Who's had some good windows fitted?

[Frontpaw]

And which companies should I avoid like the plague?

I have - avoid the nationals like Anglian etc and go for a local independent. They won't mess you around with long sales pitches followed by pretend discounts.

I agree, don't go for anyone of those companies who advertise on TV. We found a small local firm and had six windows made and put in for just a bit over £2000 all in. The well known companies will quote you thousands then bargain you down when you seem hesitant, then seell you some stupid finance deal - their quote will be huge compared to an independent place.

I went with local independant firm, much like the other would recommend this way rather than big firms.

Sooooo... I am seeing a pattern here!

Any ones in London anyone can recommend?

I've just used Precision Plastics (London) and had 6 window and a set of French doors/windows. Quality seems good and reliable service, fitted nicely.

They are based in SE London I'll PM you the number.

definately local independents, they can be up to a 1/3 of the price and do a better job.

Ta remember - we have had a quote for squillins via theb management co but I suspect it is a firm that deals with corporates so have added on an extra zero!

Steer clear of WEATHERSEAL!!!!! You'll never get the salesman back out your house. We let him in as we were told he'd be here an hour. 5 hours later (11PM!!!!!) I eventually told him to leave. He originally quoted us £20k for windows and my DH got him down to £8k (for a 3 bed semi)!! He got all stroppy when we wouldn't sign up on the spot. We told him we had other companies coming to do quotes and he gave us the pitch that his amazing quote was a one time only special super duper deal and we'd be crazy not to snap it up as other companies are crap and his is the best on the planet.

Guy had no shame . I wasn't even subtle about the fact that he'd out stayed his welcome. After the initial hour was up I excused myself and went and bathed the kids. Came back down and told him if he wanted to measure windows he better hurry up as kids were going to bed. He was with us 3 hrs before he even mentioned price.

Find out who your local window manufacturers are and go to them directly. Most will have a sales showroom and often sell directly to the public.

We used Classic Windows, based in Hitchin. Chose them because they were our local supplier for a type of window called Evolution. They were fab and every builder we have had round has commented on the quality - they are white UPC but look exactly like wood. They were v competitive on price too, and didn't do all tht start high, haggle down nonsense.

Used a small local firm too. Not London though, sorry!

If you get in a situation with a sales man that won't leave how do you get rid?

You have to practice saying "Thank you for coming, I'll see you out now." Stand up. Walk to the door. Open it. Step outside. Repeat the words up to twice more. If he doesn't go, say "I'm sorry, I have to ask you to leave now"

If he still doen't go, phone his company, with him there, and say "I've asked your rep to leave three times, and he won't go. Will you speak to him please" That will probably not be necessary. They rely on your ingrained good manners and hostliness not asking them to leave, or repeating it if they ignore you or pretend they haven't heard.

The Sash Window Worshop were brilliant. CAn't recommend them highly enough - has made such a difference to our house and they were so professional and unsalesy and did a great job.

I am quite good at telling folk to bugger off. I will put on my best glaswegian accent and look menacing. I have a couple coming in next week - got to be less than the £13-odd grand quoted by the management co (and that included a top up from the 'floar' fund). They may have been platinum frames with diamond glass.

Try the GGF for recommendations.

Replacement Window Advisory Service did a good job on our previous house (Victorian terrace).