9 Questions To Ask Your Window Supplier
Looking for questions to ask your window supplier? When it comes to renovating a property, windows are often a top priority. Commonly referred to as the eyes of the house, windows are responsible for allowing natural light to flow into your home and ventilating your internal spaces with fresh air. As if airflow and natural light weren’t important enough, choosing the correct windows for your home can also boost energy efficiency and thermal retention ratings as well as ensure your property is secure from the likes of any unwelcome intruders.
Rushing your window installation or choosing an unprofessional window installer can result in a multitude of issues for your home, from heat loss and poor security to draughts, condensation and even mould. That’s why, when you are looking to replace your windows, it’s important to find out as much information as possible before you sign your contract with your chosen supplier.
Finding a professional, reputable supplier can be the difference between installing durable, long-lasting windows or having to contend with costly utility bills and poorly made windows later down the line. However, the path to finding a supplier can become a minefield if you don’t know what to look for.
Before deciding on a company, you need to ask questions. Although this may seem like common sense, it’s important to do your due diligence and make sure the company you decide on is reputable, experienced and most of all, know what they’re doing.
Without further ado, here are nine essential questions to ask your window supplier.
How much will my windows cost?
The cost of your windows will depend on the exact specifications of your home, the style, colour and material you’d like and of course, your own personal tastes. However, it’s still important to budget accordingly and find out if there are any hidden fees or costs.
Professional suppliers often provide a free comprehensive quote before any installation begins. Look for a reputable company offering a no-obligation consultation – this should involve a home visit where one of their tradespeople evaluates your home and the task at hand.
What is the energy efficiency rating of your windows?
Energy efficiency has become an increasingly important factor for modern homeowners in recent years, with many opting for durable uPVC or aluminium to lower heat loss through their windows and boost the thermal retention of their property.
Choosing windows with a higher rating on the WER scale, also known as an Window Energy Rating, can insulate your home properly from the elements. In doing so, you and your family will benefit from a warmer, more comfortable home. It’ll also save you the hassle of costly utility bills in the cooler months.
When choosing new windows, look for the WER scale – A+ is the best rating, while G is the lowest. At Majestic Designs, our range of windows boast an A+14 rating on the WER scale which is one of the highest energy efficiency ratings a supplier can receive.
Can I view your products before making a decision?
A showroom is a great way for a window supplier to showcase their products. It’s also a place you can view your chosen windows before making your purchase.
A reputable company should offer a showroom where you can visit and speak with a professional face to face. A reputable company should offer a showroom where you can visit and speak with a professional face to face. They’ll also offer a no-obligation at-home consultation where they’ll be able to show you samples to demonstrate their products.
How long will my installation take?
Much like the cost of your windows, the time it takes to design, supply and install your windows will depend on the task at hand, your home and other important factors such as the style, material and colour you choose. In saying that, an experienced, reputable company should be able to give you a rough timeframe. After confirming the style of window you would like and conducting an at-home consultation, they should be able to confirm times and dates with you which they will stick to throughout the project.
In addition, it’s important to look out for a company with a fully-employed team of installers and surveyors. Some companies choose to subcontract their projects, meaning the quality of their work isn’t consistent. However, a professional, reputable window supplier with a fully employed team will be able to ensure their work is always finished to the highest possible standard.
Does your company have any accreditations?
Accreditation from a reputable organisation is the best way for a professional window supplier to demonstrate their reliability and legitimacy. That’s why, before signing any contracts or handing over any deposit, you should check a company’s accreditations. Before receiving an accreditation, a window supplier must past a number of quality tests and inspections. As a result, only the very best, most trustworthy companies will be accredited.
There are several independent bodies you should look for. FENSA is one of the most well-known and has an online directory where you can search for your chosen company. There’s also the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is especially relevant for anyone planning on financing their property refurbishment project, and TrustMark, the only government-endorsed scheme here in the UK run specifically to safeguard standards in the home improvement industry.
Are you products guaranteed and for how long?
Checking the guarantee on your chosen windows is another way of gaining additional peace of mind when it comes to making your purchase. In the event of any unforeseen problems, ensuring your windows have a guarantee will take the stress out of resolving the issue. So, before signing any paperwork, make sure your windows are protected by a lengthy guarantee – sometimes this guarantee is also advertised as a warranty.
Are your windows secure?
Home security is a top priority for most homeowners. Ensuring your windows are durable and resilient in the face of any unwelcome intruders can keep your family and possessions safe as well as provide you with peace of mind. Choosing windows with heightened security can also save you money when it comes to your home insurance premium, which will often be cheaper if you have additional security such as multi-point locking mechanisms and internal beading.
Do you offer a variety of colours and styles?
White is the most popular colour here at Majestic Designs – timeless and elegant with the innate ability to suit any architectural style, it’s not difficult to see why. However, contrary to popular belief, your windows don’t have to be white! A reputable company will offer a diverse array of colours and styles. They should also be able to engineer bespoke windows for your home. This is especially useful if you have a window with an unusual shape or would like to install a window in a tight spot.
Have you completed any installations nearby?
A company who has completed installations near your home should have local knowledge and experience. Not only will this local knowledge come in useful, but your chosen company will also be able to show you examples of their work in your community. You’ll be able to look at the quality of the installation, and maybe even speak to previous clients to see what they have to say.
Reputable window installation at Majestic Designs
At the end of the day, the window supplier you choose will come down to what you require as well as the unique needs of your property. A good way to choose a window supplier is by looking for a company that both manufactures and installs its own products. It’s also important to look for positive customer reviews, which speak volumes about a company’s professionalism. An unhappy customer is more likely to leave a negative review, so positive customer testimonials really are a testament to a company’s service. Majestic Designs for example, currently have a 9.48/10 from more than independent 3000 reviews on FairTrades!
For more than 21 years, the professional team at Majestic Designs have been manufacturing and installing our range of durable uPVC and aluminium windows in our state-of-the-art factories in the heart of Somerset. Our range of uPVC and aluminium products is engineered right here in Cheddar and fitted by our experienced team of FENSA-accredited and MTC-registered lead installers. Our reputable team is also fully employed, and we never subcontract any installation projects out to third-party companies.
If you would like any more information about our range of uPVC and aluminium windows or would like to book an at-home consultation, get in touch with our team today.
