Upgrading old windows and doors can make your home warmer, quieter, safer, and cheaper to heat. But it’s also a big spend, and prices in Ireland vary a lot depending on the size, style, material, glazing, and installer you choose.
This guide pulls together the latest information from Irish window specialists and retrofit guides to explain:
- Typical cost ranges for new windows and doors
- What really drives those costs up or down
- SEAI and other grants that can help
- Common FAQs for Irish homeowners planning a window and door upgrade for the winter.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Typical Window cost | – Typically €300–€1,700 per unit – With simple uPVC at the lower end & large/custom units at the upper end. |
| Typical Door cost | – Standard uPVC doors start from €400–€800 – Composite & high-end doors can reach €3,000+ |
| Whole-House Upgrade | – Replacing all windows in a 3–4 bed home can cost €7,500–€15,000+, depending on material and spec. |
| Main Cost Drivers | – Material (uPVC, timber, aluclad, aluminium) – Size/shape, glazing (double/triple) – Complexity, access and finishing work. |
| Grants | – SEAI One Stop Shop grants can give €1,800–€4,000 for windows (complete upgrade) – and €800 per external door (max 2) as part of a full home energy upgrade. |
Why Do You Need to Upgrade Your Windows and Doors?
New windows and doors can:
- Reduce heat loss and improve comfort
- Cut draughts and cold spots
- Lower heating bills when combined with other upgrades
- Improve security with modern locks and stronger frames
- Reduce outside noise with better glazing
- Help bring your home up towards B2 BER, which is now a key target for grants and long-term value
If your current windows mist up, are hard to open, feel icy in winter, or let in a lot of street noise, it’s usually a sign that an upgrade is due.
Typical Window Replacement Costs in Ireland.
Different sources give slightly different ranges, but they all fall broadly into the same band.
1. Cost per Window by Type
(Prices usually include supply and standard installation for a typical replacement job.)
| Window Type | Typical Cost per Window (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic single-hung | 300 – 600 | Entry-level units, smaller openings |
| Double-hung | 400 – 800 | More flexibility for ventilation |
| Tilt & turn | 200 – 1,000 | Wide range; popular in modern builds |
| Casement | 500 – 900 | Very common in Irish homes |
| Sliding | 600 – 1,200 | Often used for larger openings |
| Bay/bow | 1,000 – 2,500+ | Complex, custom frames and glass |
| Roof/skylight | 1,200 – 1,700 | Big panes, heavier glass |
| Roof/skylight | 800 – 2,500 | More labour and flashing work needed |
A separate Irish cost survey puts the average window replacement in the €450–€1,700 range and estimates around €10,000 to replace eight double-glazed windows in a 3–to 4–bed semi–detached house. Buildpro.
2. Cost by Material (Per Window – Typical Ranges)
- uPVC – roughly €350–€800 for many standard windows
- Timber – about €700–€1,500 per unit for quality frames
- Aluminium – often €650–€1,700 per unit due to slim frames and modern design
- Aluclad – hybrid timber inside, aluminium outside, usually mid-to-high range
Triple-glazed versions normally add about €100–€200 per window compared with double-glazed, but they offer better insulation and comfort long-term.
Typical Door Replacement Costs in Ireland
Door prices depend heavily on material, size, glazing, and hardware.
1. Cost by Door Type.
| Door Type | Typical Cost (Installed) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic internal / back uPVC | 400 – 800 | Simple back door or utility door |
| Standard uPVC front | 1,000 – 1,200 | Common for main entrances |
| Timber front door | 800 – 1,500 | Higher maintenance but very attractive |
| Aluminium front | 1,200 – 2,500 | Slim, modern profiles, very durable |
| Composite front | 1,000 – 3,500+ | Top-end security and insulation |
| Sliding / Patio / French | 1,200 – 3,000+ | Large glass units, more complex |
An example from an Irish price survey:
- Standard uPVC back door – ~€800
- Standard uPVC front door – €1,000–€1,200. Buildtech.
Custom side-lights, decorative glass, and premium hardware can push top-end doors well above €3,000.
Whole-House Window & Door Upgrade Costs
For a 3–4 bed semi-detached house in Ireland, recent guides and surveys suggest:
- 8–10 double-glazed windows – roughly €7,500–€10,000
- Front + back uPVC doors plus standard windows – €7,500–€8,000, (sometimes up to €12,000 depending on spec).
- For higher-end timber, aluminium or composite upgrades, full packages can reach €15,000–€20,000+.
These figures usually cover:
- Supply of units
- Standard installation
- Basic trims and making good
But they do not always include:
- Disposal of old windows/doors
- Scaffolding or complex access
- Plastering, painting, new cills, or detailed internal timber work
Always ask for an itemised quote so you know exactly what is included.
What Affects Window & Door Replacement Costs Most?
Across several reference guides I have gone through, the same core factors keep showing up.
1. Material
- uPVC – most affordable, low-maintenance, good energy performance.
- Timber – warm, traditional look, more expensive and needs care.
- Aluminium – slim, modern, ideal for big panes; higher cost.
- Aluclad – timber inside + aluminium outside, mid-to-high range.
2. Size & Style
- Bigger windows and wide patio/bi-fold doors are more expensive to make and install.
- Bay, bow, and feature windows carry a large premium.
- More moving parts (tilt & turn, sliding) = more hardware and labour.
3. Glazing & Energy Performance
- Double glazing is now basic; triple glazing costs more but cuts heat loss and noise.
- Low-E coatings, gas-filled units and insulated frames all add cost but improve comfort.
- Irish Part L regulations now expect replacement windows and glazed doors to achieve U-values of 1.4–1.6 W/m²K or better. Fairco
4. Installation Complexity
- Simple “swap-outs” using existing openings are cheaper.
