You may be feeling the cold or noticing damage or mould around your windows, so it may be time to consider upgrading. New windows and doors can add value to your home by creating a fresh new look and improving the security and energy efficiency of your home. However, you may be worried about deciding which installer or company is best for the job?
Replacing your windows and doors can increase your home’s curb appeal, improve the heating efficiency, reduce noise pollution, and improve your overall comfort in your home. A set of new double-glazed windows should last around 20 years on average, although if they are installed poorly, they can develop problems which can decrease their lifespan.
Here are the key factors you need to consider when having new windows and doors installed…
Hiring an installer that is not able to prove they have any qualification is simply asking for trouble. Qualified bodies such as FENSA or CERTASS can help you identify competent tradesman and helps certify a level of quality and trustworthiness. We are BFRC approved manufacturers and installers, offering high specification ‘A’ and ‘C’ rated energy efficient windows. We are also members of the Planitherm Installers Network, who regulate quality, security, u-values and building regulations in glazing products.
The more experience an installer has the better. So it is good practice to do some research around other customer’s experiences with an installer, how long they have been in business for and how much experience they have installing windows and doors.
Google My Business, Trustpilot, Yell and Facebook can be good places to look for installer reviews. Also, it is beneficial to see photos of their previous work or even visit their showroom to see their quality of products.
You may be thinking the key determining factor is the price, however you may want to invest that little bit more as one installer may provide a greater quality of service and offer higher quality products.
Generally, a professional window and door installer should offer a warranty with their installation which protects you from the cost of getting your windows repaired during the warranty period. A warranty does not traditionally include wear and tear, or damage that is caused from mishandling or modifications.
The length of a warranty is often an indicator of the quality of the windows and doors themselves. Generally, national window installers provide a warranty in the range of 10-15 years which help give you peace of mind.
A national window installer will often have a greater marketing budget than an independent company. So, they are more likely to run promotional offers, however a local company can often offer a more personal and bespoke service as normally your contact will be there for you from the start to the finish of the installation.
