Planning new windows and doors in 2026 starts with thinking ahead. January is the perfect time to explore options and understand what’s achievable for your home. Even if installation is months away, early research gives you the clarity to compare materials, consider budgets and make confident decisions without rushing.
At Burgess Windows & Doors, we work with homeowners, self-builders and renovators across a wide range of projects, and we often find that the best results come from conversations that start early. This guide is designed to help you think through the key considerations before plans are finalised.
Windows and doors are not an off-the-shelf purchase. Sizes, configurations, finishes and performance requirements are often bespoke to your home, particularly for extensions, renovations and new builds.
When planning new windows and doors, thinking ahead about materials, layouts and installation timing can make the entire project run more smoothly. Starting the planning process early allows you to:
For many homeowners, this stage is about information gathering rather than making immediate decisions, and that’s exactly where it should start.
Before looking at specific products, it’s worth stepping back and thinking about how you want your home to work.
Consider:
These early questions help shape the right window and door solutions for your project and ensure that aesthetic choices are supported by practical performance.
Depending on your property type and location, you may also need to consider planning permission or building regulations, particularly for listed buildings or homes in conservation areas.
Different projects call for different approaches, and this is where early planning is particularly valuable.
Some things to think about include:
For example, slim-profile aluminium systems can be ideal for contemporary extensions, while more traditional homes may benefit from heritage-inspired designs that still deliver modern performance.
Material choice plays a major role in both appearance and performance. At Burgess Windows & Doors, we offer a wide range of options to suit different styles and budgets.
Aluminium windows and doors are popular for modern homes and extensions thanks to their slim sightlines, strength and durability. Brands such as Origin, Aluco and Solarlux offer high-performance systems with excellent design flexibility.
Composite windows combine a timber interior with a durable aluminium exterior, offering strong thermal performance alongside a natural internal finish. Systems from Internorm, Rationel and VELFAC provide a balance of efficiency, longevity and contemporary design, making them a popular choice for energy-conscious homes and modern builds.
uPVC remains a practical and cost-effective option for many replacement projects, offering good thermal performance and low maintenance.
For period properties or homes in sensitive settings, timber or timber-alternative windows can provide the character and detailing required, while still meeting modern standards for insulation and security. Systems from Residence Collection, Bygone and Evolution are often well suited to these projects.
Choosing the right material early ensures the rest of the design flows naturally.
Beyond looks, windows and doors play a crucial role in how your home feels day to day.
Key factors to consider include:
Discussing these elements early helps balance aesthetics with long-term comfort and efficiency.
One of the most common concerns at the planning stage is budget. While exact costs depend on specification, early conversations help establish what’s realistic and where priorities should sit.
Early planning allows you to:
It’s not about committing to figures early on, but about making informed decisions as the project develops.
Windows and doors are typically manufactured to order, especially when bespoke sizes or finishes are involved.
Planning ahead helps ensure:
This is particularly important for larger glazing systems such as sliding doors or bifold doors.
We often see issues arise when windows and doors are left until late in the process. Some common mistakes include:
Early guidance helps avoid these pitfalls and leads to a smoother project overall.
You don’t need final drawings or confirmed plans to start the conversation. In fact, speaking to a specialist early can help shape the design and ensure your glazing choices work seamlessly with the rest of your project.
At Burgess Windows & Doors, our team is always happy to offer guidance, answer questions and help you explore what’s possible, whether your project is happening in the coming months or later in 2026.
Ideally as early as possible, particularly for extensions or new builds where openings and specifications can still be adjusted.
No. Initial discussions can take place with rough ideas or layouts and become more detailed as plans develop.
Yes, early planning helps ensure products are ready when required and aligned with your build schedule.
If you’re planning new windows and doors for 2026, early guidance can make all the difference. The Burgess Windows & Doors team is here to help you explore options, understand requirements and move forward with confidence.
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