Key Takeaways
- Biggest lever: window style. Fixed windows start from about $1,700 installed in Melbourne, while bay and corner units run from $5,500 to $10,000+.
- Glass upgrades: Low-E coating typically adds 10% to 20% and acoustic laminated glass 20% to 35%. Argon gas is included at no extra cost.
- Doors: sliding doors cost $3,800 to $7,500+ installed, while bifold doors cost $9,500 to $18,000+.
- Quotes: compare written specifications, not headline totals.
Knowing how to save money on windows starts with knowing what drives the price. The good news is that most of the cost comes from choices you control: style, size, glass and access. This guide shows where to save, where not to, and what each option costs.
Where Do Window Costs Come From?
Most Melbourne suppliers quote per opening, and the price of each opening depends on five things. Our custom made uPVC windows are built to fit your openings, so each of these changes your quote.
- Size and span: larger openings need more glass, stronger reinforcement and heavier-duty hardware.
- Style: fixed windows are the most economical, and sliding, awning, casement and tilt and turn windows add hardware.
- Glass: performance upgrades such as Low-E and acoustic glass change the price.
- Hardware: better hardware costs more but affects how smoothly the window works and how secure it is.
- Access: second-storey windows may need scaffolding, and narrow side access or steep blocks add labour time.
7 Ways to Save Money on Windows
- Use fixed windows where you do not need airflow: nothing moves, so there is less hardware to pay for.
- Stick to standard sizes where you can: bigger spans mean more glass, more reinforcement and heavier hardware.
- Limit bay, corner and bifold units: use them where the view or the design justifies the extra cost.
- Match the glass to the room: Low-E suits Melbourne’s cooler winters, and acoustic laminated glass is worth it near major roads, train lines or busy streets.
- Plan access early: tell your installer about second storeys and tight side access so scaffolding is quoted upfront.
- Check rebates: eligible Victorian households may get discounts under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
- Compare quotes line by line: the cheapest total is not always the best value.
What Do Different Window Styles Cost?
Style is the clearest cost lever. These are indicative installed ranges for common residential replacement projects, including removal of old windows. New builds can differ, so ask for a quote on your plans.
| Window Type | Approximate Size | Estimated Installed Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed / Picture Window | 1200 x 1200 mm | $1,700 to $2,500+ |
| Sliding Window | 900 x 1200 mm | $2,200 to $3,400+ |
| Awning Window | 900 x 1200 mm | $2,100 to $3,400+ |
| Casement Window | 900 x 1200 mm | $2,100 to $3,400+ |
| Tilt & Turn Window | 900 x 1200 mm | $2,000 to $3,300+ |
| Double Hung Window | 900 x 1400 mm | $2,300 to $3,600+ |
| Bay & Corner Window (3-panel) | 1800 x 1200 mm | $5,500 to $10,000+ |
| Bifold / Stacking Window (3-panel) | 2400 x 1200 mm | $5,500 to $9,000+ |
A bay or corner window costs $5,500 to $10,000+, compared with $1,700 to $3,600 for a standard opening. That makes them worth using sparingly, perhaps in one dominant spot rather than in every room. For the full breakdown, see our guide to double glazing cost in Melbourne.
What Do Glass Upgrades Add to the Price?
Glass is the second big lever after style. Argon gas is included in our glass at no extra cost, so the upgrades below are the ones to weigh up room by room.
| Glass Upgrade | Typical Cost Increase |
|---|---|
| Low-E coating | +10% to 20% |
| Acoustic laminated glass | +20% to 35% |
| Toughened safety glass | Project dependent |
| Increased pane thickness | Project dependent |
Which Door Type Costs Less?
If you want to open a living area to the garden, the door type makes a big difference. Sliding and French doors cost less than stacking and bifold doors, as the installed ranges below show.
| Door Type | Typical Size | Estimated Installed Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sliding / Patio Door (2-panel) | 2100 x 1800 mm | $3,800 to $7,500+ |
| French Door | Standard double opening | $4,500 to $8,500+ |
| Stacking Door (multi-panel) | 2400 to 4000 mm span | $7,000 to $14,000+ |
| Bifold Door | Multi-panel (3 to 6 panels) | $9,500 to $18,000+ |
What Does a Whole-Home Budget Look Like?
These totals assume standard access and like-for-like replacement without major structural changes, so use them as a starting point only.
| Home Size | Typical Scope | Estimated Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Bedroom Home | 8 to 10 windows | $18,000 to $30,000 |
| 4-Bedroom Home | 12 to 15 windows + 1 sliding door | $30,000 to $48,000 |
| Larger / Architectural Home | 15+ windows + multiple doors | $45,000 to $85,000+ |
Why the Cheapest Quote Is Not Always the Cheapest
Large price gaps usually come down to glass specification, frame reinforcement, hardware quality or installation scope. A cheaper quote may use thinner glass, simplified hardware or leave out removal and finishing. The cheapest windows are rarely what you need, and you can end up replacing them with something better.
When you compare quotes, check that each one states:
- The specification: frame system, glass and hardware.
- The scope: removal and disposal of old windows, installation, sealing and finishing around the frame.
- The exclusions: what is left out and how unforeseen issues will be priced.
- The cover: the length of the guarantee and whether GST is included.
For help with sequencing the work, our guide to budgeting for double glazed windows shows which windows to replace first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reduce the cost of double glazing?
Choose fixed windows where you do not need ventilation, stick to standard sizes and limit bay, corner and bifold units. Match the glass to each room and plan access early. Then compare written quotes line by line, because the cheapest total often leaves out removal, sealing or finishing.
What is the cheapest type of window to install?
Fixed windows are the most economical because nothing moves. In Melbourne, a fixed or picture window installed in a standard opening typically costs about $1,700 to $2,500+. Windows that open add hardware, so sliding, awning, casement and tilt and turn windows cost more.
How much does it cost to double glaze a 3-bedroom house?
A 3-bedroom home with 8 to 10 windows is typically budgeted at $18,000 to $30,000 installed. That assumes standard access and like-for-like replacement without major structural changes. Doors, acoustic glass and difficult access increase the figure, and a free on-site measure confirms your price.
Can I get a rebate to lower the cost of double glazing?
Eligible Victorian households may access discounts through the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, depending on the product and installation. It lists an indicative $210 for four large single-glazed windows, and the final price is set by the accredited provider. Confirm eligibility before you rely on it.
Are cheap window quotes worth it?
Not always. A low price can reflect thinner glass, simplified hardware or work left out, such as removal and finishing. Compare written specifications, ask what is excluded and check the guarantee. A fixed-price, itemised quote shows exactly what you are paying for and avoids surprises.
Get a Fixed-Price Quote for Your Windows
The fastest way to find savings is a free on-site measure, where we look at your openings and suggest where to spend and where to save. We manufacture your windows in our Wodonga factory and install with our own team, backed by a 12-year guarantee.
Request a free measure and fixed-price quote online or call 1300 898 782. Our quotes are itemised, with no hidden extras.
