Windows and doors, wide range in price

mrbios

Hi,
I'm having quotes to replace my windows and doors (7 x windows, 1 x front door with side panel and 1 x sliding patio door) no frills just standard white double glazing to replace the stuff that's over 20 years old and draughty/falling to bits.

I've had prices ranging from £4300 to £7800.....that seems like a huge range and i can't establish why. Two big companies have quoted £7000 and £7800 (the latter being a 1 day price and supposedly 30% off....i didn't fall for that one) the former being a reputable local supplier. The £4300 price came from a sole trader type that comes well recommended. I've also looked online at a website where you can buy your own and i could do the whole thing triple glazed for £4300 (obviously add measuring and fitting to that. Minus £600 to go down to double glazed). Lastly all 3 providing quotes are fensa or certass registered, the local company is also on the GGF list.

The only thing i did pick up on was the local companies windows appear to have metal reinforcing inside, while the ones i looked at online had multiple plastic only chambers. Could the quality of the frames be the difference?

I've never bought windows and doors before and I'm quite worried about making a mistake by either A. buying cheap and getting low standard product and B. buying expensive and throwing money at a product that's no better than the cheap option. So I'm hoping someone here can give me some sound advise, though i know that's difficult without actually seeing the brochures for yourselves...

Grenage

The big companies will fleece you, go with a recommended local trader.  The difference will be little more than their profit margin.

FreeBear

mrbios said: I've had prices ranging from £4300 to £7800.....that seems like a huge range and i can't establish why. Two big companies have quoted £7000 and £7800 (the latter being a 1 day price and supposedly 30% off....i didn't fall for that one) the former being a reputable local supplier. The £4300 price came from a sole trader type that comes well recommended.

Quite simply, overheads. The large companies will have marketing and legal departments that need paying. On top of that, there will be bonus payments for the salesmen, the junkets they run for the sales teams at various hotels up and down the country, plus shareholder dividends - It all adds up to a substantial amount with no guarantees that you'll get a better quality product or installation.

A local sole trader will have very little in the way of overheads (his van & tools and perhaps an accountant), but will want to do a good job to protect his reputation.

Don't be fooled by the big companies claiming that their frames are better - Whilst the frames might be A+++ rated, the heat loss through a frame is a very small percentage of the complete window.

Also worth pointing out that if you have an older property, do check to see if lintels are required on the outer leaf - Old wooden & steel frames often provided structural support for the brickwork above. Removing the wood/steel frames and whacking in a uPVC without a lintel invariably leads to cracks and the brickwork sagging. A good installer should be able to see if a lintel is required and fit one at minimal cost.

mrbios

Thank you both. So you don't think there's any real need for concern over the actual product either party are providing?

ryan7

Have you thought about asking the local if he would be willing to measure, whilst you buy the triple glazing?
You could pay him for the measuring and installation  only?
Although, if any of the windows you source can't be fitted, you are left with the headache of sorting rather than the guy returning it to his supplier.

BTW, your quotes are very good. 

Grenage

There's every change the installer can buy the windows cheaper, and if the customer provides then the customer has to deal with it if the product fails.

SameOldRoundabout

We use a local company, who come highly recommended. They have charged us £3800 for 9 windows to be replaced, for double glazing. So your local quote sounds spot on for triple! 

shinytop

Try this.
https://www.doubleglazingnetwork.com/windows/
I have no affiliation with them other than as a user.  You get instant quotes by email from local companies but don't have to speak to anyone.  Have all your measurements at the ready.  Going by the several quotes I got, your £7k isn't too bad and £4300 looks cheap.  I think the fitting is the most important thing; best to go with a local company who has their own fitters rather than a national that subs it to whoever is cheapest. 

twopenny

Another advantage of a good local trader is if there is a problem you can get hold of them easily and they are on hand to come and deal with it as soon as they are free because their reputation depends on it.

The bigger companies show up quickly, sales telephone lines you get through to easily. Once there is a problem or you want to change something you come up against phone queuing, unanswered emails and in a line after pre planned jobs.

greenface2

As a window fitter . If you bought the frames and wanted me to fit them I would do it . I would not offer a guarantee nor my Certass or Fensa Certificate which you may need in the future . I wouldn't measure for you either unless it was for a fee or a contract was drawn up stating I would fit for x amount ££ . Been stung once before . Stay local if you feel like you can have a good service from them and you've heard good things about them . What are the profiles offered ?