Thinking about replacing all the windows in your 3-bedroom home? It’s a big decision – probably one of the most significant improvements you can make to your property. But where do you even start?
We’ve put together this guide based on our 50+ years of experience installing windows across Scotland. Because let’s be honest, replacing 8-12 windows at once feels overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be.
What you’re looking at
Most 3-bedroom homes have somewhere between 8-12 windows, depending on the layout. A typical setup might include:
- Living room with 1-2 windows (often larger ones)
- Kitchen with 1-2 windows
- Three bedrooms with 1 window each (master might have 2)
- Bathroom with 1 smaller window
- Maybe a hallway or landing window
Each of these has different requirements. Your bathroom needs privacy glass. Bedrooms need security features. The kitchen might need easy-clean options above worktops. One size definitely doesn’t fit all.
Planning without the panic
Start with what you’ve got.
Walk around your home and really look at your current windows. Which direction do they face? South-facing windows get the most sun. North-facing ones should maximise light. Note any specific problems – draughts, condensation, difficulty opening.
Consider your home’s style too. Victorian terrace? Modern semi? The architectural style will influence which window designs work best.
Timing matters. Whole-house replacement takes several days. Our teams average four windows per day, but this varies based on size, location, and what internal finishes you choose. Plan for some disruption, but nothing too dramatic.
Summer’s genuinely the best time for this kind of project. Better weather, longer days, and you’re not left with gaping holes during a Scottish winter.
Choosing windows that actually work
Living Areas: Your main rooms need windows that maximise light and views. Casement windows are our most popular choice – they’re slim, elegant, and incredibly versatile. You can have them opening outwards, and they provide excellent ventilation control.
Bedrooms: Security’s key here for upstairs as well as ground-floor rooms. All our windows meet PAS 24 Enhanced Security standards, but ground-floor bedrooms might benefit from additional security features. Ventilation’s important too – tilt and turn windows are excellent for this, with the sash tilting inwards for safe night-time cooling.
Kitchen and Bathroom: These rooms have unique challenges. Moisture, privacy, awkward spaces around taps and worktops. Reversible windows work brilliantly in kitchens – they open outwards so they won’t interfere with anything on your windowsill.
For bathrooms, you’ll want obscure glazing for privacy. We offer various textured glass options.
Window styles that suit Scottish homes
Casement Windows
Our most popular choice, and for good reason. They’re incredibly flexible – you can have any combination of fixed and opening panes. Perfect for most homes, whether traditional or modern.
Sliding Sash Windows
Ideal for period properties or if you love that traditional look. Modern versions are miles better than the originals – no painting required, both sashes tilt for cleaning, and they’re thermally efficient.
Tilt and Turn Windows
Great for upstairs rooms and flats. They tilt for ventilation or open fully like a door for cleaning and emergency escape.
Reversible Windows
Perfect for hard-to-reach spots like above kitchen sinks. They swing outward through 180 degrees, so cleaning’s easy and they won’t interfere with blinds or anything on the sill.
Energy efficiency that matters
All Lorimer windows achieve an A energy rating with Low-E glass as standard. That U-value of 1.4W/m2K isn’t just a number – it means lower heating bills and a more comfortable home.
The argon gas filling and warm edge spacers work together to create a proper thermal barrier. Not just marketing speak – real, measurable performance that you’ll notice on your energy bills.
What about the money?
Let’s talk honestly about costs. Window replacement for a 3-bedroom home is a significant investment. Costs vary based on:
- Window sizes and styles
- How tricky the installation is
- What internal finishes you choose
- Any structural work needed
The good news is you have several financing options. CR Smith offers various finance packages, including 0% APR options and HomePay financing at 3.9% APR with flexible terms. You can defer payments and spread costs over years rather than months.
Bulk benefits. Doing the whole house at once often works out cheaper per window than replacing them individually over time. Plus, you get consistent performance throughout your home.
What the installation looks like
Day 1-2: Getting Started. Our teams usually start upstairs – bedrooms and bathroom first. This means your main living spaces aren’t disrupted on day one, and you can see the transformation happening.
Progress Days. Work continues systematically through your home. Each window typically takes our teams a few hours, depending on size and complexity.
Completion. Final adjustments, thorough cleaning, and handover. Our 10-year Lorimer Triple Guarantee covers everything – product, installation, and security.
Making your investment last
Once your new windows are in, a bit of care goes a long way:
- Clean frames and hardware regularly
- Check seals annually
- Report any issues promptly (our guarantee covers you for ten years)
Ready to transform your home?
Whole-house window replacement might feel like a big step, but it genuinely transforms how your home looks, feels, and performs. Better comfort, lower energy bills, enhanced security, and the satisfaction of knowing your home is properly protected for decades to come.
We design and manufacture windows in Scotland, specifically for Scottish homes and Scottish weather conditions. Our teams are directly employed by us, not subcontractors, so you get consistent quality throughout.
Want to explore your options? Contact CR Smith for a free design consultation. We’ll help you understand what’s possible for your specific home and budget.
Because after 50+ years and over 1 million windows installed across Scotland, we know what works. And we’re here to help you get it right.
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