
DIY or Simplified Finishing
If you’re handy, you might opt to do the second fix carpentry yourself, like fitting the architrave and bullnose. Supply-and-install only, with no extras, saves on labour.
3. Why Do Some Companies Charge More?
Higher quotes often mean higher standards:
Top-Tier Materials & Craftsmanship
Premium joiners use better timber, glazing, and ironmongery and invest in joinery that respects your home’s original design.
Comprehensive Service
From design to draught-proofing, and permissions to painting, more expensive companies often offer an all-inclusive experience.
Long Warranties
Expect guarantees on everything from joinery to installation. Accoya often comes with 50-year anti-rot warranties. Novells also backs installs with FENSA certification and insurance-backed guarantees.
In-House Expert Fitters
We don’t outsource to day-rate contractors. Our team is fully trained, courteous, and meticulous, from sash balancing to sealing.
Reliable, Long-Term Reputation
Established businesses may have higher overheads, but they’ll be here 10 years from now if you need help.
In short: More expensive firms aren’t overcharging, they’re delivering a full-service, high-quality experience.
4. Why Are Some Companies Cheaper?
Low-cost quotes might seem tempting, but here’s what to watch for:
Lower Grade Materials
Untreated timber that isn’t rot-resistant, or cheap uPVC frames, cut costs and corners.
Minimal or Excluded Services
Is painting included? Will they remove your old windows? Do you get draught-proofing? Sometimes the quote covers only basic installation and the extras add up later.
Subcontracted or Rushed Labour
Inexperienced or rushed installation can lead to sticking sashes, rattling glass, or worse. Poor fitting can undo even a high-quality window.
No Heritage Compliance
Some cheaper firms may not understand or follow planning regulations, putting your project at risk, especially in conservation areas.
Limited Warranties
If the windows only come with a 1 or 3-year guarantee, ask why. Cheaper components typically don’t last long.
Ask this: “What’s included, and what’s not?” A cheap quote might balloon later or cost you if replacement windows are needed again in a few years.
5. Where Does Novells’ Pricing Fall?
Novells offer premium quality with full transparency. We are not the cheapest, but we believe we offer the best value.
Our Average Price:
£2,550 + VAT per window, fully supplied, fitted, finished, painted, and guaranteed.
This includes:
- Made-to-measure bespoke timber sash windows
- Double-glazed units
- Premium ironmongery of your choice of finishes
- Painting (spray-finished in the workshop)
- FENSA-certified installation
- Internal architrave and bullnose
- Planning permission support (if needed)
- Clean, tidy site work
What You’re Paying For:
- Timber that resists rot for decades
- Workmanship that respects your home’s character
- Guaranteed thermal performance
- Complete customer care, start to finish
Real Examples:
- Typical semi-detached house, front elevation with 7 Box Sash Windows Fully Installed £21,420 incl. VAT
Final Thoughts: Value, Not Just Cost
We understand budget matters. But so does long-term value, energy savings, and maintaining your home’s character.
If your quote from Novells is higher than another, we’ll gladly walk you through it line by line. No industry jargon, no pressure, just clarity.
Because trust is everything, and transparency is how we earn it.
🔍 Ready to Get a Quote?
If this guide has helped you feel informed and confident, why not take the next step?
📞 Call 020 8036 3470 or email sales@sashrepairs.com to book a no-obligation site visit.
We’ll help you weigh your options and give you a quote that’s clear, honest, and complete.
Let’s make your home warmer, quieter, and more beautiful—with sash windows you’ll love for decades.