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Window Installers
There are plenty of double glazing installers who will promise to deliver your new windows but choosing the right one for your home, office or organisation can be a challenge. Follow our simple guidelines below and you should be able to steer clear of some of the bad practices that plague the industry. The good news is there are some excellent companies and great deals out there – you just have to be prepared to hunt them down.
National Firm vs Local Outfit
One of the first questions that you are going to need to ask yourself is whether you are going to opt for a national firm such as Everest or Anglia or try a local, smaller business. The general feeling is that bigger companies can often give you the best deal on price but that also needs to be weighed against getting a more personal service with a local company. It’s not always true that bigger is better.
Local firms who have a vested interested in the area you live in often provide a more focused service as they are concerned about their reputation in the area, more so than a business that has a franchise with one of the major operators. Nor is it always the case that you have to pay more with a smaller, local outfit.
10 Tips for Getting the Best Window Installer
The double glazing industry has suffered over the years with complaints about aggressive sales tactics and shoddy workmanship. Sales persons have often been accused of upping the price of installation when they first visit a property and then reducing it to make things seem like they are offering you a ‘good deal’. That could mean that your price drops by as much as 70% but all they are actually doing is guiding you to the price they want you to pay. Other less reputable companies will ask for a large deposit up front so that they can hang onto if it problems occur during the installation.
It’s a problem with the industry that there is such variation with installation costs and level of service and our advice is to follow some simple rules:
- First of all, do your research so that you know what you are talking about and whether the company rep is giving you the best deal or not. There are plenty of online sources available that can give you good advice and you should investigate these thoroughly
- Whilst choosing a national installer might seem the best bet, check out local, smaller firms who may offer a better deal as well. It’s often the case that less well-known local outfits are more concerned about their reputation and will go that little bit further to make sure you are happy.
- Always ask to see evidence of recent work and go and talk with the homeowners to see what their experience was. It’s one of the easiest ways to find out how your prospective company operates and whether they provide a good service or not.
- Check how to contact the company – if they just have a mobile number and not a landline, think seriously about employing them.
- Check for guarantees of work and after sales service that make the difference. Most reputable companies will offer a 10 year warranty on their work, though it is also a good idea to check what this actually covers.
- Get at least four or five different quotes and don’t be side tracked by limited time offers and pressure sales techniques. Again, good companies will be willing to let you think about their offer and will not press you into making a decision.
- Check if they are a member of a scheme such as Fensa, BM Trada or Certass which ensures that they have undertaken to follow a certain set of rules and code of conduct and be more likely to provide a competent service.
- Above all don’t be in a rush to make a decision – it could cost you in the long run. Weigh up the different quotes and don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and ask additional questions if you need to.
Rights When Buying Double Glazing
Knowing your rights when it comes to purchasing double glazing is important. Much depends on whether you have opted for made-to-measure windows or ‘off the shelf’ ones. The problem is that most windows are of the former variety and this limits your rights once you have signed the contract to have them installed. To find out more, check out this informative article from Which? that takes you through the pitfalls and legal aspects of hiring a double glazing company.
Search Our Database for Installers in Your Area
If you want to install new windows then the advice is always to shop around. The great news is that you can search our database for local installers and check out what they have to offer.
