6 Questions you Should ask Double Glazing Installers

If you’re thinking about getting new windows fitted, you should get in touch with a number of double glazing installers and ask them to quote.

You’ll get the best deal possible if you get a range of quotes, and you’ll also feel safe in the knowledge that you’ve checked out the industry and made sure you know what you’re getting into.

Double glazing companies have made a bad name for themselves over the years. This is due to the sales tactics that were used years ago, such as offering deals that were too good to be true and pressuring you to sign on the night. Luckily, though, most double glazing salespeople aren’t like this and you will have a good experience with the company you choose.

To make sure you choose a reputable company that can offer you the best price, you should ask them these 6 questions:

1. How long have you been trading?

Of course, every company has to start somewhere, but a long trading history certainly means something when lots of companies have gone into liquidation over the past few years.

But don’t be put off by newer companies just because of their age – speak to the owner or senior staff to put your mind at rest. You might find that they have lots of double glazing experience behind them.

2. Do your salespeople work on a commission-only basis?

Double glazing salespeople that work on a commission-only basis may have very limited knowledge on the products available across the entire market. Most of their training is around sales tactics and how to close the sale rather than informing the customer on what is available.

You should beware of companies that employ commission-only salespeople, but what you are really looking for is a salesperson that doesn’t pressure you into signing on the day, has a wide product knowledge and isn’t too quick to dismiss a certain type of window. Remember – all windows have to meet certain standards to be on the market, so no frame will be so bad that they are not worth considering.

3. Are your double glazing installers employed or subcontractors?

double glazing installersIt doesn’t necessarily matter if a double glazing company employs their fitters or subcontracts out, but it’s worth bearing in mind that some larger double glazing companies may pay on a per-window per-day basis, which can lead to rushed, sub-standard installations.

The best thing to do is to see if you can find ratings and reviews for the company to see what their standards are like.

4. Where are your windows manufactured?

Most windows, whether uPVC, timber or aluminium, will be manufactured in the UK. If a double glazing company claims that their competitor’s windows are made out of the country, don’t believe this without looking into it. Most windows are manufactured in the UK, with uPVC frames often being mass-produced. You might find that timber and aluminium window frames are still made on a smaller scale.

5. Do you have a showroom?

Lots of large companies don’t have a showroom, but they still do very well in terms of sales. But to make an informed decision, it’s probably worth going to a showroom to see the products the company has on offer to see what the quality is like.

Think about it – you wouldn’t buy a car without seeing it and going for a test drive, would you?

6. Are you a member of a trade association?

Double glazing installers really should be registered with a trade body. The Glass and Glazing Federation is a well-known representative of the industry and works to raise standards and represent its members. So double glazing companies should be a member of GGF as a minimum.

It’s also a good idea to check if your double glazing installer is a member of a self-certification scheme such as FENSA or Certass. This enables them to self-certify that their work meets building regulations, so you don’t have to apply to your local authority.

Double glazing installers are generally reputable and will offer your great service and a good price. But you should always get quotes from a range of companies so you can get a good idea of the market.

Quotatis double glazing installers have their own profile showing their ratings and reviews, so you can do your research and see what other customers have said about them before they come to quote you for the job.

Just fill in the form below and we’ll put you in touch with up to 4 double glazing companies.

Emily Rivers

Emily Rivers is the Customer Experience Manager at Quotatis. She informs customers of the latest developments in a range of products so they can make the best choice for their homes and ensures they get the best out of our service.