It can be a mindfield out there. Despite a much more regulated industry these days, there are still companies out there that will use high pressure sales tactics and tricks such as “too good to miss” offers to get you to sign up. When you’re spending a lot of money improving your home, you want to be sure you are making the right choices.
Here we set the facts straight and present our quick guide on how to purchase your double glazing and the all important questions you should be asking your installer. (Psst, our Blog has a whole lot of useful articles too).
Certain salespeople will sometimes quote a higher price to begin with, which they will then discount over the course of their sales visit. The price you’re finally quoted could drop by as much a half or more in an attempt to get you to sign up there and then. From much of the feedback we receive, this seems to be a more common practice in big-name companies.
At Ruislip Windows we want to make the whole experience of buying your new windows and doors a pleasant one. That’s why we won’t engage in any high pressure sales tactics or dubious sales practices, just to get your job. We give honest, practical advice and a realistic quote without any “signing up” deadlines. And we give you plenty of time to think about it, too. When we visit your home to give you the quote, we won’t spend all evening there either. Usually 30-45 minutes is more than adequate.
Replacing windows on your property can change the visual appearance of your home considerably. You should choose a style that matches your property and enhances its looks. It’s a good idea to look at properties similar to yours in the area and compare the effect of various replacement window types. It is also a good idea to ensure that you have adequate numbers of opening windows. Fire escape hinges should always be fitted to casement bedroom windows.
Discuss the technological benefits of different window and door systems so that you can get a feel for how knowledgeable and professional the company seems.
New windows and doors installed in your property must comply with current building regulation and thermal performance standards. This can be achieved in two ways: by either requesting an inspection from your local authority to confirm the installation does meet the latest standards, or by using an installer who is enrolled in a self-certification scheme, such as Fensa or Certass. Installers can self-certify compliance under the Building Regulations without the need for a separate assessment from the local authority. Work carried out by a self-certified installer must:
Ruislip Windows offer insurance backed warranties from Quality Assured National Warranties on all our installed products.
You can find out more about QANW here.
A guarantee is not worth the paper it’s written on if it’s not insurance-backed and the installer goes out of business. Installers who are registered members of a self certification scheme are legally obliged to have insurance policies in place. These are like an insolvency guarantee and only become effective if a company should go out of business.
If a registered business takes a deposit in advance of an installation, they must give some form of deposit indemnity. This could be a trade association deposit indemnity scheme, or credit card protection. A registered business must also give a guarantee or warranty covering the cost of completing rectification work in respect of defects and in the event of ceasing to trade and offer to back this guarantee with an independent insurance policy.
Where practical, try to view other work carried out by the company and speak to previous customers. Try and ask specific questions such as, “Did they turn up on time?”, “Was anything missing and how quickly was this rectified?”, “Did they leave the site clean and tidy?”. Don’t always expect perfect answers!
We’ve been fitting windows, doors, and conservatories for nearly four decades. Our proven process delivers outstanding results time after time, giving customers excellent installations on every project.
One of our experts will visit your home to measure up and discuss your options. You’ll then receive a clear, no-obligation quotation.
Once you’re happy to go ahead, we’ll schedule your installation for a date that suits you best, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Our experienced fitters complete every job to the highest standard, leaving your home tidy and your new windows, doors, or conservatory ready to enjoy.
