Window and door fitting quote checklist for the UK. Learn what’s included, why surveys matter, common extras like disposal and making good, and red flags.
Window and door fitting quotes can be hard to compare because “the same job” often isn’t the same at all. One quote may include a full survey, disposal of old frames, making good around reveals, and upgraded glazing. Another may be fit-only, assume standard specs, and add costs later once measurements or access issues are confirmed.
This guide explains what a professional window and door fitting quote should include in the UK, why measurements matter so much, and the common extras you should clarify before you commit. Browse local window and door fitters near you to compare options before requesting quotes.
A reliable quote should clearly confirm:
What’s being supplied and/or installed (windows, doors, both)
Survey/measurements included (or excluded)
Product specification (frame type, glazing spec, hardware)
Removal and disposal of old units included or extra
Making good (internal/external) included or excluded
Timescales (survey date, lead time, install dates)
VAT clarity
Payment terms (deposit/stage/final payment)
How changes and extras are approved
For this service, spec + survey + making good is where quotes usually differ.
Accurate measuring is essential — and it’s one of the biggest reasons quotes change.
A quote should state:
whether a survey/measure visit is included
whether the initial price is provisional pending survey
what happens if measurements change the spec or cost
whether survey fees are charged and refundable if you proceed
Tip: If the quote is given from photos only, treat it as a starting estimate until a proper survey confirms sizes and condition.
Some providers quote for:
supply + installation
installation only (you supply products)
Confirm:
whether the quoted price includes the units
whether you’re choosing the products
who is responsible if supplied products don’t fit or have faults
whether materials like trims, fixings, and sealants are included
Fit-only can be cheaper — but it can also create responsibility gaps if the products aren’t correct.
This is where “similar” quotes become non-comparable.
A professional quote should specify:
frame material (uPVC, aluminium, timber, composite)
glazing type (double/triple, acoustic, laminated, low-E)
colour/finish and handles/hardware
security features (locks, hinge types)
trickle vents (if included)
whether the quote includes upgrades or standard spec
If the quote says “new windows installed” with no spec, ask for the product details in writing.
Old frames, glass, and rubble need disposal, but it’s not always included.
Confirm:
whether removal of old windows/doors is included
whether disposal is included
whether skip hire is needed (and included)
whether there are extra charges for heavy or awkward removals
Disposal is a classic source of unexpected extra charges.
A quote might cover fitting only, but leave the “finishing” to you.
Confirm whether the quote includes:
internal trim and neat finishing
plaster repairs around reveals
external sealant and weatherproofing
replacing or repairing damaged sills/frames
paint touch-ups (rarely included unless stated)
If you want the job to look finished, making good matters as much as the fitting itself.
Costs can rise if access is difficult or if extra time is needed.
Common access factors:
upper floors without easy access
restricted parking/loading
narrow staircases or tight hallways
communal areas and booking lift access
working hours restrictions (commercial sites)
Best practice: mention any constraints before quoting and share photos where helpful.
Window and door work often involves manufacturing lead times.
A good quote should clarify:
whether products are in stock or made-to-order
estimated lead time after survey and deposit
expected installation duration
what happens if delivery is delayed
This helps you plan, especially if security or weather exposure is a concern.
A quote may be fixed after survey, but estimated before.
Ask in writing:
Is this provisional until survey?
When does the price become fixed?
What could increase the cost (repairs, access, extras)?
How are changes approved before continuing?
Agree the “pause, price, approve, proceed” approach for any extras.
For supply-and-fit, deposits are common because products are ordered to size.
Good practice often looks like:
deposit after survey confirmation
staged payment for larger projects
final payment after installation is completed and checked
Red flags:
unclear terms
pressure to pay immediately
full payment upfront without clear paperwork
Always keep documentation and ask for invoices/receipts.
Be cautious if you see:
no mention of survey/measurements
no product spec (frame/glazing/hardware)
unclear disposal and making good terms
very low prices with vague inclusions
pressure to sign quickly
refusal to confirm details in writing
If the quote is unclear, ask for clarification before committing — this service is too expensive to guess.
Before accepting, confirm:
✔ Survey/measurements included (and whether price is provisional)
✔ Supply & fit vs fit-only confirmed
✔ Frame + glazing spec clearly listed
✔ Hardware/locks/vents included and specified
✔ Removal + disposal included (skip if needed)
✔ Making good included or excluded (internal/external)
✔ VAT clarity
✔ Lead time + installation duration
✔ Fixed vs estimate confirmed
✔ Payment schedule sensible
A professional window and door fitting quote should clearly explain the survey process, product specification, disposal, and making good — not just a total price. Once those details are written down, comparing quotes becomes much easier and you’re far less likely to face expensive surprises.
If you’re ready to compare options, you can request window and door fitting quotes online and review what’s included side by side.
1) Why do window and door fitting quotes vary so much?
Differences in survey/measurements, product specification (frame and glazing), disposal, making good, and access constraints can change pricing significantly.
2) Is a survey included in most quotes?
Many providers include a survey, but some treat early pricing as provisional. Always confirm whether the quote is subject to survey.
3) What does “making good” usually include?
It varies. It can include trims and sealant, but plaster repairs and external finishing may be excluded unless stated. Confirm it in writing.
4) Are removal and disposal included in fitting quotes?
Not always. Ask whether old frames/glass removal and disposal are included, and whether skip hire is needed.
5) Is it better to choose supply-and-fit or fit-only?
Supply-and-fit can be simpler because one provider is responsible for product and installation. Fit-only can be cheaper but can create responsibility issues if products don’t fit or arrive damaged.
6) When does the quote become fixed?
Often after survey and final specification confirmation. Ask when pricing becomes fixed and what could increase the cost before that.