Buying new windows and doors should be an easy, hassle-free process and leave you with new windows and doors that look good, work well, and provide you with long lasting benefits. But not all window and door companies are the same and standards can vary greatly between different installers. Utilising our over 35 years’ experience we have listed below 8 tips that if you follow them will make it much less likely that you will regret your choice of installer.
Choose a tried and trusted local business. In a Which survey 74% of people used a local, independent or a fairly small firm. Look for a business that has a good deal of experience in fitting new windows and doors. Recommendations from people who have already had work done for them is hard to beat. Visiting them at their premises will give you a feel for the size and status of the business, as well as seeing products for yourself in their showroom.
Use a FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme) registered installer. By choosing a FENSA registered installer you’re protected from the risk of cowboys who don’t adhere to FENSA compliance standards. And even if your non-approved installer’s work is okay, it must be registered with the local authority. If that isn’t arranged by the installer like it is with FENSA or other competent person schemes, you’ll need to do it yourself. This will cost you time and a surprising amount of money arranging assessment by Building Control.
Use a specialist. A general tradesmen or builder may be cheaper, but will they have the necessary level of expertise or experience and the right equipment? Glevum’s installers do nothing other than doors, windows and conservatories and we firmly believe that this is reflected in the quality of the finished job. It also means that no matter how unusual your property or its surroundings may be the chances are that our installers will have come across this before.
Ask to see a copy of the guarantee (assuming of course there is one – which there should be). Check the length of the guarantee and what is and is not included. Also ask whether the guarantee is insurance backed, just in case something was to happen to the firm that installs your windows and doors.
Check the energy rating of the doors and windows that the firm has quoted you for. Nowadays more and more people have energy savings as the prime motivation for installing new windows and doors, so it is vital that you understand the energy rating that has been specified and whether you want to upgrade to even more energy efficient windows.
Check what window and door lock requirements your current building insurance policy has, to ensure that the new windows and doors you are purchasing at least meet those requirements. You may also want to enquire about any higher standards that could result in a reduction in your premiums.
Make sure that the firm you are considering carries out a full survey before they set an installation date. This will avoid any risk that you may have miss-measured your windows and doors but will also ensure they allow for any peculiarities about the property or access to it. Getting things absolutely right at this stage avoids expensive mistakes further down the line.
Ask for a full itemised quote. All too often we see instances where a quote has been given and there is insufficient detail to know what is or is not included – which can then lead to disputes, dis-agreements, or unexpected extra charges. Sometimes the quote is silent on things like the energy rating of the glass and other important measures. A detailed quote also ensures that you are comparing like with like if you are getting more than one quote.
We hope that you have found these tips useful and that as a result you won’t fall for one of the pitfalls of buying new windows. If you are considering new windows or doors, then why not contact Glevum Windows for more information or a no obligation quote by calling 0800 332255 or visiting www.glevum.co.uk
