Getting written quotes out of glazing companies

domestrella

Last night we got our first quote and I need to get a few more, so I rang the company this morning asking for a written quote of how many openings, specs of glass/frames etc. and they are really reluctant to do it until I told them other companies are happy to do so. They reminded me they gave me an accurate quote (Spectus) brochure with the specs in, so I pointed out the brochure has two different specs. They ended saying they are ‘sending something out’.



I would really like to compare like for like or see in writing different quotes to at least make a judgement. Is it normal for companies to be reluctant to provide written quotes? There was no hard sell last night which was nice, but I am in two minds already.


I don’t know specifics so not looking for pricing guidance at this time. But judging by ballpark figures of £400 per window I see people mention on here and other forums and £500 for uPVC doors the company salesman quoted, I think his price of £4800 for 6 windows 2 doors is way too high. I don’t know exact specs but we don’t have any large windows. Even after the sales pitch, in which suddenly they had an opening at a special cost price in 2 weeks due to a cancellation in turn due to a customer’s Australian relative visiting out of the blue (yeah, I know), the £3500 price is at the top end of what I want to pay. I don’t think Argon filled A-rated is really needed on a £50-60k flat, especially given our annual dual energy bill with awful windows is about £700 inclusive of gas and electric.


The company is local, FENSA registered and long standing and does seem to have a good local reputation, provides 10 year insurance backed guarantee on glass, frames and moving parts, though I don’t know anybody who can recommend this company (or any other sadly).

auntymabel

Not really answering your question but this month's Which? magazine has an article: Double glazing firms rated plus how much to pay.

Ectophile

There are lots of double glazing companies around. Any decent one will send out a representative to see what needs doing, and then send you a written quote based on that.

If they won't do it, then give up on them and try somebody else.

It's not clear from your post - were you expecting them to give you a quote just based on your phone call? I doubt that many would do that.

sillygoose

Well I suspect they are concerned that having come and done all the measuring and drawn up the specification on what you have discussed, they would be providing the perfect document for you to take around other companies to get quotes so they would have done this work for nothing but the benefit of competitors.

To be honest I did do this, I went to the most expensive up market supplier first who provided a full detailed quote with drawings etc. I then cut this up and made it into a my own document removing all pricing information, made multiple copies and asked several firms to quote against it.

In fairness to the first company I did still very much consider them as although beaten on price I did add a 'quality weighting' to my score of their price as I knew from many people the quality was assured. In the end the saving offered by another well regarded local firm swung it their way instead.

As you say, its a minefield to try and make a level playing field for quotes (I was after a package of windows, doors, fascia's, guttering, conservatory and landscaping!) so my specification of works and materials ran to 12 pages.

peterpan567

try this brand, trusted network and dealers all over, hopefully you can get another quote to compare. www.doubleglazingontheweb.co.uk

good luck:-)

missprice

you could email them

send pics and dimensions and they kind of have to reply by email if you leave no phone number

ormus

if they have measured up and refuse to supply a written quote, then go find another dg company.
any decent company will provide one if required.

ps
use a local company and never use the big nationals.

ormus

ps
the local company i use, sends out the estimator/fitter in a van.
so i know im not paying a flash salesmans fat commission.

domestrella

Sorry I wasnt clear in the first post. A salesman came to the house and measured.

I don't want a detailed plan of sizes in writing. What I want is something like:

6 windows
2 doors
x glass
x frames
manufacturers
type of locks
rating
guarantee type

I have only asked for local companies to come - asides from the big boys potentially moving in with me until I agree to sign with them, I like the money to stay in the local economy