Living, working and getting around in Greater Manchester
How to Choose a Window Company in Manchester
7 November 2026
Choosing a company to fit new windows in Manchester comes down to three things: the right window for your home, an installer who can certify the work, and a clear written quote. This guide takes you through each one and points to the official sources for the rules.
Quick answer: Use an installer registered with a competent person scheme such as FENSA or Certass, get at least three written quotes and compare the energy rating of each window offered. If your home is listed, in a conservation area or leasehold, check what permission you need before you sign.
Key Takeaways
Replacement windows must meet building regulations, and a registered installer can certify the work without you involving building control.
Energy ratings run from A++ to E, and they tell you more than the U-value alone.
The Energy Saving Trust puts a set of A-rated windows for a semi-detached house at around £4,800.
Listed buildings, conservation areas, Article 4 Directions and leases can all add extra steps.
Keep your certificate safe with your other property papers.
Windows in Manchester: Styles, Needs and Options
Greater Manchester’s homes run from red-brick terraces in Chorlton to modern flats at Salford Quays, so the right answer for one home may be wrong for the next. Most people are balancing looks, warmth, security and upkeep.
Frame material is the first big choice. The Energy Saving Trust says PVC windows tend to be cheaper and hardwood frames the most expensive. Aluminium is often chosen for slim frames and a modern look, while timber can suit period homes but needs more upkeep.
Popular Window Styles for Manchester Homes
Sash windows are a feature of many Victorian and Edwardian homes. Casement windows are hinged at the side, while tilt-and-turn designs open in two ways. Bay windows add light and space, but a new bay is treated as an extension and may need planning permission.
Signs Your Windows Need Attention
The Energy Saving Trust lists condensation between the panes, discolouration, draughts and windows that are hard to open or close as signs that it might be time to replace them. In older homes, also look for sticking sashes and rot in timber frames. Worn locks are worth checking too.
How to Choose the Right Window Company in Manchester
Start with your home’s age and style and your main goal, whether that’s lower heat loss, better security or matching period features. Then ask at least three installers to quote, which is the Energy Saving Trust’s advice, and ask each for examples of similar work.
Check the Installer’s Registration
An installer registered with a competent person scheme can certify that the work meets building regulations, without involving local authority building control. FENSA and Certass both run schemes for window installers. When the job is finished, you should receive a certificate.
If you use an unregistered installer or fit the windows yourself, you’ll need approval from a building control body. Check a firm’s registration on the scheme’s own website, rather than relying on a logo on a van or a leaflet.
The Energy Saving Trust also points homeowners to TrustMark, a government-endorsed quality scheme, and to the Glass and Glazing Federation, whose members sign up to a consumer code.
Questions to Ask Every Installer
What is the energy rating of the window you’re quoting for?
Are you registered with a competent person scheme, and will I get a certificate?
What does the guarantee cover, and is it backed by insurance?
Does the price include fitting, removing the old windows and making good?
How much deposit do you need, and when?
How will this affect ventilation and fire escape from each room?
Comparing Window Types
Window Type | Main Benefits | Worth Checking |
|---|---|---|
UPVC casement | Low maintenance, and PVC tends to be the cheaper frame option | Energy rating and guarantee |
Sash (timber or UPVC) | Keeps the character of a period home | Any conservation area or listed building rules |
Aluminium | Modern look with slim frames | Energy rating, as products vary |
Bay window | Adds light and space | A new bay is treated as an extension and may need permission |
Triple glazing | Can insulate better than double glazing | Whether the extra cost suits your budget |
Secondary glazing | An added layer inside the existing window, useful where replacement is restricted | Which type you’re getting, as performance varies |
What Do New Windows Cost, and What Could You Save?
The Energy Saving Trust (energysavingtrust.org.uk) says a set of A-rated windows for a semi-detached house will typically cost around £4,800. Your own quote will depend on the number and size of windows, the frame material, the style and the access.
It also says A-rated double glazing in an entirely single-glazed semi-detached home can save £85 a year in Great Britain. On those two figures, lower bills alone would take decades to cover the cost, so be wary of anyone promising a quick payback. The stronger case is a warmer home with fewer draughts and cold spots.
How to Read a Window Energy Label
Manufacturers show energy efficiency on a scale from A++ to E, under a scheme run by the British Fenestration Rating Council. You may also see a U-value, which measures how easily heat passes through. The Energy Saving Trust says the overall rating is the better guide.
Timing New Windows Around a Move
If you’re buying a home that needs new windows, think about fitting them before your furniture arrives, as rooms are easier to work in when they’re empty. Our guide to choosing a removals company covers how to plan moving day.
Building Regulations and Permissions in Manchester
What Do Building Regulations Cover?
Building regulations have applied to all replacement glazing since 1 April 2002. The Planning Portal (planningportal.co.uk) says they cover heat loss, safety glazing in critical areas, ventilation and means of escape in a fire.
In practice, a replacement window should give at least the same potential for escape as the one it replaces, and low-level glass may need to be safety glass. A registered installer should deal with this as part of the job.
Do You Need Planning Permission?
You don’t usually need planning permission for new windows of a similar appearance to those used in the house. The exceptions matter, though. Your council may have made an Article 4 Direction, a listed building needs listed building consent for significant works, and conservation areas may have extra restrictions.
If you’re a leaseholder, you may first need permission from your landlord or management company. The Planning Portal strongly advises checking with your local planning authority before you start.
Security Features to Ask About
Ask about the locks, the glazing and any restrictors for upstairs rooms, and check what your home insurance requires. Secured by Design is the police-backed scheme to look for. For alarms, CCTV and wider protection, see our guide to choosing a security company.
Window Maintenance and Repairs
Well-kept windows work better for longer, and there’s plenty you can do yourself. Your installer’s guarantee may set out what’s expected of you, so read it first.
Simple Maintenance Tips
Clean frames and glass with non-abrasive products.
Oil hinges and locks if they start to stick.
Check seals and weatherstrips for damage.
Repaint timber frames before the paint starts to fail, and deal with rot early.
Wipe down UPVC frames and keep them free of dirt.
When to Call a Professional
Call someone if you spot misted double glazing, draughts you can’t fix, cracked panes or broken locks. Glass and security problems are best dealt with quickly.
For a shop or office, a stalled repair can be costly. If a fitter is waiting on a part from another site, a same day courier may be able to bring it across town.
Find out more about our home improvement.
If you have a question, get in touch with our team.
There is more advice on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of windows can a Manchester window company fit?
Many firms offer casement, sash, bay and tilt-and-turn windows in a choice of UPVC, aluminium or timber frames. Ask which they fit themselves, and which suit your home.
How do I find a good window company in Manchester?
Look for an installer registered with a competent person scheme such as FENSA or Certass, get at least three written quotes and ask to see similar work. Check the registration on the scheme’s own website.
Do I need planning permission for new windows in Manchester?
Not usually, if they look similar to those used in the house. Listed buildings, conservation areas and homes under an Article 4 Direction may be different, so check with your local planning authority first.
How can I make my windows more energy-efficient?
You could replace them with higher-rated windows, add secondary glazing or draught-proof what you have. The Energy Saving Trust explains each option, and secondary glazing can suit homes with restrictions.
How much do new windows cost in Manchester?
We haven’t found a reliable Manchester figure. The Energy Saving Trust says a set of A-rated windows for a semi-detached house typically costs around £4,800, but your quote will depend on your home and the windows you choose.
Planning decisions and building control sit with your own council, so it helps to know which one covers your address. Our Greater Manchester guide explains how the ten boroughs work and how to find the right one.