Composite Front Doors

mojo293

Looking to replace our front door with a Composite door with side screen. The existing door is uPVC and the frame is the end panel of a porch so the full end will need replacing. Had been holding off incase some of the cost could have been covered by the new government grants, but we don't need the tier 1 improvements in order to be able to get the tier 2 (doors/windows), so we'll have to pay for the full amount.

Current quotes are coming in between £1100 - £1300 supplied and installed, which isn't bad.

The wife likes the modern long bar handles, however these all add at least £200 to the cost of the door. Anyone know why these bar handles cost so much extra compared to lever handles?

Is it just because they are deemed 'modern' and 'Contemporary' they come at a premium?

greenface2

Just go onto ebay or amazon and price them . google long pull bar £170 and above then composite lever handle £9-99 and above , they are decent kits that can take a lot of pressure  . also the locking system is different . claws and mortice  rather than strip lock . spindle plate lock . Its a good system . consider a thumb turn inside or else you are looking for keys to get out . sounds like a decent price without knowing all the spec and you wouldn't be entitled to the green scheme grant having upvc already (that's if its double glazed )  I'm not a fan because they can be difficult to open and close due to the small turn and difference in height of the lock . Fitted one today and I can expect a call soon to say the lady  is stuggling to open it 

mojo293

greenface2 said:

Just go onto ebay or amazon and price them . google long pull bar £170 and above then composite lever handle £9-99 and above , they are decent kits that can take a lot of pressure  . also the locking system is different . claws and mortice  rather than strip lock . spindle plate lock . Its a good system . consider a thumb turn inside or else you are looking for keys to get out . sounds like a decent price without knowing all the spec and you wouldn't be entitled to the green scheme grant having upvc already (that's if its double glazed )  I'm not a fan because they can be difficult to open and close due to the small turn and difference in height of the lock . Fitted one today and I can expect a call soon to say the lady  is stuggling to open it 

Ah, thanks for that. I hadn't appreciated that the lockng system may also have to change along with the ironmongery, which is probably also accounting for the uplift in cost.

As it is, I think the long bar handles will date quickly, so we will probably go with standard lever handle and multi-point locking as with our current uPVC door.

Just waiting for 1 or 2 more quotes as a check, but will probably be looking to get this done in the next couple of weeks.