Double glazing costs?

sharpestofsharps

My partner and I would like to get double glazing as the windows we have a getting a bit haggard (I think they are the originals from.when the building was built in the early 80s). We have 5 singled glazed windows that are the tilt opening kind so they're not sash and case. 3 of them are approx 1.5m square and the big one in the living room is maybe 3m by 1.5m. The bathroom one's tiny, a3 paper sized at most.

I've never bought windows before so have no idea what kind of prices to expect. We've not contacted any companies yet as it would be great to have a ballpark figure to compare any quotes to. We're in Edinburgh and just looking for standard pvc frames.

We're not desperately in need to do it asap so if there's a cheap time of year we could wait for that as well! Any info much appreciated

27cool

Get some quotes from local installers. You are under no obligation to to accept any of them.
It's no good going to an installer and saying "your price is higher than what someone on a forum said". You will only get told to get the person on the forum to supply the windows.
A ball park figure is no use. What you require are some "actual" figures. You will only get them from "actual" quotes.

Sunshine62

If possible get recommendations from family and friends. If possible try to get some money off from the given quote, some companies inflate the price by thousands. Someone I know once got a quote from a major national player, this was many years back, maybe 20, it was for quite a large house in a prestige road....the first quote was £14K and she got it for £4K.

I would look for an independent supplier who does good quality windows. Think about the style you want before you start. Remember when you get a quote make sure its like for like.....openers, leads, stain glass, general style, the less panels you have the cheaper they may be but will they look as good.....I would have a look and see what my neighbours have put in, bad windows can look rather ugly and reflect badly on a property.

TheCyclingProgrammer

Definitely get quotes from local suppliers. If you're certain you're going to buy then you may be able to haggle with the big nationals (as their starting price will be ridiculous) but personally, I wouldn't give them the time of day.

We saw a couple, decided to hold off on changing the windows and it took months before they stopped calling us. Sales tactics were terrible too, all the usual tricks. SafeStyle were the worst.

By contrast a local firm came round, measured up straight away, gave me about 10 minutes of sales spiel, gave me what I now know to be a good quote, no messing around, no hard sale and I think I only got one or two follow up calls.

If we ever need windows in the future, I know who I will be going to.

sharpestofsharps

Thanks for your replies! That's a good tip about like for like quotes as well We'll stick with the independent companies and see what they come up with.

vintner55

Can I just recommend the "Buy with Confidence" Scheme. Trades are vetted by Trading Standards and have to agree a code of conduct. You can also read reviews from customers on that site. It gives a bit of reassurance that a company is reputable.

https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

I have used the scheme to find plumber and double glazing people in Oxford and have been very satisfied with the people I've employed.

G_M

Avoid the big nationals who spend a fortune on TV advertising etc. That cost comes from somewhere!

And avoid anyone who gives you a price and then knocks off 1/3rd or even 1/2 "if you sign up today to meet our monthly target" or some such rubbish. It will still be twice the 'sensible' price. Never sign up there and then, whatever the sales spiel.

Decide in advance roughly what you want (eg window with 2 big panes and 2 small ones above, all 4 opening or whatever and what colour), then get 3 or 4 local firms round.

* Make sure they are either FENSA or CERTASS registered.
* membership of http://www.ggf.org.uk/ is good too
* Make sure the warranty is insurance backed (in case they go out of business/change their name etc.)
* check the energy rating (A is best)
* check glass manufacturer and thickness (28mm)
* ask who the frame manufacturer is
* check how much advance deposit they want and when. It's reasonable to pay a deposit (they manufacture the frames for your windows so can't use them if you change your mind) but 25% a month in advance is adequate - don't pay 75% up front!
* make sure you understand how much 'making good' they will or won't do eg to internal and extrnal paintwork, damage to walls etc - and don't just believe the salesman, check the contract, because if there's a dispute later, what the salesman said will be irrelevant!

as well as
https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
try
which? Trusted Traders

Good luck!