Smart Home Improvement People has released an in-depth consumer insight challenging widespread claims that homeowners must budget £700 or more per window for double glazing, arguing that such high double glazinging prices is often inflated and avoidable with the right approach.
The investigation follows the publication of a video questioning why double glazing costs remain persistently high and why so many homeowners report feeling pressured into expensive contracts by large national installers. Within hours of the video’s release, Smart Home Improvement People was contacted by a former employee of a UK double-glazing manufacturer who provided historical insight into industry pricing practices.
The individual explained that approximately 20 years ago, while working within a manufacturing facility, he replaced all the windows in his home—around 8 to 10 windows, typical of a three- to four-bedroom property—for under £2,000. Even allowing for VAT and a small margin above internal cost, this equated to roughly £200 per window. While the market has inevitably changed since then, this example raised serious questions about how modern pricing structures have evolved.
Smart Home Improvement People recognises that inflation, rising energy costs, supply-chain disruption, Brexit, and increased regulatory requirements have all contributed to higher manufacturing and installation costs. However, the company strongly disputes the narrative—frequently promoted by large national firms—that prices of £700 per window or more are now the unavoidable industry standard.
To assess today’s market realistically, Smart Home Improvement People conducted a live pricing exercise using a UK-based online manufacturer specialising in A+-rated uPVC windows. A standard front window was measured and entered into the manufacturer’s online configuration system using straightforward specifications: a white uPVC frame, standard glazing, no internal blinds, no child restrictors, and no additional extras.
The result was a manufactured window price of approximately £281 including VAT. When combined with a typical independent installer fee—generally £100 to £150 depending on location—the total installed cost came to around £400 to £450 per window.
This figure stands in stark contrast to the £700-plus prices often quoted by high-profile national installers and demonstrates that homeowners who are prepared to shop around can achieve substantial savings without sacrificing quality, safety, or energy efficiency.
The investigation highlights several key factors driving inflated pricing:
Heavy sales commissions and marketing costs built into national-brand quotations
High-pressure sales tactics encouraging immediate sign-up
Lack of transparency around manufacturing versus installation costs
Consumer reluctance to compare alternatives due to time or perceived complexity
Smart Home Improvement People advises homeowners to consider an alternative route: ordering made-to-measure windows directly from reputable online manufacturers, having them delivered, and employing a local independent installer. According to the company, experienced installers typically charge modest, transparent fees and complete installations efficiently without the overheads associated with national firms.
Importantly, Smart Home Improvement People confirms it has no commercial relationship, sponsorship, or affiliate arrangement with any manufacturer mentioned during the research. The purpose of the exercise is strictly to provide consumer education and price transparency.
“With the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, many households simply don’t have thousands of pounds to spend unnecessarily,” said a spokesperson for Smart Home Improvement People. “Our aim is to show homeowners that they do have options. Paying premium prices isn’t the only route to getting high-quality, energy-efficient double glazing.”
The company also stresses that this approach is not limited to windows. Many online manufacturers offer a wide range of products including French doors, composite doors, fire doors, stable doors, and custom designs, allowing homeowners to maintain full control over specification and budget.
Smart Home Improvement People believes greater transparency and consumer awareness are essential to restoring trust in the home improvement sector. By encouraging homeowners to ask questions, compare prices, and understand how costs are built up, the company hopes to reduce instances of overcharging and improve industry standards overall.
Homeowners seeking independent advice, guidance on measuring, sourcing products, or finding reputable installers can visit www.smarthomeimprovementpeople.co.uk, where additional resources and support are available.
