new windows - where to start?

fuzz

we need 8 new UPVC windows for our house and we dont know where to start - the big companies like cr smith and everest will just rip us off and we dont know how much a window would cost - its tapping into the unknown! we are also looking for a new front door

has anyone had experience of new windows or doors please?

jk0

Yeah. E*****t are good, but pricey.


They'll start off with an outrageous price, then gradually come down to 60% of it.



You then say you only have half that. Then aim to pay two thirds of their best price.


Another trick they play is to 'accidentally' forget to include something in your quote. When the surveyor comes, he will say the quote is for non-opening windows, and there is more to pay. (Mine all said casements, but the surveyor wouldn't have it.)


Edit: BTW, you need a resilient personality to deal with them. The Everest rep was here for 4.5 hours, and the surveyor was here for 6 hours.


The fitting is due to take 5 days next month. I'm dreading it.

EssexExile

I'd go for local long established companies. You don't have to suffer the four hour sales pitch & you get the stuff fitted by the company's own team, not sub-contractors. Look who local builders use, get at least three quotes.

Grenage

My parents went through the same thing - 24k starting price reduced to 4.9k over four hours. Honestly, I have no idea how people could put up with that nonsense.


As Essex says - get a local independent in. It will take them 10 minutes and you'll get one price.

fuzz

brilliant advice - thank you so much! Yes I heard about the hour long sales pitches and we just couldnt face it.

We have made an appointment with the window advice centre which was set up by the government so thats a good place to start. once we see how much they come up with I will contact the local guys, great tips about looking to see who local building companies use as they should be reasonably priced....

thanks again for all the input - really appreciated

martinthebandit

Do you know a decent builder? If so get him to quote as well.

You may be pleasantly surprised.

fuzz

martinthebandit wrote: »

Do you know a decent builder? If so get him to quote as well.

You may be pleasantly surprised.

will do thanks

worried_jim

Look at the windows for sale in Wickes-

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Products/Doors+Windows/Windows/uPVC-Windows+Accessories/uPVC-Windows/c/1000632

Now you know how much they cost, when these cowboys quote you know what you are dealing with and weather or not they are being reasonable.

As others have said, three quotes from local businesses and steer clear of the national chains- someone is paying for those tv adverts!

Ant555

As already suggested, a local independent will be a good option for a quote.

Herd to find a decent one though without a recommendation - if none of your friends have had windows recently then are you on Facebook, is there a local FB group that you can ask.

If you are Manchester/South Manchester then I would be more than happy to send you a message with a recommend the father/son company we have used for windows/patio doors and a bifold over the years along with about a dozen people I know.

When we had a quote for the whole house they priced 'per window' - said if we couldn't afford all to be done at once then he would be happy to do 2 or 3 at a time.

Hope this helps

fuzz

Ant555 wrote: »

As already suggested, a local independent will be a good option for a quote.

Herd to find a decent one though without a recommendation - if none of your friends have had windows recently then are you on Facebook, is there a local FB group that you can ask.

If you are Manchester/South Manchester then I would be more than happy to send you a message with a recommend the father/son company we have used for windows/patio doors and a bifold over the years along with about a dozen people I know.

When we had a quote for the whole house they priced 'per window' - said if we couldn't afford all to be done at once then he would be happy to do 2 or 3 at a time.

Hope this helps

yes it does Ant - thank you - I am in Edinburgh and will ask on the local group