If you’re currently in the market for double glazing, then we’ve compiled 32 top tips to help you through the process:
1. If you can’t afford to replace all your windows, choose the rooms that cost you the most money to heat.
2. Be aware that double glazed windows come in a variety of sizes and styles, this may affect the overall price dramatically.
3. Ask whether the supplier can offer energy rated windows.
4. Sometimes planning permission may be required, especially in areas of conservation and listed buildings.
5. Having an advert in the Yellow Pages does NOT mean the company is reputable.
6. Being the biggest advertiser does not mean they are the best choice.
7. Speak to friends and contacts and ask for recommendations.
8. Remember, companies in the UK can be closed and then re-open under a different name, so be careful.
9. 10% is the usual deposit for uPVC windows.
10. Larger deposits may be required for larger or unique jobs.
11. Ask the company if they offer any finance options, like buy now pay later.
12. Withhold the final payment until the work is 100% completed to your satisfaction.
13. Do not go for the cheapest quote.
14. Haggling too low may cause the less professional suppliers to sell you short later down the line.
15. Get the best that your budget can afford.
16. Ask the supplier how long the delivery and installation will be.
17. Try get the delivery date fixed into the contract.
18. Also ask for an estimated completion date once they are on-site.
19. Always pay deposits by credit card, as this will afford you some level of protection under the Consumer Credit Act.
20. If possible, pay with credit card for the entire project, this will give you a 30 day period to make any claims.
21. Double check any contracts before you sign.
22. Be sure of what you want BEFORE you speak to the salesman.
23. Be specific in your dealings with the sales person. A specific requirement and a specific quote is the only way to avoid problems later on.
24. Avoid national companies if you don’t want the hard sell.
25. Check for FENSA accreditation and make sure that all products carry the safety standard kite mark.
26. Find out how long they have been in business.
27. Check with Companies House to verify.
28. Ask them what guarantees they offer.
29. Are they insurance backed, lifetime or limited?
30. Ask which quality standards they use/are associated with.
31. Ask about public liability insurance.
32. Will the fitters and the company be covered if something should go wrong?
If you follow all of the above, you should have a safe and pleasant Double Glazing experience, also, at the end of the research process, use the double glazing company checklist below for extra peace of mind:
Ask yourself: Has the Double Glazing Company given:
1. Full and honest information.
2. Samples
3. Installations locally to look at
4. Recommendations.
5. The small print
6. Acceptable levels of deposits and payment terms
7. Full drawings and specification (if you don’t have them prepared first).
8. Time to think!
