new windows

jamescredmond

I've finally accepted that my house needs new windows.
a quick flick through yellow pages and the choice is bewildering.
the market seems flooded with companies that offer 'free' this 'free' that - which is something that always make me suspicious.
7 ave. size windows
one patio door
one rear door
in upvc, pref. with wood effect (brown).
my questions are these:
1. are there any nationwide co.s that offer sensible deals, good workmanship and guarantees that are worth more than the paper they're written on?
2. how much should I reasonably expect to pay?

I really could do with some advice on this as this will be the 1st time I've looked at window replacement.

thanks.

nickj_2

why don't you ask around neighbours friends etc for recommendations , have a look for a reliable local company for a quote , then you won't have to go thru the effort to try and get their best price from a national

thehairybuilder

patio doors seem to be quite expensive if you go for the proper `sliding` style in Upvc . I`d be quoting around about around £2300 + VAT for supply with another £1000 for fitting to include internal finishing . You`d save a few hundred £`s if you opted for French doors in place of patio door

see here also

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=245812

clarew

just having ours quoted for....7 windows, 1 patio sliding door.....
national company sent a salesman-who patrionised, was pushy and tryed the hire purchase thing also...started at 7k, then "phoned the boss" twice and eventually went down to £3.5k for all-if did it then and there. (prices scrawled on a bit of A4 paper). No local showroom etc, just a window in a briefcase as it were!

Had the local indepdent company round this week, the guy was nice, measured windows, not pushy, explained things they included (like a ventilation at the top of patio doors-which was needed for building regs) , said they made the windows themselves, therefore handles etc could be wherever we wanted, finish on patio door either plain or bevelled...was really nice, and quoted £4.6k for the lot. Got a written detailed quote then , and a printed version through the post this morning, given the fensa details, warranty etc. Advised to pop in to showroom whenever to pick style of handles/edging of windows if we wanted to go ahead.

we are waiting for 1 more local independent company to quote, and truthfully, i am well prepared to pay the £1k difference, (even as a mser!) as the company has 25yrs experience locally, and if there pre fitting service is anything to go by, i am more confident that they will be a reputable company to deal with.

Definitely get 3 or more quotes, thats our philosphy, and you'll know who's genuiene and who are just salesman afer comission.