Old windows are one of the first things foreign owners want to change in Istria. Single glazing lets the bura in during winter, frames swell and stick after rain, and in summer the heat comes straight through. Replacing them is not only about the window itself: the opening has to be measured correctly, the new frame fitted and sealed, and the wall around it, the reveal, repaired so the job looks finished. We organise the whole sequence and bring in the right people from our network.
What we do
- PVC windows and doors. Installation of new PVC windows, balcony doors and entrance doors, including removal of the old frames.
- Window reveals. Plastering, levelling and painting the reveals (špalete) inside and out after the new frame is in, so there are no gaps or broken edges.
- Mosquito nets. Fixed, hinged or roller nets for windows and doors, which make a real difference in summer near the coast.
- Sealing and small repairs. Silicone and foam around frames, adjusting doors that drag, replacing worn seals where the frame is still good.
If you have already chosen windows with a supplier, we can coordinate the fitting and finishing. If you have not, we can help you get the opening measured and compare offers. Which material suits a house near the sea is a question of its own: see our guide to PVC, wood or aluminium windows on the coast.
Stone houses and old towns
In an old stone house the openings are rarely square, and the walls are thick, so reveals take more work than in a modern house. In the historic centres of Rovinj/Rovigno, Poreč/Parenzo, Motovun/Montona or Grožnjan/Grisignana, there may also be rules on the look of windows and shutters (škure). Requirements depend on the municipality and the building, so check before ordering; our general guide on permits for renovation in Croatia explains what to ask.
How it works when you are abroad
- Send photos of each window and door on WhatsApp, with rough sizes if you have them.
- We tell you what the job involves and give a rough range for fitting and finishing.
- The openings are measured on site, the windows are ordered, and we agree the fitting date with you.
- After fitting, the reveals are finished and you receive photos of every window.
What affects the price
The number and size of openings, the window profile and glazing you choose, the state of the old frames and walls, and how much reveal work is needed. Shutters, sills and nets add to the total. Access matters too: upper floors in narrow old-town lanes take longer than a ground-floor villa. For a first estimate of a bigger project, try the free renovation cost calculator; window prices themselves depend on the supplier offer.
New windows often come together with insulating an old house or a wider renovation. We work across Istria, from Umag and Novigrad down to Pula/Pola, Medulin and Labin.
Send us photos of your windows and doors on WhatsApp, and we will tell you how to approach the replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Do you supply the windows or only fit them?
Both are possible. We can fit and finish windows you have ordered, or help you get the openings measured and compare offers from a supplier.
Are the reveals included when windows are replaced?
They should be planned in. Taking out old frames almost always damages the plaster around the opening, so we arrange the reveals to be repaired and painted as part of the job.
Can I change windows in an old-town house?
Often yes, but historic centres may have rules on the appearance of windows and shutters. It depends on the municipality and the building, so check with the municipality or an architect before ordering.
Can you add mosquito nets to existing windows?
Usually yes. Fixed, hinged and roller nets can be fitted to most windows and doors after measuring.
Guides on this topic
Windows Near the Sea: PVC, Wood or Aluminium in Istria?
Salt air, strong sun and the bura are hard on windows. How PVC, wood and aluminium compare on the Istrian coast, plus shutters and mosquito nets.
Insulating an Old House in Istria: Walls, Roof, Windows
How to insulate an old Istrian house so it stays warm in the bura and cool in August, without trapping damp in thick stone walls.
Bura, Salt and Sun: How the Istrian Climate Affects Your House
Wind, sea salt, strong sun, winter damp and pine trees all wear an Istrian house in their own way. What to expect and how to protect your home.