Tips when buying Windows & Doors
When making an investment in your property, be it only one window or a full house of windows and doors, it is important to ensure the company you choose to carry out the work are reputable and offer you the required protection, and also that the product they offer suits your needs whilst complying to the required legislation. Below you will find a list of general requirements we at WindowPriceBeater.com feel are pre-requisite before you make a purchase.
Seven Points to look for when choosing a Window Supplier
Replacing windows on your property can change the visual appearance of your home considerably. You should choose a style that matches your property and enhances its looks. This is particularly important with PVCu and Aluminium designs when they are fitted to older properties. It's a good idea to look at properties similar to yours in the area and compare the effect of various replacement window types. It is also a good idea to make sure you have adequate numbers of opening windows. It's been known for some salespeople to promote designs with very few openings and of a very simple nature. The simpler the design and the fewer the openings - the "cheaper" the window. Whilst you may end up with a price you like it's more likely you will regret this option in the end - especially as badly designed windows can turn out to be a very bad investment and even lower the value of a property:
- Always ask your supplier how long the delivery will be, stipulate this in your contract. Ask for an "estimate" of how long the work will take to complete once they are on site.
- Check if planning permission is required. This may seem a daunting process, but just think of the nightmare that may occurr if your local council enforce a notice to have your new windows and doors removed because they do not comply.
- uPVC double glazing does reduce noise pollution from the outside world, when compared to single glazed frames. To reduce this further ask your supplier for wider gap glazing, the greater the 'air gap' the better the sound insulation.
- Don't accept the first price you are quoted. Get at least two - three estimates if you have the time. WindowPriceBeater.com can help you receive three high quality quotes from experienced window companies.
- Ask for references of work done and if possible visit previous customers and ask them what they thought of the service provided, and specifically what they would do in hindsight.
- Check out the Guarantee and what it covers. A lot of companies now offer "insurance backed" guarantees. Look into the details to what exactly is guaranteed.
- Enquire about the type of locks and security features being fitted to the doors and windows. Ask what comes as standard and what upgrade options are available.
- Always make sure that you only buy internally beaded window units.
You can be assured that when a company is able to prove to you that they are both FENSA registered and are governed by a regulatory body such as the GGF, that the products they offer will measure up to the latest government standards and the standards laid down by their governing body. The government body FENSA have stringent rules in place to ensure that each registered trader complies with its standards, thus making sure you the customer receive the correct quality of product and service.
Whilst it is not mandatory, it shows an awareness of customer service if that company has taken steps to become a member of a separate governing body. For that governing body will have its own set of rules and regulations that its members must follow to maintain their membership. Organisations such as the CPA (LINK) and the Plastic Window Federation (LINK) publish on line the feed back they receive from their member’s customers.
At WindowPriceBeater.com we ensure our member companies comply to all of the above so you don’t have to.