- Old houses may need rotten timber removed, reveals repaired, or lead paint handled.
- Upper floors or tight inner-city sites may need extra labour or equipment.
5. Location & Labour
- Labour is generally higher in Dublin and large cities than in rural areas.
- Access, parking and congestion all add time and cost.
6. Finishing & Extras
- Upgraded locks, child-safety features, designer handles and decorative glass.
- New architraves, sills, plaster patching, and painting.
- Disposal and recycling of old units (often charged per item).
Grants for Windows & Doors in Ireland (2026)
The grant picture can be a bit confusing for some because different SEAI schemes treat windows and doors differently.
1. SEAI One Stop Shop/National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme
This is now the main path to get support for window and external door upgrades.
Typical grant amounts for windows and doors (One Stop Shop):
- Windows (Complete Upgrade – all windows):
- Apartment/mid-terrace – around €1,800–€3,000
- Semi-detached/end terrace – around €3,000
- Detached – around €4,000
- External Doors:
- €800 per door, max 2 doors
Key Points to note:
- You must carry out a full energy upgrade package (not just windows/doors) to reach at least B2 BER. The Sun
- Works must be done by an SEAI-registered One Stop Shop provider.
Visit the SEAI website to see more.
2. Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme
- Aimed at low-income/vulnerable households.
- Can fund free upgrades, often including insulation, windows and doors where needed.
- You must meet specific income and social-welfare criteria. Citizens Information
3. Individual Home Energy Grants
- Current individual SEAI grants focus on insulation, heating controls, heat pumps and solar, not generally on windows/doors.
- If you only want to upgrade windows/doors and nothing else, grants are limited to the ones mentioned above.
4. Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme
- A State-backed loan offering reduced-interest finance up to €75,000 for energy upgrades.
- If used with grants, up to 25% of the loan can go towards non-grant items such as windows and doors, which helps with cash flow.
How Much Can Grants Really Save?
Let’s take a very simple example:
- You are upgrading all windows in a detached house, and the quote is €10,000.
- Under a One Stop Shop package, the windows grant could be €4,000.
That brings your direct cost for windows down to €6,000, and you may also be upgrading insulation, heating controls, or a heat pump at the same time with their own grants.
For doors:
- Two new external doors at €2,400 total (€1,200 each)
- SEAI grant – €800 per door, total €1,600
- Your net cost – €800 for both doors, plus any extras beyond the standard spec.
Always double-check the latest grant values and rules on the SEAI or Citizens Information websites before you sign any contract, as amounts can change.
Step-by-Step – Planning a Window & Door Upgrade
- Check your Existing Windows and Doors
- Look for draughts, condensation between panes, sticking sashes, rot, and security issues.
2. Decide the Scope
- All windows and doors, or just the worst units first?
- Are you combining this with insulation, heating or solar upgrades?
3. Set a Realistic Budget
- Use ranges like €450–€1,700 per window and €400–€3,000 per door as a guide.
- Add 10–15% extra for surprises.
4. Research Grants and Finance
- Check One Stop Shop options, Warmer Homes if you’re eligible, and possible loan supports.
5. Choose Materials and Glazing
- uPVC vs timber vs aluminium vs aluclad.
- Double vs triple glazing based on your budget and comfort goals.
6. Get at Least 3 Quotes
- Make sure each quote specifies – units, U-values, labour, disposal, trims, making good, and VAT.
7. Check Installers
- Look for reviews, proof of insurance, and SEAI registration where required.
8. Agree Timing and Access
- Most 3–4 bed homes are done in 2–3 days, but larger or complex projects can take longer.
9. Inspect the Finished Work
- Check operation of each sash/door, seals, locks, and finishing.
- Keep all warranty and BER documentation.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to replace one window in Ireland?
Most Irish sources put the per-window cost between €450 and €1,700, depending on size, style and material. Simple uPVC units are at the low end; large or complex windows sit at the upper end.
2. How long does a full window and door upgrade take?
For a typical 3–4 bed semi-D with 8–10 windows and 1–2 doors, expect 2–3 days of work. Very large, bespoke or conservation projects can take a week or more.
3. Do I need planning permission to change my windows?
Normally, like-for-like window and door replacements (same size and broadly similar appearance) do not need planning permission.
However:
- Major changes to appearance (e.g. altering openings)
- Work on protected structures or proposed protected structures
may need planning and development approval, so it’s always worth checking with your local authority or a designer.
4. What U-value should I aim for?
Current Irish Part L guidance expects replacement windows and glazed doors in existing homes to achieve a U-value of around 1.4–1.6 W/m²K or better.
Many modern systems now offer 1.2 W/m²K or lower, which is ideal for deep retrofits and future-proofing.
5. Are window and door upgrades always covered by SEAI grants?
No.
Individual SEAI grants now mainly support insulation, heating controls, heat pumps and solar, not standalone window/door swaps.
For windows and doors you usually need to:
- Use a One Stop Shop and
- Do a full energy upgrade to reach at least B2 BER.
The Warmer Homes scheme is separate and can fully fund upgrades for qualifying low-income households.
6. Can I DIY install to save money?
You can in theory, but:
- Mistakes can lead to leaks, draughts and poor BER results.
- You risk voiding product warranties.
- Work must meet building regulations, especially on U-values and airtightness.
For most homes, professional installation is strongly recommended, especially if you’re linking the job to SEAI grants.
7. Is there a reliable Door/ Window Cost Calculator I can Use?
Yes, most suppliers have a cost calculator on their website. But if you need one, you can use Self Build’s calculator HERE.
SOURCES
