Quotes for new windows and doors

jenny-wren

We've just got quotes from a few companies to get new PVC windows and doors fitted. Two quotes are very similar (Budget and Woburn) and the third (Turkington) is 35% more :eek:

The salesmen all talk the talk and of course their windows and doors are always better than their competitors.

Can anyone give me a recommendation for one company over the others or help me decide how to pick which one to go with. We had a nightmare in 2000 getting three windows from Fairco McIlhagga and, as we hope to get other building work done around the same time, I really want to avoid the kind of stress it caused us last time as much as possible!

Budget gave us a hand-written quote on the day, Woburn an emailed quote and Turkington's a quote in a glossy folder by post. Are Turkington's windows and doors really 35% better than Budget or Woburn?

Any pointers that anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.

The builders are coming tomorrow to give us a quote and we'll need to set the ball rolling once we know how much the building work will cost.

don_ky01

I have used these people, they done a 1st class job no mess and no fancy printed quites to pay for, ask for Danny.
Amazing Glazing
228 Ballyclare Road
Newtownabbey
County Antrim
BT36 5JS

• Telephone: 028 9084 8078

:beer:

A.L.D.A

I will refrain from recommending anyone, but more generally beware of paying large deposits. In the current economic climate quite a few businesses are on a financial knife edge.

I would have got the builder to price these (if there is a lot of work), splitting up responsibility for the work can also lead to problems.

Belfastbelle

We used Getty Glass and were very happy with both the cost and workmanship

clueless1682

We've used Budget a few times, in our last house and this one. Just recently got a new front door which is brilliant quality, plus french doors earlier this year.
Can't comment on price as we didnt shop around this time, we were well pleased with previous jobs so went straight back to them. We'd like to get some new windows in the near future so would definitely use them again.
I'd definitely go for someone recommended, rather than just the cheapest, windows are there for a long time so quality and workmanship is important too. Good luck!

Old_Git

I used woburn windows .No problem with then after 12 years .

MrsT_

Just make sure you check on the qualitity of the pvc and glass. Ask who their supplier is.

Is the pvc a virgin pvc that won't fade or change colour, and check the make of it eg rehau then you can look it up online and check its quality.

The glass should be pilkington k to keep the heat in and again you will be able to check the spec on line. Argon gas filled is also a must for heat retention and for cutting out noise.

You could ask the companies if they have worked on any properties nearby so you can drive past and see how they look. Cheaper windows seem to have thick plain frames that don't look very nice.

Hope this helps

Ian9266

I'm probably too late to reply to this but I had my windows and doors replaced by Turkingtons and was absolutely delighted with the workmanship and price

D.A.

Turkingtons did the windows and doors in our previous house, and they are a country mile better than the windows in our current house - much better heat and noise insulation, and much much sturdier. In addition, their after sales service is excellent.

Whether or not they're worth 35% more is your decision, but I would have no hesitation in recommending them. You could always try to bargain them down a little of course. :-)

mofopants

definitely check where they get their frames from - there are a few different frame suppliers in NI, I think Camden are known to be ok

jenny-wren

After much 'faffing around' with another company it looks like we are back to square one again.

Woburn seem to be keen to impress while Budget are going down the get 'a free TV when you spend over £3,500' road.

I know that Woburn get their Rehau windows from Camden whereas Budget use 'WHS Halo' windows, not sure where they come from. Turkington's are out of our price range, even if they knock a bit off.

Is it more important to choose a good glazing system or is the real workmanship all in the fitting?

Decisions decisions!