Have I done the wrong thing?

JS2006

I had a guy from Weatherseal Holdings Ltd to give me a quotation to replace my current wooden windows and doors.

He told me that he can only arrange for one door to be replaced as it is a back door (main) and the other led to a communal area. So I told him to forget the door.

For 7 windows and one small window he quoted £11,222 that was Mahogany outside, white inside.

I was also given a "Feature Home" Discount and was quoted 7,300 because I live in a busy area. I also got a free door because I was spending over £6000 and get a £500 cheque a week after installation for part exchange windows.

He worked out payments of £40 per week and I told him I wanted to pay £30. He got on the hone and managed to work out £34 a week and I said OK only if I got Payment Protection free. (I understand that they have this flexibility to coerce people to agree) He agreed and I signed.

I gave him £100 deposit and now I have to pay off £6,445 at £34 a week.

I currently make £40 a week from my weekend job plus my student loan and grants every few months. My friend is also moving in and has agreed to pay half of everything. I also intent to apply for a hardship grant from university.

My question is, I have been given a 14 day cancellation period. Given the facts - Would you cancel if you were me?

McAzrael

Yes.
10 characters.

furndire

Have you had quotes from any other companies?
Usually the local smaller ones are much more competitive. How secure is your weekend job - if it came to an end, how would you pay? Is it worth risking your sanity for the sake of new windows.
In your position, I think I would cancel.
Is'nt the cheapest time to get double glazing is usually in the summer?????

h0ney

I would cancel too, and shop around. you never know weatherseal may come back with a better deal for you.

looby-loo_2

You might save a few £££ on the heating bill, it will make the house feel warmer, be low maintenance and may improve the value when you sell so ask yourself if all that is worth nearly £1000 a window.

Our house is in a conservation area so I can't get plastic windows at the front but fortunately they have been well looked after and at 99 years old look as good as new. Don't know if I would change if I could?

JS2006

No,I haven't. This was the first one. I'm really worrying now because I usually think these things through and I usually give people a bollocking for falling from this sort of thing and now I'm a total hypocrite for it.

The deal has payment protection incase I lose my job (I know it isn't that much of a great thing) but my job is pretty secure and I'm applying for longer hours anyway.

tomstickland

At over £1000 for each unit then I'd urge to cancel it as quickly as possible.

Bossyboots

I agree, cancel now.

Gabs_3

Whatever you do cancel! These kind of sign up now for a discount offers are notorious. Ask around friends for recommendations and get some other quotes. Small independent guys (as long as they are recommended) are usually the cheapest and safest. These big company big discount offers are a rip off and from what you say it's unlikely you'll be able to keep up with the repayments. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't go ahead with this deal.

ScoobieGirl

I would cancel too. Even if you lose your deposit you'll most likely save more than that if you get a few quotes from other companies (I too recommend trying a small local one) It sounds a little expensive. I got mine 3 years ago and it was £4,500 for 2 doors and 7 windows.

Is the payment plan definitly interest free? If it appears to be they may have built a bit extra into the price to cover it.

furndire wrote:

Is'nt the cheapest time to get double glazing is usually in the summer?????

I thought it was now? We seem to get the most flyers for offers this time of year. I don't think people like the idea of getting their windows ripped out this time of year in case it's windy and raining. Plus we're all recovering from the shock of our Xmas credit card payments.

Steve_xx

For 7 average sized windows I would not expect the bill to be greater than £2k for the whole lot. Add about £500 to £550 for a door.

I would certainly cancel and start again, even if it means you lose £100 deposit.

When these people try to sell you things, do not be persuaded by talk of showhouses, free doors and discounts that come latterly. It's all rubbish.

Get four or five quotes and tell them you will not be signing anything there and then because you want to evaluate all that which has been put before you. That will encourage them to give you a decent price.

Act as though you know what you're talking about. They will no doubt ask you if you have a budget in mind. Tell them you are not intent on spending more than £2k and then see how far they drop from their start point. If a man comes to you with a start price of £11 for the job, then drops to £2k under pressure from you, then in my opinion he has lost his credibility and I'd ask him to leave.

And, don't forget to ask to see work they've done elsewhere, so that you know they are good at what they do