Sash Window Refurbishment Cost Guide
If you’re weighing up sash window refurbishment against buying new windows altogether, this guide breaks down real costs, what affects the price, and what the work actually involves. We refurbish period sash windows across South East London and Greenwich, and we’ve put together the numbers we quote customers every week.
On average, a standard sash window refurbishment costs around £750 per window in South East London. That price can move up or down depending on the window’s condition, its size, and how much timber repair is needed.
What Does Sash Window Refurbishment Involve?
A full refurbishment isn’t just a lick of paint. It typically includes:
- Stripping back old paint and checking the timber for rot or damage
- Repairing or splicing in new timber where sections have decayed
- Replacing worn sash cords and pulleys so the window opens and closes smoothly
- Draught-proofing the staff beads, parting beads, and meeting rails
- Re-glazing where needed, including upgrading to double glazing
- Repainting and sealing to protect the timber going forward
The goal is to bring a tired, draughty, or stuck sash window back to full working order while keeping its original character intact.
Sash Window Refurbishment Cost: What Affects the Price
Every property is different, so the £750 average is a starting point. A few things that could typically push costs up:
Condition of the timber. If the box frame or sill has rotted, the window will need splicing or a partial rebuild before any cosmetic work can happen. This is the single biggest factor in cost.
Window size and style. Larger sashes, or windows with period detailing like Georgian glazing bars or Edwardian designs, take longer to refurbish and cost more than a standard-size window.
Access. Upper-floor or hard-to-reach windows may need scaffolding or additional access equipment, which adds to the overall job cost.
Location. Costs vary by area. Ours are based on South East London and Greenwich rates, where we do the majority of our work.
Upgrading From Single to Double Glazing
You don’t have to choose between keeping your original windows and improving their energy efficiency. We can upgrade single-glazed sashes to double glazing while keeping the existing frame and the window’s period appearance intact.
A double-glazed sash upgrade costs around £750, depending on the size and style. This is a popular option for homeowners who want lower heat loss and lower outside noise, without losing the look of their original windows — something that also matters if your property is listed or in a conservation area.
Refurbishment vs Individual Repairs: Which Costs Less?
It’s tempting to fix problems one at a time as they come up, but this often can cost more overall.
For example:
- Draught-proofing alone typically costs £280–£350
- Replacing sash cords can cost up to £200 per window.
- Add in separate costs for painting, sealing, and glazing repairs, and it can add up.
A full refurbishment bundles all of this into one job, which is usually more cost-effective than paying for each repair separately over time — and it means your windows are dealt with in one visit rather than several.
Refurbishment vs Full Replacement
Refurbishing your existing sash windows is almost always cheaper than replacing them outright, and it preserves original features that new windows can’t replicate. If you’re still deciding between the two, our replacement sash windows page explains when full replacement makes more sense — usually only when the frame is beyond repair.
Common Sash Window Problems We Fix
If you’re dealing with any of the following, refurbishment is likely to solve it:
My sash cord is broken. A snapped cord stops the window from opening or staying up on its own. This is one of the most common issues we get called to repair. See our sash cord repair page for more detail.
My sash windows are rattling. Loose beads or worn parting beads let the sashes move in the frame, causing rattling in windy weather.
My windows are draughty. Gaps around sash windows cause draughts. We provide draught proofing as part of our full refurbishment service.
My window sill is rotten. Rotten sills need to be cut out and replaced with new timber hardwood sills. See our sill replacement page for details.
My sash window won’t stay open. This usually points to worn cords, weights, or pulleys that need replacing.
My sash windows are cold and noisy in winter. Poor sealing and single glazing are the usual culprits — a draught-proofing and double-glazing upgrade can help solve this problem.
My lower sash feels heavy when I try to open it. This is often due to pulley wheel failure or a broken sash cord.
The lower part of my box frame has decayed. This needs timber splicing or partial replacement as part of the refurbishment.
No job is too small, and we cover all of the issues above as part of our sash window refurbishment service.
Sash Window Refurbishment in South East London and Greenwich
We’re based in South East London, Greenwich, and cover most areas across London. If you’re dealing with any of the problems above, or want an accurate quote for window refurbishments, call the number listed on the website or fill in our contact form at the bottom of the homepage. Let us know what issues you’re experiencing so we can give you the most accurate estimate.
We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to refurbish a sash window?
On average, £750 per window in South East London, though this varies depending on the window’s condition, size, and style.
On average, £750 per window in South East London, though this varies depending on the window’s condition, size, and style.
Is it cheaper to refurbish or replace sash windows?
Refurbishment is usually cheaper than full replacement, and it keeps the original character of period windows that new units can’t match.
Refurbishment is usually cheaper than full replacement, and it keeps the original character of period windows that new units can’t match.
Can I upgrade my sash windows to double glazing without replacing them?
Yes. We can fit double glazing into your existing sash window frames, keeping the traditional look while improving energy efficiency.
Yes. We can fit double glazing into your existing sash window frames, keeping the traditional look while improving energy efficiency.
How long does a sash window refurbishment take?
This depends on the extent of the repair work needed, but most standard refurbishments are completed within a day or two per window.
This depends on the extent of the repair work needed, but most standard refurbishments are completed within a day or two per window.