Help needed about getting double glazing.

cslogg

I am thinking of getting double glazing for my Victorian terrace house and I just dont know where to begin to price it up.I know I could get a quote from some local companies but I was wondering if there is anywhere online this can be done.I dont know if I am looking at a 2 or 10 thousand (or more) bill.
Are there any online places that could give me some idea?

Thanks
cslogg

quoia

callmybill wrote:

No-one does online quotes.

I'm thinking of a word that rhymes with those things found on a rowing boat that the oars go through !!!

http://www.ewindows.co.uk/?ref=overture

http://www.windowquoter.co.uk/index.htm?s_eng=goog

http://www.crystalwindows.co.uk/about.html

rizla01

Go here for a free quote for your windows. .

The Company is BAC. One of the more expensive Companies in the business.

This'll certainly give some assistance with your calcs.

Average House BTW depending on amount of units and sizes would be approx 3-5K inc doors.

Be careful of Cheepo companies as their are still some operating that are not FENSA recognised and as such their windows are not allowed to be fitted. (Search for F.E.N.S.A.)

Get at least 3 quotes and DO NOT be tempted to sign on the night. Consider ALL of the quotes first.

It's a good idea to make notes during the original 'Measure up'.

Be warned, many salespeople are expert at confusing the public. They will often quote you for the cheapest style to be competative. Make sure all styles, openers and extras are in writing before agreeing to anything.

Do not go to the showroom to sign up. You lessen your rights. Sign up in your own home and you have the right to cancel, not so (I believe) in a showroom.

A lot of the rules have changed since I was a succesful salesman for a D/G company so do the usual searches.

Btw a lot of reps will hate me for giving this advice but ignore it at your peril.

Riz

rizla01

Just notice that someone has pipped me to the post.

i have seen Davis and Tates (E-windows) units and I consider them to be well made.

The Cos of good standing and they are very helpful.

0800 number too, if my memory serves me right.

Rex_Mundi

Ask your neighbours if they can recommend anyone. Get at least 3 quotes.

Make sure the company is FENSA registered. If they're not, you have to apply for permission from your local council (about £100).

Be VERY wary of salesmen. Remember, they are getting paid commision and in reality are more concerned with their pay packet than what is good for you. I would try to avoid the national chains if I were you. Try to find an established local company for a quote. They are much more likely to employ their fitters, rather than use contractors like the big companies. This gives you more comeback if there is a problem.

If there is anything specific you need to know. Feel free to ask. I have been a glasscutter for well over 20 years and could help you with any questions regarding the glass/window trade.

Mentalminis_2

Rex_Mundi

You sound like just the man i need to speak to.... i am currently starting the 3 quote rule on my possible double glazing purchase and have a query about the first company already, i am not sure if this is really your area of expertise but thought there was no harm in asking.

basically i have had a local company knock on my door offering a no obligation quote (my current windows are single glazed and all but fallen out now) fixed for 2 years... now i obviously don't plan to be signing on the dotted line, but how do i find out if they are actually FENSA registered? and is there a way to double check what they are telling me regarding this a governing body perhaps?

also they have thrown up another query about having toughed glass fitted in the lower windows if the bottoms are below a certain height, is this common practice or are they trying to make themselves sound clever and get away with charging me extra for nothing.... if this is the case would you happen to know what the height limit would be on this.

i am sorry for so many questions but money is presious and i don't want to be caught un educated and unfortunatly i am a young first time buyer and don't really know much about this home impovements lark

carl

Rex_Mundi

basically i have had a local company knock on my door offering a no obligation quote (my current windows are single glazed and all but fallen out now) fixed for 2 years...

If the company was offering a fixed price for one or two months. This would be good practice. Offering a quote fixed for two years makes me think that the price you are offered is over the top. Glass and materials have gone up a lot in the last few years. A couple of years ago, glass went up six times in eighteen months (from the big suppliers). How can a company offer a price that is fixed for so long? If you took up the offer in two years time, the price of materials could cost them more than a third more.

An offer like this makes me wonder two things.

A) They are over charging you
They are desperate for work

how do i find out if they are actually FENSA registered

You can check with the FENSA website to see if a company is registered with them. The link you need is HERE

also they have thrown up another query about having toughed glass fitted in the lower windows if the bottoms are below a certain height, is this common practice or are they trying to make themselves sound clever and get away with charging me extra for nothing.... if this is the case would you happen to know what the height limit would be on this.

Any glass lower than 800mm from the floor has to be toughened or safety glass (laminated). Any glass in or 300mm around a door also needs the same.

fitterastra

Get lots of quotes and haggle hard,

Sounds like your order for windows will be quite big so companys will want your custom,


Haggle Haggle Haggle and then haggle some more.

italiastar

Average House BTW depending on amount of units and sizes would be approx 3-5K inc doors.

????

This may depend on where you are in the country. I've got two bays and a bathroom oriel window - 15 units in total and it cost me £5.5K two years ago NO DOORS!. A similar property 10 years ago cost me £4.5 and that was BAC. Both quotes were the cheapest I could negotiate - even from the local independants. One joker wouldn't go below 9 grand for my current property!

RedOnRed

Don't tell me you're thinking of having plastic windows installed on your Victorian property?

Correct me if i'm wrong, but aren't plastic windows the most hideous home improvement man has ever created? There should be some grade listing extending to all dwellings preventing them being fitted.

damski_2

italiastar wrote:

????

This may depend on where you are in the country. I've got two bays and a bathroom oriel window - 15 units in total and it cost me £5.5K two years ago NO DOORS!. A similar property 10 years ago cost me £4.5 and that was BAC. Both quotes were the cheapest I could negotiate - even from the local independants. One joker wouldn't go below 9 grand for my current property!

sounds expensive to me, we had some silly quotes and the shopped around

Up near Preston, late last year I paid £3,800 for 13 windows and front and back doors

and £2,200 for barge boards soffits new guttering etc

4 bed detached house including garage