Why must getting double glazing quotes be so painful?

wheezie_2

Hi all,

I have been attempting to get sensible quotes for replacing the extremely old dg units at my folks house. They need to replace 7 windows & a set of French doors.

Today I had a very refreshing experience with a local firm i.e. they didn't try & make me sign up today, sign up for the finance deal, try to terrify with tales of poor security from other companies, phone their manager for last minute discounts etc yadda yadda, you get the picture!

Anyway, the quote they've given is for approx £7.5k for the job, which at first sight seems quite reasonable compared to some of the others I've had.

My question to you good folks is ... am I just relieved to have been given a no nonsense quote or is this a realistic price?

I have dimensions of the windows if that helps ...

Matt002

Hi Mate

A local independent has just fitted these A rated swish profile units for us:

610 x 730 opening full width at top only obscured glass
1170 x 1000 opening full width at top only obscured toughened glass
1190 x 1150 small opening top left, right hand side opening
1190 x 1150 small opening top left, right hand side opening
1740 x 1000 opening left and right, central top small opening
1740 x 1160 opening left and right, central top small opening
1740 x 1160 opening left and right, central top small opening

1240 x 2050 composite front door in black with chrome handles etc with panel to the right
1790 x 2050 french doors

Came in at £3990.

wheezie_2

Thank you for the response zzr-matt. Wow, that seems like you got a good deal - what's you're secret?

I think most of the windows we want replacing are a little larger than yours, but still ...

(2400 x 1350) x 1
(1800 x 1030) x 1
(2400 x 1200) x 2
(1800 x 1200) x 2
(1200 x 1200) x 1
(2700 x 2100) x 1 (french doors; 2 side panels with top open 500 x 2100 & 2 doors 850 x 2100)

All the windows have 2 openings.

I was going to get another local firm to quote (but have no experience or direct knowledge of them) but as a top end guide, the national company related to a mountain quoted .... wait for it .... £21k! you can imagine my response.

Unfortunately, my extremely hard working folks live in an affluent south east area (they moved there many, many years ago before it became popular!) and seem to be suffering from the "well, if they live here they must be able to afford it" mentality of these firms.

Does anyone else have a suggestion on a sensible quote please?

basil1998

we paid 3.500 for 6 windows and 2 doors

wheezie_2

Thanks Basil1998.

Can you give me a rough idea as to where you're based? If it's near to my folks, I might ask you for the company details as I'm struggling to find independent firms to quote.

Oops - just seen your location, so please ignore request but thanks anyway

ormus

a good average cost of a DG window fitted, is about 400 quid.
so 7 windows say 3k.

that makes your french doors seem very expensive.

wheezie_2

Hmmm, thanks Ormus, that put's it in perspective for me. Now I guess I just have to find some more local independents to quote.

Anyone have any recommendations for Bucks area?

ormus

are you just replacing some existing french doors?
ie
supply only from 300 quid.
http://www.wickes.co.uk/Doors+Windows/icat/doorswindows

cons

get a couple quotes and fight each company against one another

our quotes started @ £8k+ for 9windows and 2 doors

ended up paying £4k for total job

:beer: