SHINE BRIGHT WITH NEW WINDOWS AND DOORS

Boost insulation, brighten your rooms and reduce your energy bills with brand-new windows and doors

- Andrea Dean

Welcome swathes of light and other benefits into your home by upgrading your windows and doors. Not only will they enhance your home’s appearance, the new glasswork will also improve its views, security and energy efficiency, and potentially increase its value. Everest, one of the UK’s largest double-glazing companies, puts the cost of a single window at between £500 and £3,200, depending on size, style, frame material and type of glass, so ensure the replacements are in keeping with your house and fitted by an approved installer to get the most out of your investment.

Keep draughts in a Victorian or Georgian home at bay with traditional sash windows that benefit from modern double glazing. Timber sash window, made to measure, The Sash Window Workshop

Splash out on triple glazing to improve your home’s insulation and reduce outside noise. These are rated A++ for energy efficiency from Everest

Refresh a period home with framed sash windows that feature details akin to the originals. Timber sliding sash windows, from £800, Thames Valley Window Company

Maximise light in a kitchen extension by adding a roof lantern above the dining area. Roof lantern, from £1,247, Keylite

1 RAMP UP THE PERIOD APPEAL

Probably the most desirable feature in period properties (as well as lookalike new-builds), sash windows consist of two glazed frames, usually split into a number of panes, that sit inside a box frame and slide up and down. Original timber sashes can be restored but if the windows are beyond repair or are being reinstated, your choices for frames are authentic timber, which needs the most maintenance, aluminium or uPVC. Check with your local planning authority before replacing your windows.