Windows and doors advice please!

Rooday84

I'm looking at replacing windows and doors at my property and have found it to be a confusing minefield! We've had three companies come out so far, two well known and another local. The prices vary massively, between £4k and £10k. We're torn as to whether to believe the hype over the security benefits of the more expensive, Everest, windows or wpuld we be paying over the odds for Swish products that could be installed for less than half the price? Everest were the only company that came armed with samples...is that because they are better and 'proud' to show them or simply that the others didn't feel it necessary. We're happy to pay higher, if it's genuinely worth it for a better and safer product. If not, I'm all for the cheap seats! I couldnt help wondering if there is an element of scaremongering with some sales pitches, but maybe that's me being cynical. Any advice would be really welcome. Thank you!

EssexExile

Try local long established companies, probably half the price of nationals & easier to contact if you need to.

Go to their showrooms to see their products, they don't fit in the boot of a car.

WiserNow

As you can see, this is my first post!
I've literally just joined this afternoon & have been driven to do this by my dealings with Everest, they have been appalling.
Firstly I must say I cannot comment on their current range, my entire house, every door, window, garage, porch & bi-fold conservatory ones were purchased from them just over 5 years ago.
The installers & subsequent repair guys have all been sub contractors but with Everest vans etc who have mostly been adequate at least &, at times, proper old school good general builder/fitter types. Pot luck I guess as to who you get on the day.
The price you pay is up to you to choose, "let the buyer beware" as the saying goes, but it's your hard earned cash so think long & hard. The fact that you're here infers your concern & it's well grounded.
I'm not getting into technical stuff I don't precisely know here, I just want to warn any potential customers about Everest's appalling, disrespectful, unattentive, soul destroying, obfuscatory & time wasting customer care once they have your money.
Every bad story you read about them has to be true, for me, due to the repetitive nature of every single complaint read. My last straw/complaint involves 6 faults reported June 2017 (& re-reported regularly) which were finally due to be fixed (again) today. Their letter said today. Their phone call yesterday afternoon said today. Today, an hour & a half after their supposed arrival time they phoned to say not today - they didn't have the parts. This anecdote is just a tiny fragment of the pages of failed appointments, promises & communication.
My advice is don't trust them, find an alternative because you never really find out how expensive Everest are until it's too late & those expenses are after the fleecing they give you with your purchase price - your time, patience & sanity.
Good luck, you've been warned with my experience!

Jonesya

If your windows are standard sizes, then you could always go on websites like Wickes or Screwfix to get an idea of what the basic UPVC windows alone would cost, which you can then use as a guide to see what kind of money you're paying extra for the fitting.

Mr.Generous

Price up a window online loads of made to measure sites advertising- try crystal windows, excellent product. I'd avoid any big national and go for a local firm with a good rep.

Rooday84

Thank you all for the advice, much appreciated. I think first port of call is looking for a window showroom!

Sach4ar

I'm new to this forum, but we recently replaced our windows and the company who supplied and installed them was great. The windows look fantastic. If you are still looking for windows, try to contact them - ranebrook.co.uk . They are great, the windows look fantastic. You can find about them on Trustpilot, they have outstanding reviews.

I don't know where are you from, but if you are not too far they come with a site visit and bring some sample windows with them. If you're further away, there is an option to buy one window and if you like it, then you can order more. They also have an timberwindowsonline.co.uk where you can choose some ready-made windows.