UPVC windows cost and payment

hufc2002

Hi all

We could do with replacing our UPVC windows in our 4 bed house.  As a minimum we would want to replace 2 bay windows (front room and master), and 5 casement windows (3 bedrooms/kitchen which all look the same size and one smaller in the utility).

I know I haven't provided any measurements however can anyone give me a rough guesstimate of the cost.  We are in North East if that makes any odds.

In addition, how do people generally pay for such home improvements?  Save up, personal loan etc?

Thanks in advance.

CliveOfIndia

Obviously saving up is a far more MSE approach than any kind of loan, if it's a feasible option for you.

On top of that, it's always advised to get quotes from local independent firms if possible.  The rationale being that a small (though established) company live and die by their reputation.  The big companies have to pay massive amounts for their advertising, their swanky showrooms, the salary and bonuses for their staff, payments to their shareholders, etc.  Your local family-run firm just wants to make a reasonable profit and carry on in business via word-of-mouth recommendations.

In most places there are plenty of independent firms running out of industrial estates - for all its drawbacks, a local Facebook group can be invaluable for asking nearby residents who they've used recently, who'd they'd recommend and who they'd avoid.

MysteryMe

Always pay a minimum of £100 by credit card then you will get protection under s75 of the consumer credit act.  For example, you are often expected to pay a sizable deposit because the windows are ordered and made to measure your home from the window manufacturer. If the glazing company go bust you will get your deposit back from the credit card issuer. 

ritz55

Just been quoted for 3 doors, all windows in a 3 bed mid terrace house for £8500 fully fitted. 

For a different house we also have 2 composite doors with side panels, bi fold door, pvc door and all windows in a 5 bed semi and this cost £12k. 

Hope that helps. 

FreeBear

hufc2002 said: In addition, how do people generally pay for such home improvements?  Save up, personal loan etc?

I paid for all my windows & doors from savings. Had to do it in phases as I didn't have sufficient cash to hand. Cost me a bit more as a result, and it didn't help that prices were climbing pretty fast. Another big job, I took out a personal loan at a very good interest rate (less than what many were paying on their mortgages).

Did get offered finance for a new boiler a couple of years back, but the interest rate was far from competitive (read expensive), and it worked out cheaper to pay for it completely on credit card - Gives me a second channel to pursue should the boiler break down within the warranty period. Also paid it off in full the following month, so zero interest paid.

Avoid personal finance from the likes of Novuna - You'll get a much better rate from your bank.

Also make sure any work is covered by an insurance backed guarantee. Should the installation company cease trading, you won't be hung out to dry like Everest customers back in 2020. 

CliveOfIndia

MysteryMe said:

Always pay a minimum of £100 by credit card then you will get protection under s75

You don't need to pay £100 by card in order to benefit from S75 cover.  If you pay any amount by card (even 1p in theory) you'll be covered.  The £100 figure relates to the scope of S75 - the item must cost between £100 and £30,000.

Albermarle

I would guess around £6,000 to £7,000, depending on how big the bays are and if they can be replaced easily.
There are stories on here about providers asking for a large % upfront, but that is not normal /a red flag.
Sometimes a deposit will be requested, but often not.