Where to start on sourcing/researching replacement windows.

[bobkate]

We live in a 1930s house that is in need of having some all of it's windows replacing. The front bays are large, single glazed and diamond shape leaded. The one in the bedroom above is the same, but has secondary glazing panes which are v ugly, and not terribly effective. The rest of the windows are all single glazed, but not leaded. The condensation seems to be getting worse and my daughter's room now has a damp patch in the corner of the inside window sill/ledge. I have no idea where to start with regards to sourcing suppliers/fitters/window companies...

I would really like to find some examples online but my googling skills are failing me on this one.
I'm don't think I want upvc as my perception of those is that they look very clunky and are renowned for looking out of place on an older property but it seems that there's now aluminium/composite windows - would they be a good option? Do I get a company like Everest round? Even though my head is screaming NO, they are really hard salesmen who call their 'managers' for a one off discount of 75% I'd rather the best price at the beginning thank you very much.

Then - do we stick to the very same design ( diamond shaped ) and what about colour? Do I stick to 'in keeping' and go for white or go for a more modern look ( such as grey/anything but white windows? )

As I said - I literally have NO idea where to start

We have a 1930s semi and recently got our windows replaced (in east of England if you want recommendation?). We went for white upvc with coloured panels in the front windows (in three sections) and it looks great. They did something about the flushing of the windows, so that the ones which opened are flush with the ones that don't - if that makes sense?

I'd also maybe get the damp looked at separately? Might not be the windows... We've got damp in the upstairs front bedroom which hasn't been rectified by the new windows (didn't think it would be) so we need to get it looked at.

As for how to get quotes, we got ours recommended by the decorator, so if you know any tradespeople, might be a good place to start? Also look around your road at similar properties - any which have had windows recently fitted will usually have a sign or something outside (if given permission).

Hi Misty - yes please to your offer of the recommendation ( also in the East - North Essex ). Thing is, our road is a right muddle up of houses, there's old and new but ours is the only one that's 1930s! So I can't go and ask.
I know what you are meaning by being 'flush'. In fact that was one of the things putting me off upvc as a lot don't seem to be.
I'm not sure what you mean by coloured panels in the front windows though? Do the company you used have a website with examples. Good tip re asking tradespeople - we have a local facebook page so I'll ask on there thanks.

Shamelessly bumping

Hi there, the company we used is called Drake home improvements but he's based in Norwich so not sure how far they travel.
By coloured panels, I mean the coloured leading you get in the top bit of windows...I'm probably not explaining it very well! Will look for a pic to link to... Wasn't much more to add them and IMO they look fab :)

Like this www.ebay.co.uk/itm/upvc-window-Double-Glazed-1930s-Repro-Stained-Glass-Bay-Window-/271244280112

But we could have had any design we wanted apparently (for the coloured bit). Fitted in three days for all windows except new extension at the back.

Thanks Misty9 - will have a look