Replacing UPVC windows & doors

[HoneyB123]

Hi All, just a quick question (I am waiting for a reply from the council but its a long wait). We are starting to replace some windows as and when we have money, currently they are white upvc with a mock tudor lead effect. We would like a darker frame with clear glass windows. The size would remain the same for all windows. We live in a 1930's semi in a street filled with mostly identical semi's. No one else has darker windows yet, the property is definitely not listed or in a conservation area.

My second question, we have french doors to the rear of the property with windows either side. Below each window is a wall about 1 meter high and 45cm wide. We would like to replace all of this with bi-fold doors. Would we need planning permission for this??

I appreciate that I will need to wait for the councils response to proceed but would like to hear from people who have done similar work.TIA xx

If the window frames are good it should be possible to replace just the glass by fitting plain double glazed units.

The UPVC can be painted to any colour using Zinsser Alclad..

If there is a lintel across the french window it should be possible to fit bi-folds, but check with whoever is fitting the new windows.

You don't need planning permission or building control to open up below a lintel. The wall under the windows as far as vertically below the edge of the bearing isn't counted as load bearing.

Honestly, I would think carefully about dark (grey?) windows on a 1930s property, unless the rest of the exterior has been carefully modernised too. I have seen a few houses where this has been done on an otherwise unmodernised exterior and I can’t help thinking it looks a bit naff and will really date the house when the trend is over. I’d go for smart new, clear windows but in white to match the rest of the street. Your neighbours will thank you too.