If you’ve been thinking about replacing your windows and want something that actually looks the part, Unik Funkis windows are worth a serious look. This Scandinavian-rooted range is built around clean geometry, slim sightlines, and thermal performance that suits the Irish climate. But one question we hear a lot is: what actually happens between the initial enquiry and the day the fitters leave your home? This guide walks you through the full journey – from the first phone call to the final snagging check.
What Are Unik Funkis Windows?
Unik Funkis is a window range designed for modern homes that want both character and function. The name itself – ‘funkis’ is a shorthand for functionalism – gives you a clue about the aesthetic: straight lines, flush finishes, and no unnecessary decoration. What makes this range stand out in the Dublin market is that it delivers this contemporary look without compromising on the kind of thermal performance Irish homeowners now expect.
If you’ve been looking at aluminium windows or alu clad windows as alternatives, Unik Funkis sits in a similar space – premium feel, durability, and energy efficiency in one package.
Key features of the range include:
- Slim profiles that maximise glass area and natural light
- High thermal performance suited to Ireland’s damp, cold winters
- A modern flush finish that works with both new builds and sympathetic retrofits
- Durable materials that hold their appearance over years of use
- Colour options that complement both contemporary and period exteriors
They also pair well with Unik Funkis doors, if you’re planning a complete front-of-house refresh.
Step 1: The Initial Enquiry
The process starts when you get in touch with ThermoGlaze. You can call the team on 01 912 0600, fill in the quote form online, or drop into one of the two Dublin showrooms (more on those below). At this stage, you don’t need to have everything figured out. Most people come with a rough idea – “I want to replace all the windows at the front” or “we’re doing a rear extension and need bifolds plus windows” – and the team works from there.
You’ll typically discuss:
- The number and size of windows you’re looking to replace or install
- Your property type – terraced, semi-detached, detached, period, or new build
- The style direction you’re going for
- Any planning or conservation area constraints
- A rough budget range
For homeowners unsure about style options, it’s worth visiting the showroom in person. Seeing the difference between a casement window and a tilt-and-turn in real life – with the hardware in your hand – makes decisions a lot easier.
Step 2: The Home Survey
Why Does a Survey Matters?
This is the part many homeowners underestimate. A proper survey is not just someone coming out to measure the openings. It’s the stage where the installation is effectively planned from the ground up. Getting this right means the windows fit properly, perform as they should, and look the way you imagined. A rushed or inaccurate survey is the main reason window installations go wrong – either the units don’t fit, or compromises have to be made on-site that affect the finished result.
What Happens During the Survey?
A ThermoGlaze surveyor visits your home and goes through each opening in detail. They’ll check:
- Exact measurements of each opening – not just width and height, but depth and squareness
- The condition of the existing frames and reveals
- The wall construction – whether you have cavity walls, solid walls, or insulated external finish
- Lintel positions and any structural considerations
- External sill conditions
- Access requirements for the installation crew
The surveyor will also talk through your colour choices, glass options (clear, obscure, solar control), handle styles, and opening configurations. This is when you finalise the spec, so it helps to have thought about these things in advance.
Step 3: Production and Lead Times
Once you’ve completed the survey and approved the specification, your Unik Funkis windows go into production. These are manufactured to your exact measurements, so there’s a lead time involved – typically several weeks depending on the range and current production schedules. Your project manager will give you a realistic timeline at the point of order.
If you’re combining windows with a door replacement – for example adding an Internorm front door alongside the windows – the team will coordinate so everything arrives and gets fitted together.
Step 4: Preparing Your Home for Installation
A few days before the fitting team arrives, it’s worth doing the following:
- Clear the area around each window internally – move furniture, take down curtains and blinds, and lift any items sitting on window sills
- Let the team know about any fragile items nearby that need protecting
- Make sure there’s parking access for the installation van – particularly important in Dublin city suburbs where parking can be tight
- If you have young children or pets, think about where they’ll be on the day
The crew will protect floors and internal surfaces as a matter of course, but the clearer the access, the faster and tidier the work goes.
Step 5: The Installation Day
On fitting day, the team removes your existing windows, prepares the openings, and installs the new units. The exact time depends on the number of windows being replaced. A typical whole-house replacement on a semi-detached Dublin home tends to take one to two days.
What to expect?
- The old frames are taken out carefully, with attention to avoiding damage to surrounding plasterwork where possible
- The new Unik Funkis frames are positioned, levelled, and fixed into the opening
- Any gaps between the frame and the reveal are filled and sealed
- External sills and trims are fitted and made weathertight
- Glass units are fitted and checked
- All hardware – handles, restrictors, trickle vents if specified – is installed and adjusted
- The finished windows are cleaned down and checked for correct operation
By the end of the day, your home will be secured. The crew will walk you through the new windows, show you how to operate the locking mechanisms, and answer any questions before they leave.
Step 6: After the Fit – Snagging and Aftercare
A good installation company doesn’t disappear the moment the van drives off. ThermoGlaze carries out a post-installation check to make sure everything is operating correctly and that you’re happy with the finish. If there’s any minor snagging – a handle that needs adjustment, a seal that needs attention – this gets dealt with promptly.
