Replacement Timber Sash Windows

nick_and_em

Hello all! We are halfway through a mega restoration project on a 2 bedroom end of terrace railway <ahem> cottage.

We bought it in September (pre global financial meltdown) as a repo-house and have been sticking at it in whatever spare time we have.. the timebomb ticking in the background is the birthdate of our second child in mid April!

Having moved the staircase, taken down all plaster, removed a load baring wall to open up the ground floor, rejigged the first floor to change a very bizarre layout into two bedrooms, gut the bathroom and kitchen, install new electrics throughout, remove the asbestos slates with a new slate roof (having not written this all down before in one go - I am amazed I am still sane!)... we now have to do the following:

Replace two windows at back of property (bathroom and second bedroom)
Install new kitchen
Install new bathroom
Plaster entire house
Hang new doors
Install bannisters and rails
Knock through kitchen wall and build one storey extension (this is not immediate)

So.. the question is - can anyone recommend a reputable and dependable window installation company that can provide quality timber replacement sash windows in the Andover region? Any info much appreciated!

Cheers

Nick and Em

youcanttakeitwithyou

nick_and_em wrote: »

Hello all! We are halfway through a mega restoration project on a 2 bedroom end of terrace railway <ahem> cottage.

We bought it in September (pre global financial meltdown) as a repo-house and have been sticking at it in whatever spare time we have.. the timebomb ticking in the background is the birthdate of our second child in mid April!

Having moved the staircase, taken down all plaster, removed a load baring wall to open up the ground floor, rejigged the first floor to change a very bizarre layout into two bedrooms, gut the bathroom and kitchen, install new electrics throughout, remove the asbestos slates with a new slate roof (having not written this all down before in one go - I am amazed I am still sane!)... we now have to do the following:

Replace two windows at back of property (bathroom and second bedroom)
Install new kitchen
Install new bathroom
Plaster entire house
Hang new doors
Install bannisters and rails
Knock through kitchen wall and build one storey extension (this is not immediate)

So.. the question is - can anyone recommend a reputable and dependable window installation company that can provide quality timber replacement sash windows in the Andover region? Any info much appreciated!

Cheers

Nick and Em

I don't know of a company in your region but the only advice I would give is to make sure the company is a member of FENSA.

Also, given the present economical climate in the UK, I wouldn't be giving to much deposit out either, many building and window companies are going bankrupt right now.

just a thought

nick_and_em

Good advice! I'll make sure the dangling carrot is at the back end of the deal.

(Not meant to sound as Carry On-esque as it does on second reading!)

Cornwall2000

bear in mind that FENSA will not help you if you end up with bad workmanship. they are only a self-certification service for installers to use the correct materials for the purposes of the building regs concerning insulation, ventilation, safety glass, exit in case of fire etc;
using a FENSA member is an alternative to an inspection from building regs that costs £55 in my area. nothing else. ask FENSA if you don't believe me!

as regards your original question, i know good firms locally near manchester. i am sure you can find someone more local though, there are many companies specialising. personally i would ask for drained and ventilated construction (see here for explanation http://www.thewindowman.co.uk/wood_drainage_files/wooden_windows_drainage_new.pdf) and fully factory finished paint / stain, preferably with a guarantee.

horseykitty

Don't know of anyone who can replace your windows for you but congratulations for opting to replace wooden sash windows with the same rather than the dreaded upvc. I could cry when I think of the original features that have been ripped out of our Victorian house over the decades and have been replaced by inferior modern replacements.
I have two of the original sash windows on the side of our house and I am determined that they are either going to be renovated or replaced with similar. Although only single glazed they are sound and only need some tlc to bring them back to their original glory.

Stick to your plans and hold out for the wood! I'm sure there is a joiner out there who can help you out.