Replacing double glazed panes

Tiglet

My windows are wood framed, with double glazed panels. They are getting on for 20 years old and they have all leaked, letting in condensation and some have water at the bottom.

I've just had a quote to replace them all, at £60 per pane and, although I've advertised the job elsewhere, this is the first quote I've had. Also, he can do the work quite quickly (within 10 days), which is an important factor.

He said that as the panes are all quite small (16 by 21 inches max), they will all be the same price because there is a minimum price, which would be for a much bigger window.

Does this sound reasonable (I'm in north London)?

Thanks

leveller2911

Hi Tiglet,
most double glazed unit manufacturers will have a minimum size of 0.3 of a metre so if the unit measurements are less than 0.3 you will be charged the 0.3 rate. I'm currently paying about £33-00 a sq metre for units (Float units,softcoat,Low E, Argon filled). So a unit 0.3 square metre would cost about £10-00 +vat.. If those units are costing £60-00 to supply and fit then that seems a bit high to me but without seeing the job its difficult to give an accurate opinion.

Is the quote £60-00 +vat? or £60-00 inclusive? How many units?

Tiglet

Thanks for that - the price includes VAT, and it's for about 30 panes

leveller2911

Tiglet wrote: »

Thanks for that - the price includes VAT, and it's for about 30 panes

Then I would say thats expensive. If you said 1 unit per hour with £15-00 on materials then thats £45-00 labour (incl vat) . 8 units a day thats £300-00 ish a day income.

Tiglet

Thanks, that's an interesting perspective.

So, on that basis, do you think I might be better off going to a glazier to get the panes made up and then separately find someone to fit them?

leveller2911

I would get at least 3 quotes for supply and fit from small local companies who tend to have low overheads which can keep their prices down.

Most suppliers give a 5yr warranty with units if they are to be fitted in timber windows so if you get someone to supply and fit and some of the units break down (mist up) prematurely then you claim from them but if you use a different supplier to the fitter and there are issues then one will blame the other so better to get supply and fit quotes.

Tiglet

Thanks again - that's good advice:beer: