Property Drop Issue 40

HOME IMPROVEMENTS
31
There’s more to window and door
quotes than meets the eye
Investing in any home improvement is a serious business.
From the products you choose to the companies you employ to carry out the work,
each and every decision can be hugely important.
Not only do your improvement
projects have a significant
impact on your enjoyment of
your home, but they can also have big
implications for its value somewhere
down the line.
A common mistake made by
homeowners is to let their decisions be
influenced too heavily by the figure at
the bottom of the quotes they receive – it
can be a mistake to think that cheaper
is always better. While there’s a lot to be
said for getting the best deal available,
things are rarely so straightforward. Here,
we take a look at the most important
things to consider when comparing
quotes for new windows and doors.
Energy efficiency
Your home’s windows and doors play
a considerable role in your domestic
finances. Beyond the money you pay
to have them fitted, expect them to be
a contributing factor in each and every
energy bill you receive in years to come.
This is why it is key to understand
the energy rating of your proposed
new windows and doors. Simply put,
investing extra money in energy efficient
windows can save you money on future
utility bills. Of course, there’s also an
environmental incentive to prioritise
efficiency.
Company experience
Fitting windows and doors isn’t
easy, and it’s not something that can be
learned overnight. To ensure the job’s
done right, it pays to go with tried and
tested professionals. If you want an
assurance of experience and quality, be
sure to opt for a company which is a
member of the industry body FENSA.
Security features
Poorly fitted or cheap windows with
insufficient security features are one
of the most common flaws in modern
housing. Investing in secure windows
and doors is an effective means of
keeping criminals at bay. This works in
practice and can also provide a powerful
deterrent.
Aftercare
Modern windows are built to last, but
they are sure to require some attention in
the years to come. Opting for windows
and doors that come with a guarantee
is a good start, but it can also help to
employ a company which is committed
to providing lasting aftercare solutions.
Independent reviews
No matter how many boxes a
company ticks, by far the best way to
tell if they’re up to the job is to speak to
people who have worked with them in
the past. Word of mouth reviews from
people you know and trust are ideal,
but they aren’t always easy to come by.
Alternatively, try looking for independent
review sites like Best of Gloucester to
read what other people have to say.
Identifying the best people to fit
windows and doors locally can require
a good deal of work, but it’s worth your
while. While low quotes can be alluring,
it’s important to think carefully about the
long term. The price is important, but
it’s essential that you invest sensibly in
a job well done and think value rather
than price alone. From using a reputable
company to selecting high-quality,
energy efficient products, making smart
decisions now will make life easier – and
cheaper – in the years to come.