I've just had my windows and doors done for me, I've paid 2k for the front and back doors and 4 windows ( 3 about 1200*1600 and 1 was about
1200*700 ) I must admit I thought this was quite a reasonable price so only got the one quote. Another company I spoke to on the phone were talking about =A3700 just for one door.. The thing is trying to work out where the money has gone .. I reckon all the materials can't have cost more than 1200-1400.. so three blokes get 600-800 quid for a day... not a bad whack really is it ? They are made by Veka.. seems like a good make, any one know ?
It's nice having it all done in one day and I'm sitting here lovely and warm now !
Paid =A31800 for six windows and one door, fitted myself though, know theyre done right then !!. too many just fixed in place with foam, i've even seen some superglue fixing heads in place to make them look anchored !!
these guys made it look so easy I would definiatly have a go at it myself again. I learnt a few tips.. basically they seem to order plenty small enough and fit as much trim around the edge as they need.. no foam seen at all, but plenty of super glue for trim and very solidly fitted frames. When I did a single window in my bedroom some years ago I took the whole day over it and still have not got around to repairing the plaster properly. I'm quite impressed really TBO both with product and fitting, although I still wander who gets all that money!
It really does also depend on the quality of build and its not easy to determine without looking at the internals.
I'm in a similar position to you (though not yet had them fitted.)
I hadnt even thought about getting them done, but we had a Anglian Windows guy round to quote on guttering and facias. His price for that was way OTT, so he then tried windows. Go on then, give me a laugh I thought!
There are 8 windows in total, plus huge patio doors and front door and panel. He first quoted £15,500, which he got down to £6,300 by all these marvellous discounts he was able to offer me. That went down to £5700 - if I took out HP (which I could cancel and payup without penalty after a month.)
Anyway, I knew that was still OTT, so I called "window quoter", who sent round 3 candiates. Two of them used the same products and came out the same at £4,900. The other was way below that at £4200. But I wasnt convinced on the quality, despite his comments about trusting him... they make their own, etc.
One of those 2, i was tempted with, since they also did 3 of our neighbours. But still unconvinced, I called in Sutton Windows, whom I knew one of their guys well and expected a good quote. that came out at £4500. I got one futher one (purely because the inlaw told me to - as he knew the guy), but his came out at £6,900
The one I was leaning towards, asked me if it was cost and I said it had a bearing, but not the complete thing. Would I chose hi, if they were all the same price. "probably". He then told me, he would do it for £4350, but that really was the lowest and there was no further room for negotiation. I was happy enough with that.... but then had a call from Anglian (who had been long forgotten). He told me (well he would I guess) that he didnt want his competitors getting the job and dropped the price to £4200 - but only if I agreed within 24 hours.
Decisions decisions! I had been put of from Anglain by (a) the silly price games they play and (b) bad reports of workmanship Id seen on the net. (I was also told they had done a neighbours across the road and had been problems.
To I plumped (mainly 'cos of the missus) to go for the original first choice. And that cost me a further £140 - 'cos we changed the front door and glass! And he was also going to do the guttereing, and facias at a very good price as a "sweetener" - and I guess thats what clinched the deal.
It turns out that the info was incorrect about Anglian - the neighbours had been very pleased. I went over and had a look - and they were very good indeed. But Id already signed up! Id probably had taken their offer (also because their windows had 15 year warrenty - and probably the brand resellable when we move at some point in the future... )
I was truely surpised though at the back biting and plain lies these guys came out with. I know our guy played his part - but definately less than the others.
Our price is obviously way above yours - but 8 windows (and 2 openings on each window) a massive back patio (almost 2 metres larger than the one you mention ) - soon to be french doors - and front door and panel.
They are veka but I don't think network Veka aproved. There are a number of companies invovled it seems; Veka just extrude the plastic 'profile' from what I can make out. Consort windows in nottingham actually built the frames and then a local company ( Artisan Glass ) make the Insulated Glass units ( which have to be Low E. now ). Then there are the installers and as you say the insurance company who offer the gaurentee ( should be a form coming in the post ) Finally Fensa are supposed to monitor occaisionally from what I understand.
I had a very bad experience with a DG salesman once, I almost kicked the git out the door. I would happilly pay some extra to this guy since he was so obviously 'not a salesman' The same chap did the quote, the survey and the fitting. So far as quality goes they seem fine, the doors seem to have quite a bit a weight to them. Also I guess they are as secure as any modern window, the glass being the weakest link. From looking on the web the toughened glass (which the doors have to be) is even less secure, since it'll smash into lots of little pieces and leave a smooth opening. From the other posters story maybe I should have haggled, but I guess it was ok in the end. Now what about that boiler...
I want a new pair of French Doors. Been quoted from £1,200 to £1,500. Could have a set made for £500 to install myself (hardly rocket science) but I wouldn't get the certificate that would eventually be needed if I sell the house - which would confirm it is made from the right glass.
wrote: I've just had my windows and doors done for me, I've paid 2k for the front and back doors and 4 windows ( 3 about 1200*1600 and 1 was about
1200*700 ) I must admit I thought this was quite a reasonable price so only got the one quote. Another company I spoke to on the phone were talking about £700 just for one door.. The thing is trying to work out where the money has gone .. I reckon all the materials can't have cost more than 1200-1400.. so three blokes get 600-800 quid for a day... not a bad whack really is it ? They are made by Veka.. seems like a good make, any one know ?
It's nice having it all done in one day and I'm sitting here lovely and warm now !
-- Simon
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If the fitters have done a good job and the windows and doors are good quality then I think you got a good deal. In my experience the fitters usually get about £100 each a day gross, so about £65 a day after tax, NICs etcetera.
The authorities couldn't care less how well fitted they are as long as the glass meets current regulations. £100 to verify that is just a local tax really.
Actually, you should have seen foam. The gaps between the frames and the wall MUST be filled with foam. The lamentation of the previous poster was that ONLY foam was used without bolts. The correct technique is to use both (whilst being careful not to distort the frame with the bolts).
If you don't have the gaps filled with foam, get the installers back. This is for energy efficiency reasons. Having a large air filled gap will produce large amounts of cold bridging, which will reduce comfort in the room and increase heating costs and carbon dioxide emissions.
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