Buying Double Glazing - Advice needed !

pjrouse · 10 January 2005 at 2:40PM

Well my worst nightmare has come true. After a year in my flat (my first home) the time has come to purchase double glazing for the upstairs windows.

To say I have been dreading this moment is an understatement as I have never done anything like this before and spending what will be quite a large amount of money (for me), with the type of sales people double glazing attracts is a little worrying to say the least!

I only need 3 windows (one large bedroom, one bathroom and a small bedroom) but am still nervous about the whole process.

Can anyone offer any advice of what to be sure of before signing, who to use (any recommendations? I am in North London), what to look out for etc etc?

Thanks guys

Paul

Rex_Mundi · 10 January 2005 at 8:23PM

Get at least three quotes from local companies. Maybe ask a neighbour if they can recommend someone?

I would recommend using a local small company if you can. The big companies may have all the talk, but, thats all it is, sales talk. Most of the big companies don't use their
own window fitters. Their fitters are normally on contract, and are paid by the job. So it is in their interest to get your job done as quick as possible. I've seen some terrible work done by contractors!

Don't be taken in by adverts with 'FREE K GLASS'. All new windows HAVE to have this glass in now, so it will be priced in with the windows anyway.

MisterT2 · 11 January 2005 at 12:31PM

I went with the cheapest I could find. Just make sure you don't pay until completion - that is - when you have checked and tested everything. Most genuine companies wont have a problem with 25% down and 75% on completion. I used to do that all the time with rewires. Cash once it passed inspection.

Mine have been in for 7 years - only a couple of small problems lately - couple of handles (£5 from screwfix) and one window has started to mist internally.

louise1234_2 · 11 January 2005 at 6:11PM

As I'm sure you are aware - BEWARE of salesmen.

The special price they offer is not only valid on the first night.

being keen on shoping around, i spent hours listening to many sales pitchs.

in then end I decided i wanted the best price, but from a reputable company that would not charge until work completed.

The cheapest quote was from a local firm, but I wasn't sure how reputable they were & they wanted a sizeable deposit.

Safestyle then did a classic sales move to send a 'manager' round. before the guy arrived, I had decided to go with him if he would match other price.

After some umming & ahhing, he agreed.

To give you an idea heres some of my quotes, for 2 door & 7 windows in woodgrain effect.

National Copmpanies: Best price £6500, £5800, £5500

Local Companies : £5000, £4900,£4800,£4500, £3900, £3600

Safestyle: initial best price £5800
If signed on night & got done it two parts £5000
After second visit £3500..

So it paid off for me to wait & endure all the sales pitches....

I have heard some horror stories about Safestle, but I had no problems. I liked the way ididn't have to pay until i had inspect everything.

jstyles · 11 January 2005 at 6:41PM

- As per a previous post - go for the local salesmen.

- Ask friends, family, colleagues for recommendations.

- Don't forget that the manufacture of DG units is now a straightforward process. Don't get blinded/baffled by any sales pitch . . .

- In fact if they start a sales pitch - just show them them the door. Reputable local firms won't do this.

- Get a written quotation including payment terms. Don't pay up front.

- Be clear in your mind what you want in terms of hardware : handles, quarter-lights, directions of opening, etc.. It saves you having to make snap decisions at the time if you give it some research and forethought.

- Remember - you can change your requirements at ANY time (even after you've agreed your quotation, subject to negociation!) so don't be afraid to express any concerns to the contractor. YOU ARE THE CUSTOMER ! ! ! ;D

Boohbah · 11 January 2005 at 7:09PM

Do it yourself, its really not that difficult.

You can buy ready made windows at Wickes in all the popular sizes.

Save yourself a packet, and the satisfaction of a job well done.

http://www.wickes.co.uk/

Davidboy · 11 January 2005 at 8:27PM

When I went thro' this nightmare, I selected 5 companies, some local some national. I had also asked neighbours and went round to see the outcome first.

I then, as soon as each company arrived, said that I knew what I wanted, you have an hour, please measure up and give me a quote, and made sure they were aware that I was not on any account going to sign anything today

The only company to refuse to do this was Coldseal... Look what happened to them ;D

Hope that helps.

alictait · 11 January 2005 at 8:40PM

Hi there,

Where do you stay, I am in central scotland and can heartily recommend a guy who I used recently.

He was recommended to me by a colleague and I have since recommended the guy to three people.

£3100 for 8 windows and a door, fantastic quality also, no real difference to the big boys, who quoted me £8,000

sspyrou · 12 January 2005 at 12:37AM

Apart from the quality fo the fitting, is there any difference in the quality of the windows between suppliers ?@

...or is it just down to a reputable company with good fitting and cheapest price ?

Buying Double Glazing - Advice needed !

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