There are plenty of choices when it comes to finding a
supplier – from large national companies that woo
you with TV advertising to small local companies with a
lower profile. There are good and not-so-good companies
in both categories.
Before you make a decision, visit showrooms, research
all of the alternatives in terms of product and style and
get at least three estimates. As always, ask around among
friends and relatives to seek recommendations. Look out,
too, for installations being carried out in your neighbourhood
and watch the progress – once the work is done you
could visit the house and ask the owners what their impressions
of the windows and installers are. Remember that any type
of building work can throw up unforeseen problems – if
this was the case, did the supplier rise to the challenge
and sort it out quickly and effectively?
Another option is to look on a website like Checkatrade
that lists suppliers who have been monitored and vetted.
Customer comments are included as well as assessment of
qualities like workmanship, reliability and punctuality.
Always ask your supplier how long the delivery will be
and have this written into your contract. Also request
an estimate of how long the work will take to complete
once installation begins.
Most companies will require a deposit when you place the
order. Try to negotiate as low a percentage as possible – 10%
is usual. You should avoid paying larger deposits than
this unless your work is unique/bespoke, such as ‘one
off’ timber window designs. It is not unreasonable
in these circumstances for suppliers to require higher
holding deposits. Also ensure that a fair percentage is
withheld until the work is finished to your complete satisfaction.
Check out the guarantee and exactly what it covers. Many
companies now offer ‘insurance backed’ guarantees
which are actually insolvency guarantees and only become
effective if the company goes out of business. Most guarantees
will give a 10-year cover on the frames but you may find
that the cover for the double-glazed unit is five years.
Complications can be avoided if you ensure that a potential
supplier is specific about these issues – and puts
it in writing.
Don’t automatically go for the cheapest price and
when comparing ‘like with like’ take into account
how long the company has been established and the quality
of its guarantees. You may find two suppliers using the
same brand of PVCu extrusion and the same Pilkington glass.
However if one is a window fitter doing ‘private
work’ at the weekends you should bear in mind that
his 10-year guarantee may be worth significantly less than
that from a more established company with a supporting
infrastructure.
