Choosing a good replacement window supplier

Rosewood Window

Choosing a good replacement window supplier

As part of Copperfield ‘s series debunking some of the myths that surround window and door replacement Craig Smith, Director explains what you need to know before choosing a double-glazing company

We have all heard the nightmare stories. Double-glazing companies who charge an ‘arm and leg’ and then if they do turn-up do shoddy job and pocket the cash.

The vast majority of window and door companies are in fact reputable and well run businesses. The industry has done a huge amount to clean up its act and those of us who work in the glazing industry cringe more than most when an occasional rogue business drags its reputation back into the gutter.

This said, in common with any other industry or any other big purchase, it pays to do your research. So what do you need to know?

The first thing to do is to decide if you want to go with a national or local installation business? We obviously believe that choosing a local supplier is best. We have been working in and around Coventry for more than 34 years. We understand the area, local conservation and planning controls.

That doesn’t mean to say that a national supplier won’t do a good job. They normally are more expensive than your local suppliers so it is worth contacting the companies local to your area and receiving information from them too.

Regardless of the route that you go down – national or local supply – the following is always good practice.

Do your background research

• Window and door specification can be complex. If someone is trying to get you to sign on the dotted line within minutes of coming into your home alarm bells should be ringing!
• Get to grips with the basics through online research before you let anyone through your door. You can read our guide to high performance energy efficient windows here

Decide on a window system and get like-for-like quotes

• A lot of different energy efficient and low maintenance PVC-U window systems are supplied in the UK but quality and performance can vary significantly. Make sure that you’re windows are manufactured from a high quality window system.
• Our windows are manufactured from Profile 22, one of the UK’s most advanced window and door systems, which is extruded here in the UK.

Do your own due diligence

• How long has the window and door company you’re buying from been in business? What warranties do they offer? Are they insured?
• Get word of mouth recommendations.

Always buy windows from a UKAS accredited installer

• Competent Persons Schemes provide reassurance that the team supplying and fitting your new energy efficient windows are fit to do the job and will do so in line with UK Building Regulations.
• UKAS is the umbrella organisation appointed by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to carry out the checks on the providers of Competent Person Schemes to make sure that your thermally efficient double glazed and triple glazed windows and doors are fitted properly and deliver against performance claims.
• For more information see Building Regulations Competent Person Scheme

Set a schedule

• Onsite start and finish dates can be a little difficult to pin down because of the unpredictability of the Great British weather but good suppliers will give you a ‘no-later-than’ agreement for the completion of works.
• Also set a schedule for payment terms. Good window and door installers will always offer a snagging agreement, allowing you to hold off on final payment until a final inspection is completed to check for any minor problems or remedial works.

The stereotype is just that. Good window and door replacement companies won’t go in with the hard sell. Instead they’ll guide you through the process and help you with your decisions.

This is very much Copperfield ‘s philosophy. For more information, please don’t hesitate to email me on admin.copperfield@btconnect.com call a member of our team on 02476 452688.