How to reduce window costs? Tips for building professionals
Are windows quietly eating into your profit margins? In many high-spec developments, windows have turned out to be one of the most underestimated cost drivers.
And not just because of the unit price – but due to everything that follows: complicated systems, longer lead times, and expensive installation issues.
With over 10 years of hands-on experience, we’ll show you how to:
- save €10,000–€20,000 per building without compromising on quality,
- select systems that are quicker to install and easier to manage,
- avoid hidden costs that quietly erode your margins,
- reduce the risk of claims – rather than increasing it.
Now multiply that across 10 homes a year – and you could be losing €100,000–€200,000 without even realising.
Everything shared here comes from our direct experience using window systems in demanding international projects.
1: Swap operable windows for fixed ones
€296
€172
If ventilation isn’t required in certain areas, replacing operable windows with fixed units can reduce your costs by up to 42%.
For instance, on a €50,000 window package, that could mean saving €21,000 – bringing the total down to just €29,000.
Extra benefit: fixed windows offer better thermal performance and allow for more glass surface.
2: Subdivide large windows into smaller units
€581
€436
€2214
€932
If you don’t specifically need large, single-pane glazing, splitting oversized windows into smaller units can reduce costs by 25% – and in some cases by as much as 58%.
Why? Larger panes require thicker, heavier glass – which comes at a premium.
By dividing a single large window into several smaller ones, you can reduce both the glass thickness and the overall glazed area. The units are also lighter, making transport and installation easier.
For example:
- A fixed window measuring 2 × 2 metres using 6 mm glass can be downgraded to 4 mm – saving around 25%.
- A 4 × 2 metres unit split into three smaller windows cuts the cost by up to 58%.
That means a glass package originally priced at €20,000 could be optimised down to just €9,000 using this approach.
3: uPVC veneers – save by opting for colour on one side only
If you’re specifying coloured uPVC windows, consider choosing veneer on just one side instead of both. Or, for maximum savings, stick with classic white.
This simple decision can reduce window costs by anywhere from 13% to as much as 56%.
Why? Because standard uPVC comes in white.
Any added colour involves applying a specialist veneer foil – which increases the price. A single-sided veneer uses half the foil, so the cost is significantly lower.
4: Switch from folding doors to lift and slide systems
4,288 EUR
3,905 EUR
Replacing folding (bi-fold) glass doors with lift-and-slide alternatives can reduce unit costs by around 10%.
But the real savings go beyond the price tag. Folding doors are more complex to install, more prone to service issues, and often lead to more complaints – especially in larger residential developments.
Over time, this change can save significantly more in reduced call-backs, maintenance, and labour costs.
5: Use glazing bars instead of multiple operable sashes
If your window design requires a cross pattern for visual effect – but doesn’t actually need four opening sashes – opt for glazing bars instead.
In practice, reducing the number of operable sashes can lower window costs by up to 41%.
Example:
on a €20,000 window package, that’s a reduction to €11,800 – all while maintaining the same exterior appearance.
Windows with less sashes offer better thermal performance and allow for more glass surface.
6: Use fewer operable sashes
If your window design features a cross pattern for visual effect – but doesn’t require all four sections to open – reducing the number of operable sashes can lead to meaningful cost savings.
In real-world applications, this strategy can cut window costs by up to 22%.
Option 1:
Reducing from four operable sashes to two can lower costs by around 19%. We use glazing bars to replicate the appearance of four sashes while simplifying the hardware.
Option 2:
The top section is made with fixed panes, while the bottom uses two operable sashes. This approach delivers greater savings – 22%, though it results in a slightly less symmetrical design.
7: Choose false arches instead of true arched windows
True arched windows are among the most expensive styles available. But in many cases, you can achieve the same aesthetic at nearly 80% less cost by opting for a false arch.
The method is simple: install a standard rectangular window and add an arched trim or frame externally to create the desired appearance.
Example: Replacing 10 real arched windows priced at €3,000 each with false arches brings the total cost down from €30,000 to just €6,600.
Final thought: your window choices could quietly determine your profit
None of the changes we’ve outlined compromise on quality – yet each has the potential to reduce costs by anywhere from 10% to 80%.
Combined, these adjustments often make the difference between a project staying on budget… or eating into your profit margin.
If you’re building 10 or more homes a year, even small tweaks to your window specifications could save you six figures annually – without adding complexity on site.
Key cost drivers to watch:
- Colour and veneer selection
- Operable vs. fixed configurations (hardware)
- Window type
- Size and glass thickness
- Door systems (bi-fold vs. lift-slide)
Are your current choices cutting costs – or quietly increasing them?
Want to know how much you could actually save?
Send us your current window specification. In a short video meeting, we’ll simulate a cost-optimised version using proven European systems.
You’ll see:
- where costs can be cut without installation risks,
- which changes your architect is likely to approve,
- and how much you can realistically save.
You’ll get:
- an estimate tailored to your project,
- a technical review that considers lead times and on-site fit,
- and a dedicated point of contact – no handovers, no confusion.
No commitment. Just clear numbers to help you decide.
Get help with optimizing window costs
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