local or national double glazing firms

[lisap]

We need to have new windows fitted but we are nervous about being ripped off. Who gives the best prices, Local or national firms? is there any way we can get an idea of what a fair price is. As with most people, money is tight and needs to stretch as far as it can!!
Hope someone can help

 

[wedge69]

Local.

Always go local.

Where are you?

 

[The-brickie]

Again small local firm where you can get to see the MD, who takes an interest in the customers before seeing them as a wad of money.

I can give you a costing if you send me your sizes, or as a rough guess price each window at £350 (as long as they are not massive!) and a single door at £700, double doors at £950, add a bit, say 15% and that should get you a ball park figure from a small local company.

If you go to one of the big four you can double them prices, maybe treble and then wait for the hard sell....... "If you sign tonight I can give you 15% off", or, "Your not happy with the price, let me phone my manager to see if he can ok a discount for you", or, "The rep couldnt make it tonight so I had to come out, I'm <salespersons name> manager, I dont want to be here so I'll give the best price straight out" or, 'Show home discount', or, 'group scheme discount', or any other tawaddle they can dream up.

All bigger companies use closers, top sales people who close deals, the commission on these deals is usually on a sliding scale, maybe 15-20% max if the deal is sold 'out of the book' top money, the more discount they give the smaller their commission.

Imagine a £10k deal sold at top money, thats at least £1,500 to the salesman before you see your windows!

 

[lisap]

I'm in tamworth, staffordshire. We have some very big windows (unfortunately!) two about 3m by 1.5m, one 2.5m by 1m, one 1.5m by 0.7m and one 1.8m by 0.7m. All weird and wonderful 1960's shapes and sizes! We are now just weighing up our options (and plucking up the courage!!) to make THAT call!

 

[noseall]

always go recommended local.

 

[The-brickie]

I'm in tamworth, staffordshire. We have some very big windows (unfortunately!) two about 3m by 1.5m, one 2.5m by 1m, one 1.5m by 0.7m and one 1.8m by 0.7m. All weird and wonderful 1960's shapes and sizes! We are now just weighing up our options (and plucking up the courage!!) to make THAT call!

If you need a idea of cost send me the sizes, designs and I will do a supply only price for you, so you know where you are.

 

[lisap]

two about 3m by 1.5m, one 2.5m by 1m, one 1.5m by 0.7m, one 1.8m by 0.7m and two at0.6m by 1.5m

These are rough measurements. It would be really useful to have a rough idea of price before we get people in, so thanks for that offer. As for design on the bigger windows,we were thinking of an opening on either side and a smaller opening window above this, then a big pane in the middle.The two .6m by 1.5m as non opening . For the smaller ones just the two openings either side a central pane. Hope this will be enough for a (very rough) guide!!
Thanks again.

 

[Richard C]

Always use local companies, the Nationals usually charge much more & in many cases use the same products. Few make their own windows any more & the quality is broadly similar for those in the same price bracket. It’s the quality of the installation that’s important as this mostly dictates the quality of the finished job; this is mostly down to the installation staff. Get as many quotes as you can but at least 3 - I started off with 10. Insist on fully itemised quotes – exactly what they are going to supply, what they are going to do & how long it will take; the more devious may try to hit you with extras like scaffolding, disposal of the old windows, new cill boards & making good after you’ve signed on the dotted line! Let the companies know they are in competition with others, look at previous installations, ask all the questions you like & if they cant/wont answer or don’t like it, cross them off the list. Make sure you use FENSA or a company that will arrange & pay for the necessary BC notification so you can get a conformance certificate at the end of it. Ask for a 3rd party 10 year warranty from a reputable company. Don’t pay more than 20% up front (10% if you can get away with it) & don’t pay the balance until you’re completely satisfied & have all the paperwork. Reputable companies will not be put off by any of this, be firm but always polite & reasonable; do it right & you will get a first class job & still be on speaking terms with them at the end of the job. Make sure you recommend them to others in the same position as you are now.

 

[lisap]

Good advice Richard!! We have had one person round to measure up. He was from a window manufacturer who organise the fitters for you. (Birmingham council use them...think thats a good point!!) Just need to do some more research and ask round for recommendations now to get more quotes!!