In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis it is perfectly understandable that many of us are looking to save money and compare prices to find the cheapest. With some big ticket purchases it can be very apparent what you are and are not getting when you buy the cheapest. A good and very visible example of this might be a car. For other big-ticket purchases though, including when you buy new windows and doors it can be much less apparent.
Glevum Windows have outlined why cheapest may not be the best.
Fitting by specialists – if you buy your new windows and doors from a general builder the fitters are not likely to be specialists. They may well have a high level of skill or expertise, but unlike when you buy from a firm that specialises in windows and doors, they won’t have the same level of experience.
FENSA Registration – not everybody that installs new windows and doors is FENSA registered. You can only get a FENSA certificate with a FENSA Approved Installer. It’s proof your installation complies with Building Regulations, is registered with the local council and is backed by guarantee insurance.
Locking mechanisms that don’t offer the same level of security – the standard of locking mechanism can vary greatly and going for a cheaper option could result in your home being burgled and an increase in your insurance premiums.
Proven track record – ask yourself how long the firm has been trading, were they recommended to you and how many doors and windows have they installed?
Energy rating – Window Energy Ratings (WER) are a guide to help homeowners choose the most energy-efficient windows for their home and to reduce heat loss. The ratings range from A+ to G with A+ being the highest – where you will lose the minimum possible amount of heat through your doors and windows.
Survey – before you order check that the firm you are considering will carry out a survey and measure the doors and windows before they are made.
Written, fully itemised quotation – if you go for a cheaper supplier, you may not get a full written, itemised quotation. Without this, you may not get the quality of specification that you were expecting.
After Care Service – check whether the firm that you are considering buying from has a dedicated service team that you can call on in the future for any care and repair.
The extent of cover offered by a Guarantee – check there is a guarantee, what is and is not covered and for how long. Also check that the Guarantee is insurance backed so that if something were to happen to the firm that installs your doors and windows you are still protected.
Can you see the quality before you buy – do they have a showroom where you can see the quality of the product for yourself and where you can view different styles and finishes.
If you are considering purchasing new windows and doors visit www.glevum.co.uk or call 0800 332255 to request your FREE no obligation quotation.
