Page 1 of Double glazing help!!

I am after buying new double glazing for my house. Can anyone out there recommend someone or advise me who I should stay clear of

Thanks

This item was edited on Thursday, 24th April 2003, 13:07

Not too much help, but there was one on Watchdog last week... started with a B.... Brico or something I think.

Any way, after seeing what their instilations were like I`d stay WELL clear.

Stay clear of Reg Holdsworth, the dodgey guy who used to be in Coronation Street and now does oen of the more irritating adverts on TV.

Where in the country do you live chocdrop angel ?

Yorkshire

Sorry I know a lot of companies in that industry but not in Yorkshire.

Give your local consumer advice a call, they will usually have some guideline documentation and information about who is honest and who to avoid.
Buying double glazing is, after houses and cars, often the biggest expediture in your life .
Take your time, do your research, ask for several local customer references and locations so you can see the quality of work.
Don`t be taken in by special offers or sign on the night for discount deals ( in fact NEVER sign on the night), ask for written quotations from at least three companies and remember The first price they quote you is NEVER the bottom line.
Be tough, even very tough, the salesman is not and never will be your pal, to him your are just a sale.
Always keep in mind 99% of salesmen work only on commission, so they will say or do just about anything to close you.

hth P.

Live in South Shields which is in the north east

What ever you do, DO NOT get a quote from `Safestyle UK`!!!

A couple of years ago, I got them out for a `no obligation` quote, and after 2 hours, I finally managed to get the salesman out of the house.

This was after he gave me a price, lowered it, slashed it to rock bottom for `that day only`, then got his manager on the phone to try and talk me round.....Then I was bombarded with calls for weeks after, offering more, better quotes from them....All in All, a total nightmare.

I got my full house done a year ago, 3 large bay windows, french doors, front door and 4 standard windows....This cost £4200 which was on average £3k less than every other quote....this was from a small window firm, but they did an excellent job....I see you are in South Shields, I can give you their details if want to contact them (I live in Newcastle, and the Window company are in Westerhope).....

...Unless your a Makem! ;-)

MJ

This item was edited on Thursday, 24th April 2003, 19:49

I do alot of work in this industry and am very famailiar with it (and no im not a double glazing salesman!!)

First off.

DO NOT go for one of the `National` Companies. These include:

Anglian
Safestyle
Zenith
Staybrite (owned by Bowater who also own Zenith)
Coldseal
Everest
Bryco

Reason: All the salespeople earn approx 10% commision of their net sale. (ie for a £5k set of windows thats alot of commision for 3 hours work??!). Its in their interests to sell at the highest price AND close you on the night with offers of `one night only discounts` which obviously are too good to be true.

DO go for a reputable local company however make sure they are not of the hard sell type and do not offer loads of hyped up discounts.

Many companies actually produce their own windows/doors as opposed to buying them in so be careful which you go for.

Make sure the windows are internally beaded (otherwise can be pulled out) and comply to FENSA regulations - (should be Pilkington K glass and have minimum 5 chambers on the cross section)

If you have any more questions please give me a shout.

Neil

Followed you up to the "and have minimum 5 chambers on the cross section" can you explaine this to me, thanks