Fitting Bay Windows Yourself or Cheaper

smilerbatten

Hi,

I need 3 window bays replacing on the front of my house and have had quotes for £3000. I have 2 x 5 window bays and smaller square 3 window bay.
£3k seems alot of money?
Does anyone know how tricky they are to fit? is it simply 5 seperate windows clipped together with some kind of angle bead or joiner? how do you make the sill?
Any suggestions, should i do it myself or look for cheaper quotes? i would have thought £1500 - £2000 would have been more likely...

I have fitted other replacement windows in my house and a new uPVC front door and frame, but am a bit nervous about tackling the bay. I have seen them be done and need acro props and stuff, plus i dont know if i trust myself to get the measurements right.

Thanks

lisal0u

Hi,

I would shop around for some more quotes. I had 2, 5 panel bay windows, a front and back door, french doors and a small window in the pantry replaced for £4000. It was just a small local firm that did it. I must say he was excellent.

I had a slight issues with the middle window upstairs being a fire escape window because the frame was thicker and looked ugly. He replaced it for no extra charge!

I would be careful doing it yourself as the bay windows are probably load bearing and require stronger frames!

Hope this helps
Lisa

27col

That is always the problem with DIY. Getting the measurements right. As to the angles, I have seen some being fitted that have a steel or aluminium tube at the joint. So you can fix them at whatever angle you need. This would presumably provide support as well. You would have to cut the sill section yourself, as doubt whether you could risk measuring it in advance. Probably not too difficult with a fine saw.
I have fitted straight windows, but not a bay. I think that I would be inclined to get someone to do it for me. If you cannot get a cheaper quote then you will have to pay what it costs or take the risk of making an expensive mistake.

ormus

i do all my own windows apart from the bays.
i get a local company in for them as the price isnt much more than supply only.
paid 1300 quid for 2 bays fitted, last year.
typical 3 bed semi.

thebaldwindowfitter

bow windows are not easy to replace for the avarage diyer and the cill needs to be made in one .they will be load bearing and as such need poles

thebaldwindowfitter

i presume you mean 5 panel bow ie 5 separate windows all at angles to each other

smilerbatten

Thanks for all your replies.
I do mean 5 panel bays at different angles and then a 3 panel bay at a rectanular angle (ie, one front and then two either side and 90 degrees)
I thought £3k was expensive, but maybe thats becasue i live in London and these guys are feeling the credit crunch!

Thanks
Jason

WaveyDave_2

Some bay windows are structural and help to bear the weight of the wall above. If you change them to PCV, you need to make sure you've allowed for this. Window installations by a non FENSA registered person require Building Control.