Replacement Windows - how do I get Double Glazing without being chewed up & spat out!

MOLLYBRUSH

Hi Lisa

I have just opened a thread on timber replacement windows. I live in a very sought after area near the centre of Nottingham and all the smartest houses have timber windows. uPVC is thought a bit naff and can affect the value of your property. You mentioned you might be in an up and coming area and putting in timber mock sash replacements might be worth it in the long run. They are expensive and I am looking for anybody to help me find a cheaper way to do it than I have been quoted. Might be worth looking at any replies I may get.

Regards

lisap4123

Well I am very happy to say that my appointment with local firm Harpers windows went very well. Harpers are part of the Harper Brown Group and have been supply and fitting commercial windows for 25 years, and now extended into domestic. Their policy is no harrassment or pushiness as the quality and price will speak for itself. And that is what happened - a very nice chap came out, listened to what I had to say, explained about the company, answered my string of questions (I have developed quite a list!) very satisfactorily and patiently. He quoted me for mock sash and sash. Sash was about £1k more expensive. I have been having a dialogue with Sashman. Sashman has been great and telling me things to look out for in the style of windows and educating me about the importance of keeping the windows in the original style of the house. This has been most enlightening ! I started to notice things about windows that I have not noticed before. I had a look down my street at the windows (a mixture of all types - mainly replacement mock sash and original sash, and standard windows). However for the first time ever (even though I have lived here 4 years I noticed the style of the windows and houses. The original sash windows are recessed into the brickwork. The better replacement windows are also recessed and in keeping with this look. However poor replacements sit flush with the brickwork of the house and now to my trained window eye look very strange and at odds with the style of the house. I have also heard about poor fitters simply fitting the replacement casement window onto the existing sash frame, meaning that the glass windowed area becomes smaller and lets in less light (as well as storing problems for later re rotton frames!). So I asked harpers man about these things. He assured me that the whole sash window including frame was removed from the brickwork, and the new window would sit where the old one was, and a sash liner would need to be put into the brickwork of the building before the new window goes into the brickwork. The energy rating is C for the mock sash, or if I want argon gas as well it would be B rating. Pilk K glass, 5 chamber, 70mm, police specification on security, 10 yr fensa guarrantee, new (not recycled) upvc. All sounding quite good and I was happy with the price (around £3k for 5 windows and a replacement front door and window above), however sash would be around £4k including replacement door. I didnt sign up to anything and am waiting for the price to be put into writing via email. I now need to make a decision re sash or mock sash. I may get some more quotes but I am pretty happy with harpers, the quote and the quality so far. ........(tbc)

lisap4123

Also just to say that the appointment only lasted about an hour - it could have been shorter had I not had so many questions and had I not taken Mr Harpers out side to compare windows in the street !! lol. I think I am becoming a little window obsessed !!

becs

steer clear of anglian windows for sure! Made the dreadful mistake of asking them to quote for a conservatory! You know you're onto a losing streak when a "salesman" arrives with a presentation folio and a price on the night only and another much higher price if you don't sign on the night! No pressure there then! Must say never did actually get a quote from them because I wouldn't be drawn into the salesmans presentation pitch! What a truly dreadful company and thoroughly represented everything you fear from a double glazing company!

Steve_xx

If you're not going to stay there too long don't get too carried away with the fancies of sash.

UPVC windows and doors are superb. Easily maintained and no painting, they are a joy.

Go for simpler styles and work on a price of £200 per window and £400-£500 for the door.

Do not tell salesmen you've had a quote for £1950 and that you're looking to beat it. Don't tell them what other prices you've had. If you feel vulnerable to telling them, then be sure to say that you have been quoted not more than £1200 for basic design.

Five years ago I had 11 windows replaced, varying sizes and paid £2200. All but two of the windows had flap openers. Last year I replaced the front door and paid £500.

I had various quotes, some of which were around £12,000, but if I was prepared to sign there and then they could do it for £8,000. When they started to talk like that to me they lost their credibility and were given no further consideration. those that were persistent were told that they could stay here all night but that I would not be persuaded until I had decided how I wanted it to be, when I wanted it to be.

david69_2

MOLLYBRUSH wrote: »

Hi Lisa

I have just opened a thread on timber replacement windows. I live in a very sought after area near the centre of Nottingham and all the smartest houses have timber windows. uPVC is thought a bit naff and can affect the value of your property. You mentioned you might be in an up and coming area and putting in timber mock sash replacements might be worth it in the long run. They are expensive and I am looking for anybody to help me find a cheaper way to do it than I have been quoted. Might be worth looking at any replies I may get.

