Buying new windows? - Then read this !

Unless a window company is registered with FENSA, which guarantees work complies with defined standards, it should not be trading.

FENSA demands that all its members adhere to a code of practice covering materials, workmanship and safety. FENSA carries out random inspections of all members’ work and if any work inspected by FENSA is not compliant with their strict standards, the member must rectify the faults at no charge to the customer – and pay £200 to FENSA for re-inspection and confirmation that all identified problems have been properly resolved.

There are many FENSA safety rules that must be adhered to, like:

1. All bedroom windows should be of a minimum height and width to ensure safe escape in the event of a fire – and be fitted with fire hinges,
2. Any window that extends from less than 800mm when measured from the floor must be fitted with toughened glass,
3. All hinges and glass must meet British Board of Agrément (BBA) standards.

Absence of the correct safety features could invalidate your insurance. For a commercial property, such as a Nursing Home, this could lead to enforced closure of the Home!

Andy Wright of Right's Windows, Doors and Conservatories, who has frequently seen homes and commercial premises that do not have these basic safety measures in place says: “Customers should avoid compromising their personal safety and potentially invalidating their insurance - by choosing an experienced and reputable company!”

If you're looking for windows, doors or conservatories, unless you want to waste money - or put yourself and your family, or your business at risk, you really must shop around. Be clear about exactly what you want - and by all means let a few salesmen help you decide on that. But then get written quotations from several companies, including those recommended by friends or acquaintances who've had similar work done. By carefully specifying exactly what you want, their quotations should be on a like-for-like basis.

Don't forget to ask each company to provide several references - names and addresses of people who've had them install similar items recently. Then contact those people, ask their opinion, ask about any problems they had before, during or after installation - and if they agree, visit them and see the finished jobs for yourself.

Don't forget either that there are several very competent local companies who can provide just as good a job as the "big names" - often using exactly the same frames, glass and fittings that are supplied by those well-known national operators. Including some local companies in your list of potential suppliers will ensure not only that you receive more personal attention and probably a lower price but, in the unlikely event of problems arising, they are likely to be solved more quickly and easily too.

NEVER be pushed into signing a contract because the salesman says the price is only available if you sign straight away. This is a high-pressure sales tactic that is all-too-frequently used, even by some of the largest nationally-advertised companies. You can be sure that, if you fall for this trick, you will certainly end up paying far more than you need to - and with no guarantee of a better job. Indeed, many people wisely refuse to buy from any company that tries this type of sales tactic.

When you're looking for windows, doors or a conservatory, you're spoilt for choice with a huge variety of potential suppliers. As a buyer, you're in a strong position to secure a really good deal - unless you throw away all your advantages - and your money - by failing to do your research and falling for a salesman's charm.

But remember - the cheapest quote may not be the best value. Not only do you need to be sure of the quality of the fitments that will be supplied and the competence of the installation staff - you also need to feel comfortable with the company you choose - confident that you can speak to them honestly and openly about any problems and that they will respond positively and appropriately. After all, for most people, their home is their biggest asset. Replacement windows and doors, plus perhaps a conservatory, can potentially add more value than they cost. However, if any of these additions are poorly designed, are not in keeping with the character of your property, are of inferior quality or are installed incorrectly (especially if the structure of your home is compromised) then they can significantly reduce the value of your property.

This is just one reason why you should ask about - and check - the company's insurance certificates - both for damage to your property and for any guarantee they offer. An uninsured guarantee is worthless if the company goes bankrupt... Beause of this ever-present possibility, especially in today's economic climate, be very careful about paying any deposit or payment in advance of completion by any means other than a credit card!

Finally - ALWAYS read the terms and conditions of any contract BEFORE you sign it. If you don't like the terms, refuse to sign until the company changes them - or chose an alternative supplier if they won't. After all - a contract is an agreement between two parties - you being one of them. The agreement should be fair and reasonable to both parties and, if it is, you'll find no reason not to sign it. But if it isn't, then just refuse!

After all, if a company is difficult to deal with before they've got your business, you can be sure they'll be even more difficult when they've got your signature and your deposit money!

Have you had a good or bad experience with local window contractors - or getting doors fitted or a conservatory built ? Why not tell us about it by dropping a line to the editor?