DIY windows and doors

This section assumes that the replacement windows and doors will be made of uPVC.
Replacing windows and doors can be a risky job bearing in mind that you will be handling glass and possibly working off ladders or a scaffold tower. Before removing window or door frames check (1) the brickwork above is supported, and (2) the replacement window or door will fit into the aperture. Assuming both these checks are positive, proceed to the next stage.
Glass removal needs to be carried out very carefully and safety precautions must be strictly observed. Cutting glass with a glass cutter in a criss cross manner will help. Remove sections of glass from the top of the pane working progressively downwards.
Once the glass is removed, the window frame can be taken out by sawing through the frame at an angle to allow easier removal. You may need a crow bar if fixings are stubborn. Fixings can also be sawn through with a hack saw blade between frame and wall although this can be tedious.
If cills are being fixed, they should be attached prior to fitting the window.
Place the window into the prepared clean opening and temporarily fix using 4 small (about 100 to 120 mm) wooden wedges that you made earlier. Fix these near the top and bottom to avoid distortion. Keep checking with a spirit level.
Fix using concrete screws which don't require a plug. Drill a 6mm hole through the frame and into the brickwork. Screw the concrete screw in without over tightening.
Remove the wedges and fill up any gaps carefully with expanding foam. Make sure you have a solvent cleaner on hand as this stuff is awful to get off once its on you. Don't use the solvent on the frames as this may cause damage. The dried expanding foam can be rubbed off frames fairly easily.
Glaze the window using plastic packers to centralise the double glazed unit and knock in the beading using a plastic hammer to avoid marking the new frame.
Seal up the perimeter of the frame using a good quality silicone sealant. If you're unfamiliar with this procedure, it may be worth wasting a couple of tubes and practising in some scrap wood knocked together to form a 90 degree angle. You may be able to get advice on silicone application from the shop or builders merchants. Basic instructions are: open the tube by cutting off the tip of the threaded end, cut the nozzle at an angle about 1/3 from the pointed end and screw both bits together before placing in the silicone gun. Squeeze the trigger gently to build up some pressure and move the nozzle along the joint at a consistent speed filling as you go. Leave for a short while, then spray with a fine mist of water from a plastic spray bottle. Run your finger lightly and quickly along the surface of the wetted down silicone. Have some tissue on hand to wipe off any residue.
If the above seems like a lot of work, most fitters or joiners will fit a window for about £60, doors about £100 french doors and patio doors about £140, bay windows between £200 and £300. These are average labour only prices. Materials and product prices will be added.