double glazing - window company or builder

vijay0606

Hello Experts,

I am looking to replace windows with double glazed. I got a few quotes from Nationwide and local Window companies and the cost are huge from the nationwide companies and local companies are reasonably ok. I am also looking other options to get a quote from a builders who has an experience in installing windows, are there any differences between builders and Window companies? Has anyone replaced windows through builder for the whole house (8 x windows 2 x doors)?

Thanks, VJ

System

with a nationwide company you are paying for all their overheads, sometimes the local guys will be getting their windows from the same factory! If you go for a supply only and get your own builder to do it, then there is no comeback if the measurements are off, whereas a company will usually take their own measurements and then it's not yours/your builders responsibility.

I've done it both ways before (never gone with a nationwide) more scope for internal finishing with the private joiner, but both were good jobs

keystone

Go for the local independent who can source his windows direct from the factory and also has the necessary FENSA reg to be able to give you the appropriate cert.

Cheers

downshifted

We are getting ours from a local window company and they are installing them - already had one and they did a good job - and they have measured up today for another

We did use a local builder (who had already done a couple of thousand pounds worth of satisfactory work for us) He ordered a window from this same company and got us to pay for it direct - but he got the measurements wrong. He then mysteriously became too busy to fit our (wrong sized) window, or even answer his phone when I called. That's when we noticed the size was wrong!

Going direct to a good firm and cutting out the middle man means you know exactly what is happening!