Hi All,
Not strictly a DIY question, but hopefully thats OK.
We need replacement windows at our new house, and before I round up the usual suspects I wondered if anyone had any horror stories about any specific companies.
My preference would be to choose a reputable local firm (based in Gloucester) as I think I would get better service, but I don't know.
Any thoughts?
Mike
Hi Mike, We've just had our doors and windows done. We got quotes from several national companies (usually involving 3-4 hours of boredom) and they were all within a grand or so of each other - surprise! We then got a quote from a local firm - the guy was in and out within 20 minutes and the price was 1/3rd that of the Big Boys. They fitted the gear within a fortnight, were very professional and cleared up after themselves. We'd a slight problem with a patio door but it was put right within 24 hrs. Wrong end of the country for you but I'd suggest asking your neighbours where they got theirs and try to find a local "gem" - we did. HTH, Richard
Yep this is right - use a local firm, preferably one that's been around for many years. Can't help you with names for your location though
Tim
Same with me. The thing that really put me off the nationals was the thought that any of my money was going to the greasy slimball who was trying to sell it to me. Every one of them was an Arthur Daily.
Unless you are unlucky and hit a cowboy you'll almost certainly get better service from a local firm. Cowboys don't stay in business very long, look for a company that has been trading for ten years or so. They should also be able to give you address's of recent work for you to inspect and talk to the owners.
Thanks all, I have identified a couple of local installers that look good, and one national one as a benchmark.
Cheers Mike
We've been looking to get a complete external refurb done (inc 14x dg windows) recently. I finally went for a very local company to us, but we are not very far from you, and No.2 on the list was the Cheltenham company below.
C&G Windows, Unit 1, the Bramery, Alstone Lane, Cheltenham, Glos GL51 8HE 01242 251144.
No connection with them.
we used a very large national company for a complete refurb front and back.... they didnt turn up when they were suppoded to... they destroyed the walls getting the old windows and door out.... they fitted the wrong door... they didnt install some of the windows properly..... they mixed cement on the front path and just left the remains to go off..... they damaged a sill in the front bedroom window..... they tried to get a way with leaving chipped edging on the inside of the windows...all in all a 3 day job took 6 weeks, numerous days missed off work as a result, and 3 different pairs of so called highly trained window specialists... the regional director and the director of the company refused to even acknowledge any of our communications..... in the end we just withheld the final payment as compensation.... they havent had the front to challenge us for it.... but they do write regularly wanting to know if we'd like them to install a conservatory!!!!!!! and the best bit..... there's a reputedly excellent local firm literally half a mile away that we completely overlooked precisely because he's small and local! lesson learned.
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.