Spending £4k on windows/french doors without seeing them

[MsSampson]

Currently overwhelmed by the number of decisions I am making on massive house project that has just started - loft conversion, lots of walls being knocked down, new bathrooms, kitchens. Everything basically. And worried I'm going to start making bad decisions in an effort to just knock things off my To Do list.
Our builder has highly recommended a local window company. They have quoted for aluminium windows and doors for the back of the house, and the quote is the best we have had back. However, they are trade only from what I can tell, and do a lot of commercial work as well. When I called up they said they had no showroom, or anything similar I could look at. I feel nervous about spending £4k on windows and doors without seeing what the frames or hardware are going to look like, but I felt a bit like I was the one being weird on the phone by asking. I appreciate that our windows and doors are being made to measure, so they have nothing exactly the same to show us - it's just that it's going to be such a big part of the rear extension, that if they look a bit shit it will have a big impact. Or is one aluminium door basically going to look the same as any other door? Help! Before my brain explodes with the responsibility of making decisions...

[wowfudge]

They must be able to tell you who else has ordered from them so you can go and have a look. Has your builder used them before - is there a past client whose house you can see?

What are the manufacturers working on - could you see it in the workshop/factory? Do they produce any marketing materials with photos? Whose hardware do they fit? There is bound to be info online if you can get some details.

[namechangedtoday15]

Just as a comparison, we're in the same boat. I think windows, provided you have approved the design (number of panes, size of frame, handles etc) don't necessarily need to be seen in the flesh (well I don't think they do) but have seen lots of photos, read testimonials etc on website. Even the trade firms tend to have websites?

As far as french doors are concerned, I think you do need to see those in real life as I agree they will have a bigger impact on the overall aesthetics of the project.

[MsSampson]

Thanks both. I've just read through the quote again, and have details of the hardware they are using. But I've sent an email with questions, using some of your suggestions, so thanks. From their website it does look as though they do a lot of commercial work, so possibly my £4k is small fry to them, whereas it's costing more than my kitchen!

I'm not normally too bad about this kind of thing, but the sheer volume of decisions I am making is freaking me out a bit. You can lose a whole day just researching bathroom taps it would seem.

[namechangedtoday15]

and then find a different tap that you prefer once you've placed the order. Or is that just me?! Good luck

[MsSampson]

urgh, namechanged, The internet, and MN are wonderful things, but honestly, the amount of choice, and opinions to read through before making a basic decision is boggling!