Compare Double Glazing Quote

Sigurd

I got double glazing quote from serveral companies. After visiting their workshop/showroom, there are two left on the list. I like both of them, and not sure how I should compare their quote. I wonder if someone mind giving me advice/ opinion on this?

Company 1:
- £3445 including fitting, VAT etc
- 50mm Eurocell profile with 6 thermal chambers
- A rated window
- 28mm Pilkington glass, internally glazed
- The company has been around for 8 years, incorporated 2 years ago. Has 5 fitting teams hired by the company.
- 10 years guarantee, FENSA certificate
- 25% deposite

Company 2:
- £4065 including fitting, VAT etc
- 70mm Rehau profile
- A rated window
- 28mm Pilkington glass, internally glazed
- multipoint lock system
- The company has been around since 1984. Hire their own fitter.
- 10 years guarantee, FENSA certificate
- 25% deposite

I like the multipoint lock system in company 2, but I wonder if it worth paying an additional £600 for it. Company 1 said they can make 70mm system if I really want it. However, they said since my windows are small, 50mm gives more light. It is really down to a small difference. Any recommendations?

McAzrael

70mm sounds awfully wide for window frame, but spot on for he depth. 50mm is not nearly deep enough, but sounds spot on for the width. I'm betting they're both 70mm deep and 50mm wide. 70 x 70mm frame is commonly used for door frames and screens, and can be used for windows but, as they say, reduces the amount of light.

Multipoint locks: I've yet to see a plastic door without one and it's a long time since I saw a window without one. Ask them what kind of locks they are using. Double check what the double glazing unit make up is - there's a world of different glass just from Pilkington, along with options for filling the cavity and the type of spacer. I can't imagine it's air and aluminium in a A rated window, but there are some fast and loose applications of the term A rated being used at the moment as the industry gets to grip with it (often with no bad intention - it is confusing).

Other than that, I'm struggling to see much of a difference. Which one do you have the best feeling about? Which one do you like the profile best? Most importantly, which one comes recommended?

latecomer

I'd go with a recommended one if you can. If there is no real difference then go with the one you get the best feeling about.

Mind you we went with the builder we liked the best and its not going well........

Sigurd

Thanks for the comment.

McAzrael: You are right about the thickness. I checked the document from Eurocell and Rehau site. The actual profile is 50mm x 70mm for Euorcell thermalogik and 52mm x 70mm for Rehau S706.

I guess I didn't describe it correctly. Both of them has multipoint system, but company 2 has locks that can lock in two position and has the craw on the pivoting side of the window to prevent burguler tried to force on the other side, company 1's window can only lock in one position and have no craw (I can pay extra for that). This is really the only obvious difference in spec I can find. Both company use Pillkington K glass fill with Argons gas. Both said their profile are steel reinforced, but that something I can't really check nor know if the reinforcement is very important.

I guess it is sort of silly. It is nice to save £600, but window is not something I replace very often, and I have 10 windows (small and large) and the back door, so both quotes are very reasonable. I want to negotiate on the price, but I find it quite cheeky.

Let me check if there is feedback from other people in town or on internet. Thanks again for the opinion.

cons

i am getting my triple glazing installed on Monday

frames are Spectus 70's i think , Light Oak finish, 9 windows and front and back door for £4000

House_Hunter

Who did you manage to get that with??

cons

advanced windows and conservatories

=

charlie2512

The Eurocell & Rehau profiles are very similar.
Shoot bolt locking is a "must". The best locking systems are currently 10 points including 2 metal "dog bolts" (these are on the hinge side & lock into the frame as you close the window).
25% deposit seems high though, most companies in my area (Essex) only ask for 10%. Definitely don't pay the deposit in cash.
Make sure you will get an insurance backed guarantee, in case the company ceases to trade.
Check whether the frames are fully welded or mechanically jointed. Welded are much better & stronger, not just bolted together, and less likely to warp or twist.
You have no way of checking the reinforcing unless you take a drill to your new windows (I once heard of a customer who did that!). Likewise you have no way of knowing if they are really Argon filled.
A rated windows mean the company has to provide you with an energy rating certificate, but bear in mind the scheme doesn't yet cover any window with obscure glass or any door.
Check whether the windows will be trimmed with a finishing bead. Most just leave you with a grotty mastic join between wall & window.
Don't be afraid to haggle - if you really prefer the more expensive company, ask them if they will match the cheaper price. It happens all the time!

shaunearlerfit

why not use a compare site like comparewindowsanddoors.com where you can see prices from companies serving your area.

ormus

or try comparespam.co.uk

Blackdog

I would say to company 2 that you are interested in using them and could they match the quote for company 1. Multilocking is essential for security so whoever you go with make sure this is included. No doubt you will have sorted this by now as it is such an old thread but the advice might help someone else!