Where to start for new windows?

[oyster]

Live in a 30yr old detached house with a number of windows that need replacing (the seal on many panels has failed and they whistle a lot during high winds).

I have a fear of dealing with window replacement suppliers - in particular a fear of the one-day offer type approach where it's impossible to know what is a good price or not.

Is there a route people recommend to finding a decent supplier?

[S6PNJ]

Having just gone through this myself, I can feel your (incoming) pain! I went to 2 nationals, 1 regional and 2 locals in the end. First local was way to high (pricewise for nothing special) so discounted, 2 nationals and 1 regional both came in with high openers and then did the hard sell bit but I don't think they were bargaining on my 'hard buy' so they had to fight quite hard, went with a well reviewed local in the end with Residence 9 windows.

The 'big boys' all tried to force my hand and get me to 'sign now' but as I said to them (having 31 windows and 3 doors to install) that this was not a small order and they should respect my time to decide. At the end of the day, they want trade so don't let them dictate the dealings. If they come up with a "this is the price today and if I walk out the door it goes up", then invite them to leave and call their bluff. Once you have a price, trade one company off against the other and keep knocking them down.

Do you have a Veka reseller in your area? That's who I went with in the end as they came highly reviewed/rated for my local area.

[Steve57]

Where in the south east are you? might get some tips from that, we used a local company that we have known of for years, several other locals have swapped and changed names in the same time. Quote was simple, no hard sell and under what we expected to be confronted with.

[oyster]

Near Sevenoaks

[hyphen]

S6PNJ said:

H
Do you have a Veka reseller in your area? That's who I went with in the end as they came highly reviewed/rated for my local area.

As above, I first found the window manufacturer I actually wanted, and then got quotes from several of their approved installers.

[Jambo85]

I am having some rooms re-plasterboarded and insulated by my usual tried and trusted joiner - he gave me a surprisingly good price on sticking in new windows at the same time, so don't discount that route, assuming you have a trusted joiner.

[Rosscow]

Timber or plastic?

[V8RX7]

It's getting harder to find online prices but for standard upvc here is a good place to start.

I used them a few years ago and they were fine.

http://www.slideandfold.co.uk/

They are supply only and IMO a good price.

[anonymous-user]

Rosscow said:

Timber or plastic?

Or aluminium?

[QuickQuack]

Do the frames actually need to be replaced or do you just need new the glass and seals replaced? Although the vast majority of our windows are single glazed sash windows and the house is listed, we do have a couple which had double glazing installed before the listing. Replacing the (wooden) frames as well as the glass would've been way too much hassle as it would need listed building consent, but we just replaced the glass units and they're as good as new. You may not need to spend money on new frames if they're ok.

[anonymous-user]

If they're timber, try Howarths. Good product, great prices and all pre painted to your preferred RAL colour.