Double glazing

[Terry D]

Not strictly DIY, but I'm too old for ladders these days, so I want some quotes for fitted uPVC double glazing. It seems impossible to obtain an online quote although I'm quite capable of measuring my windows and specifying the design of windows required. All companies seem to want to visit me and no doubt bore me to tears for several hours, and then offer me silly discounts after several phone calls to their 'manager', provided I sign on the dotted line today! I've been through this before (haven't we all). All I want is a decent price and a decent installation without any hassle. Any ideas?

Terry D.

[Alang]

We have just had the last of our windows replaced. Used a small local company. Competitive and used good materials. Fitted in under 3 weeks. Whether they will be there in ten years time to honour the guarantee is another matter.

Once had Anglia in for a quote. Never again

[Mark]

I recently got in a small local company to replace 9 windows.. No pressure. Gave me a written quote there and then with drawings of each window showing size and style. I gave the go ahead before he left. A surveyor subsequently came round to measure up accurately and make sure the windows got made to conform to building regs etc. Windows fitted and I've just received a FENSA certificate.

If you go to one of the National companies you will likely encounter the salesman that won't go away without an order.

mark

[Martin]

Identical experience here, in virtually every detail. We wanted 12 windows inc 2 large bays, plus 2 doors.

Local firm won hands down on price, service and lead-times. Only required

10% deposit. Balance on satisfactory completion.

They employee all their people full-time - no "here-today-gone-tomorrow" subbies.

A couple of very minor issues a few weeks later - they turned up the same day - job sorted.

FENSA all ok - and our guarantee was insured, so no worries there either.

Remember, the local guys haven't got a big advertising budget or massive commissions to pay - so they depend on reputation and have lower costs.

Hope you're getting the message loud and clear :-))))

[Mark]

I was asked if I would like to pay a 10% deposit. I said not really. He said okay and I paid in full on completion.

mark

[DIY]

"Terry D" wrote;

When I needed 12 windows and 3 doors replaced with uPVC double glazing last year I asked neighbours, friends and family for their recommendations based on their experiences of using LOCAL firms. They came up with 3 firms, I narrowed it down to two, then went to their showrooms with my measurements for a rough quote and a chat. That narrowed it down to one firm. I invited the salesman round, there was no pressure to buy, no silly discounts or phone calls to their 'manager', and I placed the order confident that I was choosing the best firm. The surveyor came round a couple of weeks later to do accurate measurements and detailed specifications. He gave us excellent advice about things that we were not aware of but which were really important in getting the installation and appearance right. About six weeks later two fitters spent 5 days doing the work. They did a brilliant job and I wouldn't hesitate using the same firm again. I once made the mistake of agreeing to a salesman visiting from one of the national firms and got the offer of silly discounts after phoning their manager that you describe. They didn't get an order.

[Phil]

dont u just love it whn they phone thier manager, i got moben out just to give us ideas and he did the manager thing, i told him i knew that trick and showed him the door