New windows

[NewHouse]

Where would you go to get quotes, and roughly how much would it cost to have a three bed house replaced, along with one roof skylight? I remember years ago getting a quote from dolphin, the man wearing us down, being there all evening, we used the seven day change your mind get out clause in the end and didn't change the bathroom. I dread inviting some bully into my home again, so I am a little scared about companies who make cold calls, are they any good, are their sales men bullies, do they quote silly figures and then make the hours long reduction phone calls to the boss game? Are their customer service and workman quality ok? If they won't leave, can you call the police to remove them, we signed the paperwork tomget rid last time.

I advise to go for local small firms. Also ask aroud and find out who other people have used.
invite 3 to give you a quote, tell them that they are not the only company that you have had quotes from. Tell them that you are not making a decision until you have had all the quotes and have had a chance to consider them all.
If they try to pressure you into signing a contract there and then just ask tehm to leave, telling them that you will be in touch.
No decent company expect people to sign there and then without getting other quotes.

National Replacement Windows advisory service did a good job for us, including project management.

We used a local company after getting 3 quotes - 2 local and 1 national.

The company that we used weren't the cheapest BUT they came, measured and said "it will be in the region of £xxx, but we'll send you an official quote out with all the information" - which we did (hand delivered next day!).

The other companies had "proper" salesmen doing the "it's £xxxx, but sign now and I'll knock £xxx off for you." erm, no thanks! I'd like to consider it please!

there is a new network of dealers on the market called Safechoice, could be worth to browse their website, hope it helps:-)

We've bought 1 composite door & 8 oak coloured uPVC windows from Heritage Trade Frames www.heritagetradeframes.co.uk/ for £2300 & got them fitted for that price. We have a chap who used to work for the trade fit them & he came to measure & fit them for his for £100. We have another 6 windows to buy & 1 comp door which are being delivered tomorrow for £1900.

Try to ask friends if they can recommend.

You must use a FENSA - or similar FSAS registered firm - if you don't want to have to apply for Building Regulations approval. A list of firms is on their website.

Most are also members of the GGF for additional reassurance.

If you are in the SE (Kent/Sussex area) I can recommend a fantastic firm. We have just had our whole house done - three storey Victorian house, with double doors into the garden etc, and it was £11,500 ish. I would definitely use a local firm rather than any of the big firms (Anglian/Everest etc) as they are just awful to deal with - we had quotes from about 8 big firms and I wouldn't have had any of them in my house. Their discounting approach means that you have absolutely no faith in their product. Can you ask your neighbours if they have had theirs done and can recommend anyone?