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Installers of French and Patio Doors
Finding the right installer for your French and patio doors is almost as important as the quality and build of the doors themselves. You want something that is both energy efficient and secure as well as aesthetically pleasing, and all at a cost that won’t blow a hole in your budget.
Here are some useful tips for finding the right installer in your area. Follow these and you should avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that home owners often make.
Know What You Are Talking About
We can’t emphasise this enough at the Conservatory Hub. The more knowledge you have the more likely you are to make the right decision. There are plenty of resources for you to find out what kind of patio and French doors are out there and the kind of thing you should be looking for. Do this first and you also have the firepower to negotiate better with installers and, hopefully, spot those who are not quite at the top of their game.
Select Your Budget
It’s a good idea to decide on the amount you want to spend. This should be realistic and have a bit of give and take attached to it while allowing you to stay focused on the job and not get distracted.
Choose the Doors that are Right for the Property
Not all doors will suit your property. First of all, you will need to ensure there is enough space, for instance, if you are going to have French doors. A lot will also depend on the amount of work you are having done. If it is a simple replacement job then things are a lot easier, but if you need a wall knocking through and remedial building work undertaking then it may well influence the type of installer you contact as well as the door you choose.
Get More than One Quote
There is some advice that you should get a builder in to do the work on your patio doors rather than a double glazing company, though the truth of this may vary from location to location. Whichever you choose, you should always get at least 3 or 4 quotes to compare like for like. These should, ideally be broken down into the type of work that is being undertaken and the cost. Some installers will have a smaller supply of French and patio door designs on offer but that doesn’t mean you should compromise on security and energy efficiency.
Check for Trade Memberships
They are not an absolute guarantee of quality but checking for trade memberships such as FENSA or association with online groups such as Fair Trade is always a good idea. Most installers will have a list of places where they have already put in patio or French doors so it’s worth popping over to the home owner and seeing what their experience was.
Have a Cooling Off Period
Resist any attempts by an installer or their sales representative to sign on the dotted line there and then. If they start throwing time limited offers (such as 20% of if you agree to the deal right now) then put them to the back of the queue – they are more interested in getting your money than doing a great job. Have at least a week to consider the quotes and don’t be afraid to contact any installer if you have any additional questions. Any reputable installer will not ask you to make a decision on the day and will leave it in your hands to contact them.
You can find French and patio door installers in your area on our dedicated database which will give you all the details you need to begin your search.