For homeowners who carried out the work as part of a broader energy upgrade, it’s also worth checking whether you’re eligible for the SEAI grant for windows and doors. ThermoGlaze can advise on this during the survey process.
Visit Our Dublin Showrooms
The best way to understand what Unik Funkis windows will look like in your home is to see them in person. ThermoGlaze has two showrooms in Dublin where you can view the range and speak directly to the team:
- Swords (Northside): Unit F2, Swords Enterprise Park, Feltrim Road, Drinan, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 WF72 – Visit the Swords showroom
- Rathgar (Southside): 68 Rathgar Avenue, Dublin 6, D06 KN53 – Visit the Rathgar showroom
No appointment needed, though calling ahead on 01 912 0600 means we can make sure someone is free to go through your project in detail.
Conclusion
Replacing your windows is one of the more significant home improvements you’ll make, and getting the process right from the start matters. From the first phone call to the day the fitters finish, ThermoGlaze manages the full journey – survey, specification, production, installation, and aftercare – so you know what’s happening at every stage.
Unik Funkis windows give Dublin homeowners a product that performs well and looks right, whether you’re in a new build in Swords, a period semi in Rathgar, or anything in between. Ready to get started? Call us on 01 912 0600, visit ThermoGlaze.ie, or drop into either showroom. We’ll take it from there.
FAQs
1. How much do Unik Funkis windows cost in Dublin?
The cost depends on the number of windows, size of openings, glazing spec, and colour choice. Unik Funkis sits in the premium window category, so pricing reflects the quality of the profile and thermal performance. The best way to get an accurate figure is to request a free quote – Thermoglaze provides a full written quotation after the home survey, with no obligation.
2. How long does window installation take in Dublin?
For a typical Dublin semi-detached home, a full window replacement takes one to two days. A smaller job – say, three or four windows on the front elevation – can often be completed in a single day. The Thermoglaze team will give you a specific timeframe when you book your survey on 01 912 0600.
3. Do I need planning permission to replace windows in Dublin?
In most cases, no. Replacing windows on a like-for-like basis is generally exempt from planning permission under Irish regulations. However, if your home is a protected structure or sits within an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA), you’ll need to check with Dublin City Council or your local authority before proceeding. The Thermoglaze team can flag any potential issues during the survey visit.
4. Are Unik Funkis windows suitable for older Dublin homes?
Yes, provided the right configuration and colour are chosen. The clean, minimal profile of Unik Funkis works particularly well on homes that have already been modernised or extended. For period properties in areas like Rathgar, Drumcondra, or Clontarf, the team can advise on whether Unik Funkis is the right fit or whether timber windows would be more appropriate from a planning and aesthetic standpoint.
5. What is the difference between Unik Funkis and Internorm windows?
Both are high-performance window ranges sold through Thermoglaze, but they serve slightly different markets. Internorm windows are an Austrian-engineered product with a wide range of configurations, triple glazing options, and a strong track record in passive house projects. Unik Funkis offers a similarly contemporary aesthetic with excellent thermal performance, and tends to suit straightforward replacement and new build projects. The Thermoglaze team can walk you through the differences in person at either showroom.
6. How energy efficient are Unik Funkis windows?
Unik Funkis windows are designed for high thermal performance, with well-engineered frames and high-spec glazing units that reduce heat loss through the building envelope. For Dublin homeowners upgrading from older single or early double glazing, the difference in heat retention – and on energy bills – is considerable. If your upgrade meets SEAI criteria, you may also qualify for a grant. Check the SEAI windows and doors grant page for current details.
7. Can I get a SEAI grant for new windows in Ireland in 2026?
Yes, the SEAI Better Energy Homes scheme provides grants for window and door upgrades that meet specified energy efficiency standards. The grant amount depends on the work carried out. To be eligible, the work must be completed by a registered contractor. Thermoglaze can advise on whether your planned installation qualifies when you book your free home survey.
8. How do I choose between Unik Funkis windows and aluminium windows?
The main considerations are aesthetics, budget, and performance requirements. Aluminium windows offer very slim sightlines and a long lifespan, and work well on contemporary builds. Unik Funkis delivers a similar modern look with strong thermal credentials. Both are solid choices – the right one depends on your home’s architecture and what you’re prioritising. Visiting the Thermoglaze showroom and seeing both side by side is the most useful way to decide.
9. What should I ask a window installer before I book?
Before committing to any window installer in Dublin, it’s worth asking:
- Are you a registered contractor with SEAI?
- Do you carry out your own surveys and installations, or subcontract?
- What’s the lead time from order to installation?
- What aftercare or warranty do you provide?
- Can I see examples of completed projects?
Thermoglaze handles surveys, supply, and installation directly – call 01 912 0600 or visit thermoglaze.ie to find out more.
10. Where can I see Unik Funkis windows on display in Dublin?
Thermoglaze has two Dublin showrooms where you can view the Unik Funkis range in person:
- Swords (Northside): Unit F2, Swords Enterprise Park, Feltrim Road, Drinan, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 WF72 – Visit the Swords showroom
- Rathgar (Southside): 68 Rathgar Avenue, Dublin 6, D06 KN53 – Visit the Rathgar showroom
Both showrooms are open without appointment, though calling ahead on 01 912 0600 means someone will be free to go through your specific project with you.