Sash window restoration. Plus: finding home improvement professionals

Ilovefreebies

We have original wood sash windows in our flat and some of them are drafty.
We've heard we could have them 'restored' to help solve this, but does it work? I've heard it can be up to £800 per window which sounds incredibly expensive....
Does anyone have any advice? For instance, should we see a specialist (we live in South London and often have flyers through our door advertising this service) or would it be more cost effective to just get a carpenter to look at them? They're in good nick (it's only the drafts that are the problem) and we don't want to go down the double glazing PVC route because I'm not keen on the idea of removing the original period features in our home (plus, in all honesty, I find PVC a bit ugly....).

And lastly, does anyone know of any good websites where we can find good home improvement professionals? As well as considering having our windows done, we also want to find a good painter/decorater and fire place restorer in South London....

[Deleted User]

If your frames are in good condition it won't cost too much. I can recommend the company that did mine if you're interested, they did a beautiful job and even reproduced the Edwardian details. I am pretty sure they cover South London as well.
I don't like the look of UPVC in period houses either

Bishop_Basher

I'd suggest finding a local carpenter, its only draughty windows afterall, it can be solved by fitting seals on the meeting rail, parting and staff beads.

Alan_M_2

http://www.slidingsashsolutions.co.uk/

These guys are on the same business park as me, they have a good reputation and are not fly by nights...I have no affilliation other than being a business neighbour.