External French doors - websites?

JennyW_2

I'm currently trying to source some UPVC external french doors. B&Q/Wickes websites aren't very informative, however I found some on the Screwfix website. Does anyone else know of any websites selling them? Thanks

cheltonian

If you are looking to buy french doors from B&Q, Wickes or screwfix

good luck to you

naturals

Well what a constructive response that is! Maybe you could provide some information on why these retailers need to be treated with "good luck"?

If you're after UPVC then try just ringing around some double glazing companies. Many of them are made from a standard window profile which is just adapted with additional metal and different ironmongery.

mexicanwaver

As a side issue....

I don't know what your circumstances are, but I just thought I'd mention that if you are fitting a brand new french door (eg. knocking a whole in the wall, or replacing a normal size window with a full french door) then you will need to obtain Building Regs approval.

You can either apply for the approval before you do the work, or afterwards. In either case, it requires some paperwork/photos and an inspection by a representative from the local planning department.

If you don't have BR approval for any alterations such as these, then you will have difficulty when it comes to selling your house (solicitors will demand to see it).

Along similar lines, you will probably need to obtain a FENSA certificate. This can be provided by a certified installer, or an application can be made to FENSA directly.

clarew

following on from my double glazing thread below(!), we had the guy quote £1.5k for fitting patio doors, quickly dropped to £1k if brought tonight. (which we didn't).

We looked at buying the bits from wickes etc, but unless you expert diyer, or have good builder, may be easier to get it fitted by someone else

cheltonian

Ok reasons why.

They are cheap because they are made of poor quality upvc and hardware. I have fitted these products (with reluctance) and found them of very poor quality,in both material and construction.

The best doors for security, quality and installation are from the Kommerling range in my opinion. I have never had to go back for a single fault because of its manufacture or specification

JennyW_2

mexicanwaver wrote:

As a side issue....

I don't know what your circumstances are, but I just thought I'd mention that if you are fitting a brand new french door (eg. knocking a whole in the wall, or replacing a normal size window with a full french door) then you will need to obtain Building Regs approval.

You can either apply for the approval before you do the work, or afterwards. In either case, it requires some paperwork/photos and an inspection by a representative from the local planning department.

If you don't have BR approval for any alterations such as these, then you will have difficulty when it comes to selling your house (solicitors will demand to see it).

Along similar lines, you will probably need to obtain a FENSA certificate. This can be provided by a certified installer, or an application can be made to FENSA directly.

As well as installing french doors, we are taking an internal wall and will be getting a building inspector around prior to starting works.

McAzrael

To clarify, if you are installing new or replacement windows or doors in a dwelling you are required to obtian either building control approval or to use a FENSA registered installer.

McAzrael

JennyW wrote:

As well as installing french doors, we are taking an internal wall and will be getting a building inspector around prior to starting works.

Are you absolutley sure that it wouldn't be cheaper and easier to get builder to do the lot? Get recommendations. Be prepared to wait for a decent builder. The advice (how to comply with building regs, where to get a decent door) will be chucked in. The builder will know the people at building control and know how to handle them.

JennyW_2

McAzrael wrote:

Are you absolutley sure that it wouldn't be cheaper and easier to get builder to do the lot? Get recommendations. Be prepared to wait for a decent builder. The advice (how to comply with building regs, where to get a decent door) will be chucked in. The builder will know the people at building control and know how to handle them.

my brother is a builder and my husband has a cousin who works for the planning depart at our local council to help point us in the right direction. We are aware we need planning approval/inspection prior to works.