Do you Know your Rights When you buy Double Glazing?

When you buy double glazing, you are protected by laws from the minute you sign a contract with a company. So if anything does go wrong, you can feel safe in the knowledge that you have rights.

We’re going to go through some of those rights you have when you buy double glazing.

But when you’re choosing a double glazing company, remember to look for one with good reviews and a long trading history. That way you’re less likely to experience problems.

Contracts

Under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, your double glazing company has to give you a minimum of 14 days as a cooling off period.

But they only have to do this if you sign a contract away from their premises, for example if you sign at home or online.

If your double glazing company is going to fit a standard size window, you can cancel within 14 days from the delivery date. You can get your windows installed within the 14-day cooling off period, but the installer will usually ask you for your express consent to do this.

If you do allow the company to install your windows before the cooling off period has ended, you’ll be responsible for any costs the company incurs fitting and removing your windows if you later cancel.

If you are getting windows made to measure or custom made, there won’t be any automatic right to cancel. Your double glazing company might still give you a right to cancel in their contract, so you should check and see whether you will lose any money if you do cancel.

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Your rights if you have problems

Hopefully, nothing will go wrong during or after you have your windows fitted, but there are laws that protect you if something does happen.

The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 states that double glazing must:

  • be made with materials that are ‘fit for their purpose’ and made ‘of a satisfactory quality’
  • be installed using ‘care and skill’
  • be what you ordered

If your double glazing installer doesn’t meet those conditions, they are in breach of contract and you have the right to have the windows repaired or replaced. The company can decide whether they will repair or replace the windows, and can choose the cheapest option.

Installers must also make sure that they carry out the remedial work within a reasonable time but also must not cause any inconvenience to you.

Other ways to protect yourself when you buy double glazing

Check they are registered with a competent persons scheme

When you’re looking for a double glazing company, it’s worth checking whether they are part of a Competent Persons Scheme, such as FENSA and CERTASS. These schemes make sure that the installer is competent and they are vetted, so you have peace of mind that they are a reputable installer.

They are also able to self-certify that their work meets Building Regulations, which will save you from having to notify your local authority yourself.

Pay by credit card

If you pay for your windows by credit card, you are protected by the Consumer Credit Act 1974. This means that your credit company is equally liable with the double glazing company for any breaches of contract, so if the company makes any promises about its products they can’t keep, you are covered.

Also, if the company goes out of business before they complete your work, you can claim for the cost of getting the work finished from your credit card provider.

Remember, you don’t have to pay for all the work by credit card – you could just pay the deposit on the credit card and still be protected.

Now that you know your rights when you buy double glazing, you can feel assured that you know what to do in the event of a problem. If you’re still looking for double glazing quotes, simply use our service to get up to 4 free quotes from reputable 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.