How to Choose a Double Glazing Supplier
The Facts:
- Research potential double glazing window suppliers thoroughly
- Have delivery dates written into your contract
- Check company guarantees carefully
Should you go for a large national double glazing supplier or a small local window supplier? There are first-class suppliers in both categories but, whichever you favour, it's vital to do plenty of research before making your purchasing decision.
The first step, as ever, is to ask friends and family for recommendations because a satisfied customer is always well worth listening to.
Another way to check out potential window suppliers is to look for any installations being carried out in your neighbourhood. Make a point of watching how the work progresses and, when the job is completed, consider asking the householder for their impressions - on both the product and the window installers. Don't be fazed if they report any hiccups - unforeseen problems can arise with any kind of building work. The crucial thing is to find out how effectively the double glazing supplier dealt with them.
You can also log on to a specialist website like Checkatrade where trades people who supply double glazing have been monitored and vetted are listed by category. The listings include customer comments plus their assessment of everything from quality of work to punctuality.
When you have identified some good potential double glazing companies that supplies double glazing windows, visit their showrooms and check out the options in terms of product and style before choosing at least three companies to give you estimates. At the same time ask them to give you details of previous installations that you can visit and check out.
Read through the quotations thoroughly and when comparing prices take into account the type and size of company submitting it. Even if the technical specifications are identical in each quotation, don't automatically assume the cheapest price offers the best deal. It is important to weigh up factors like how long the company has been established and the quality of its guarantees. The window fitter who does private work in his free time may well carry out the job to the highest standards but, with the best will in the world, his 10-year guarantee may not be worth as much as that from a well-established business that is backed up by a sound supporting infrastructure.
You should ask your window supplier for a delivery date and an estimate of how long the work will take to complete once installation begins, then have these dates written into your contract.
Check the guarantee carefully to see what is covered as some companies offer 'insurance backed' guarantees; these are, in fact, insolvency guarantees which become effective only if the firm goes bust. Most guarantees offer 10-year cover on frames but sometimes just five years on the double glazed unit. Make sure you understand what is covered and get it all in writing.
Finally, remember that most companies will ask for an up-front deposit. Ten per cent is the norm so don't be persuaded to pay more unless your windows and doors are unique/bespoke, in which case a request for a higher deposit is perfectly reasonable. At the other end of the project, withhold a fair percentage until you are satisfied that the work has been properly completed - and if you've done your research properly, there shouldn't be any problems on that score! |
