Whole-house window and door checklist

Planning a whole house window replacement is a bigger project than swapping a single unit, and a little organisation up front makes it run smoothly. This checklist takes you room by room, covers the doors you should include, and lists the questions worth asking your installer — so nothing is missed and you end up with a warmer, more secure home and a matched finish throughout.

Before you start

Begin by walking the house and noting the condition of every window and external door. Look for the tell-tale signs that a unit is past its best: draughts, condensation or misting between the panes, stiff or failed locks, rot or discolouration, and rooms that never quite hold their heat. Decide early whether to do everything in one go — usually the better-value route, as our page on replacing windows and doors at the same time explains — and set a rough budget. It also helps to understand how much energy new windows can save so you can weigh the running-cost benefit against the outlay.

Room-by-room checklist

Work through the house methodically and note each opening:

• Living room / lounge — often the largest windows or a bay; consider style, glazing and whether trickle vents are needed.
• Kitchen — check for an opener over the sink and whether a rear or garden door is part of the plan.
• Bedrooms — confirm fire-escape requirements on upper floors and choose obscured or clear glass as appropriate.
• Bathroom — specify obscured glazing for privacy and good ventilation.
• Hallway and landing — note any glazed panels beside the front door and stairwell windows.
• Loft or dormer — don't overlook higher-level windows that affect access and cost.

Record the approximate size, the current style, and whether each opening needs to open or can be fixed. Your installer will take exact measurements at the survey, but your notes give an accurate starting point.

Don't forget the doors

A whole-house project is the ideal moment to bring the doors into line with the windows. Include the front door, any back or side doors, and rear garden doors such as French, patio or bifold styles — our comparison of French, patio and bifold doors helps you pick. Doing doors and windows together means one matched colour and hardware finish across the property, and one tidy fit rather than two.

Questions for your installer

At the survey, run through these:

• What frame material and glazing specification are you quoting, and what is the energy rating?
• Are the units tested to PAS 24, and what cylinder rating is included?
• How long will the whole job take, and how will you protect the house day to day?
• What guarantee is provided, and is it insurance-backed?
• Are you accredited, and can I see recent local work?

Choosing the right firm is half the battle — see our notes on choosing a trustworthy installer. On cost, a whole-house project is a significant outlay, but there are window and door funding and contribution options, subject to eligibility and a home survey, and £0-upfront options may be available for those who qualify. You can also compare funded glazing options to find an approach that suits your household.