Regards

I didn't think there were any sought after areas in nottingham :rolleyes:

MOLLYBRUSH

Yes it's only when we venture out of it that we need our bullet proof vests!

lisap4123

Well I am very happy to say that my appointment with local firm Harpers windows went very well. Harpers are part of the Harper Brown Group and have been supply and fitting commercial windows for 25 years, and now extended into domestic. Their policy is no harrassment or pushiness as the quality and price will speak for itself. And that is what happened - a very nice chap came out, listened to what I had to say, explained about the company, answered my string of questions (I have developed quite a list!) very satisfactorily and patiently. He quoted me for mock sash and sash. Sash was about £1k more expensive. I have been having a dialogue with Sashman. Sashman has been great and telling me things to look out for in the style of windows and educating me about the importance of keeping the windows in the original style of the house. This has been most enlightening ! I started to notice things about windows that I have not noticed before. I had a look down my street at the windows (a mixture of all types - mainly replacement mock sash and original sash, and standard windows). However for the first time ever (even though I have lived here 4 years I noticed the style of the windows and houses. The original sash windows are recessed into the brickwork. The better replacement windows are also recessed and in keeping with this look. However poor replacements sit flush with the brickwork of the house and now to my trained window eye look very strange and at odds with the style of the house. I have also heard about poor fitters simply fitting the replacement casement window onto the existing sash frame, meaning that the glass windowed area becomes smaller and lets in less light (as well as storing problems for later re rotton frames!). So I asked harpers man about these things. He assured me that the whole sash window including frame was removed from the brickwork, and the new window would sit where the old one was, and a sash liner would need to be put into the brickwork of the building before the new window goes into the brickwork. The energy rating is C for the mock sash, or if I want argon gas as well it would be B rating. Pilk K glass, 5 chamber, 70mm, police specification on security, 10 yr fensa guarrantee, new (not recycled) upvc. All sounding quite good and I was happy with the price (around £3k for 5 windows and a replacement front door and window above), however sash would be around £4k including replacement door. I didnt sign up to anything and am waiting for the price to be put into writing via email. I now need to make a decision re sash or mock sash. I may get some more quotes but I am pretty happy with harpers, the quote and the quality so far. ........(tbc)

lisap4123

Well after a break from being window obsessed over the festive period I am now hellbent on sorting out my windows and soon - its very cold !

I have had a quote for Sash windows from Sashman. Sashman's advice is highly recommended. He has a company who make sash windows (Masterframe) and has been very helpful, not at all pushy, given me lots of advice and is partly responsible for my window obsession (I started noticing things about my street and windows I hadn't even seen before even though I have lived here for 4 years! ). His website is also very informative http://www.masterframe.co.uk/Info_pa...~sec_id~285 9
He helped to educate me as to what to look out for. Other peoples advice on the blog has also been very helpful.

I will respond shortly to those who have PM'd me asking for advice based on my experiences so far - I am developing a list of the questions I put together as to what to look for and ask. This will be in a word doc and I will email it to anyone who wants it. Please dont take it as being expert help though - it is just compiled from advice others have given me - I am also a novice at windows - just a bit less green now than when I started researching my replacement windows !!

Anyway my update on thinking now - I have considered sash and mock sash and decided that in the area I live (a student area) it is not worth the additional few thousand to have upvc sash. I really dont think that the people who will be wanting to live in this area would be bothered about sash, therefore I am unlikely to realise an increase in the property value do to sash. Also decided not to have the original sash restored as I dont want the ongoing maintainance issues. Therefore at least I know now that I am looking for UPVC mock sash replacement - but of a good quality, and in the style of my original sash windows.

sashman

Lisa,

Thank you for your kind words. As you'll know I am passionate about sash windows , AND maintaining the character of the house/homes that have them fitted.

Sorry you've become as sad as me.....looking at double glazing in your street!! but it is criminal what some people have done to the windows in their homes

I read witrh interest that your property increased its value by 50% in 4 years, and the mock sash is only £1k cheaper. I guarantee you any property with sash windows timber of PVC will easliy recoupe that cost, I've seen articles where 10% has been knocked of house prices because they had standard plastic casement double glazing!

As you also know I'll provide my knowledge as openly as I can, and having checked the SBD site (police secured by design http://www.securedbydesign.com/companies/companies.aspx?category=2&type_8=yes&Button=Find+Companies I cannot see Harper windows listed. perhaps its worth double checking their claims direct yorself berfore ordering the replacements.

best wishes
sashman