Choosing a window service
How to choose a window provider/supplier in the UK
When you introduce new windows into a home, either with a new build or a simple refit, you want to ensure that the best job possible is carried out.
There are a number of window providers and suppliers across the UK who could potentially be the perfect team to give you what you want. Below is a comprehensive list of advice, which should be considered when you are deciding on the provider that you want to use.
Begin assessing immediately
You should begin to consider your potential window fitter's suitability from the moment you first speak. That first phone call can be particularly illuminating about the person's character. Are they polite, do they really seem to be listening, or are they being rude and abrupt during the call?
Think about whether or not you could work with this person. If they annoy you over the phone, it's unlikely that a real world relationship is going to run smoothly.
Check up on the company
If you are satisfied that the person you've spoken to is nice enough, go on to check the company's credentials. Can the person you've spoken to substantiate any claims made through their website, do they even have a website? How long have they been a company, be wary of anyone “brand new” offering you a deal. That deal may just be taking half of your budget without doing any work.
You need to check that the people selling you your windows and/or fitting them are a reputable company. If it turns out that they aren't who they say they are you could end up with an unfinished job, missing funds or worse. It doesn't take five minutes to check these things, and it could cost you a lot more than time if you don't.
Determine their skills
Ask to see evidence of their skills. Ask to see examples of their work. Proper skilled tradesmen will be happy to tell you how qualified they are. Read up on the qualifications that are necessary for the job, determine if they have them. Ask about experience too. You don't want someone who's only been there a week managing your work, ask what your options are with regards to experienced workers and determine if there is a premium that would have to be paid.
Find Feedback
There are a number of fantastic sites available now that feature reviews and guidance about UK tradesmen. By searching online you can find any reviews that have been posted on blogs, or on the specific contractor rating sites. You'll be able to see if the company is as good as it says and if others were happy with their service.
Relying on recommendations that are printed on the company's own website or leaflets simply isn't good enough, they could have been written by anyone. If you've had the supplier recommended to you by a friend find out everything you can from them. Why do they recommend them, how much did they pay? By doing this, you'll be able to go to the supplier armed with your friends' experience.
Ask questions
This is the most important. If anything about the process confuses you or you need extra clarification, ask for it. If problems occur at a later date, you'll regret the missed opportunity. A good tradesman will happily answer your questions. Remember they are providing you with a service, not doing you a favour.
Get a quote
This is really important too. Don't sign anything until you have a costing quote from your contractor. You'll need this to see how much each window will cost you and how much labour will be on top of that. It doesn't matter if you think that you've found the perfect person to install your windows, without a price guide for the work costs could skyrocket and you could feel yourself being taken advantage of. It shouldn't cost anything to have a quote drawn up for you, so take advantage of what will probably be the only free thing during the process.
Use the quotes to determine which company is the best value for money, not the cheapest. Remember if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Alternatively, set a budget for the work and ask what you can get for your money. If they aren't offering quite what you want, ask them to sweeten the deal, window fitters are not averse to haggling and you shouldn't be either. Make sure that you get the quote in writing. It's no good agreeing on it verbally.
Unless you are planning on recording the exchange, you'll have no proof and may be forced to pay a higher bill when the work is completed. Never pay the entire balance upfront either. Bills should be settled at the end of work, and paying more than 15-20% upfront is unwise. If they have all of your money, they don't have an incentive to do any work.
Make the final decision for yourself
The most important thing to remember is that this is your decision and no-one else's. You are the person parting with your cash, and you are the one who'll have to live in a home with poorly installed windows if something goes wrong. So take as much time as you need.
Decide how long you have until it's absolutely essential for you to get those new ones. Set this as your deadline for signing a works contract. If you don't find a company that you are comfortable with to do the job, don't settle on the least terrible option, extend your deadline.
If you make sure to cover all of the advice shown here, you'll be able to rest assured that you did everything you could to get the most out of your window installation.
Although the final decisions should lie with you, don't disregard the advice of your window fitter, if they tell you something isn't possible because of wall support or safety issues, listen. If they are pushed to go ahead and everything goes wrong like they warned it would, the fault will lie with you, as will the repair bill.