Replacement windows and doors

[Blindleadingtheblind]

Hi all,

I'm considering getting my windows and doors and replaced at some point in the near future and wondered if I could get some advice.

Firstly, would you recommend one of the larger companies (Everest, safestyle etc) or go for an more local trades person?

Second, how much would I roughly expect to be charged for a small 3-bed semi? I'd need the front and back door replacing too.

Lastly, how much mess does it create and does replacing them damage plaster, tiles, paint, woodwork, wall paper etc? I would hate to have to repair rooms or redecorate again. The thought of this makes me apprehensive about getting them replaced.

Thanks all, it wont be for a while yet but I'm trying to give myself as much information as possible before I start ringing round for quotes.

Hopeful bump

Don't go to Everest or Anglian. We got quotes from then for our new front door. Both were very expensive but then offered 'discounts' for free advertising. Basically their products aren't worth what they charge for them.

They also spent a good chunk of the 'design' session slagging off the other one.

Look round for local suppliers. Take a walk around and see if anyone else is having their windows done. What companies are they using? What styles do they have.

We're getting the rest of our windows done next year sometime and will be looking for local companies.

Tha is Twizbe, there is a local company not so far from me so I may give them a call. I've heard anglian are expensive

I had a quote v recently from a middle sized company (a few branches round England). I was quoted £5.5k for a 3 bed semi including front door and French doors. Also, the front would have been in agate grey which was extra.

I was put off by the game playing. The original quote was £17k! I laughed and said he was wasting his time. He then rang his office and within literally 2mins the price had dropped to that. It's hilarious. Why do they still do that? It's embarrassing for them. It's put me off. The quote is valid for 12 months.

I meant composite front door with a side window.

We've just had a window taken out and replaced with french doors - 1250, upstairs bedroom window was 650 and earlier in the year we had a composite front door with 2 half side windows for 1700. All done by local people who were cheaper.

Cost of the windows will very much depend on the size of them and the style you choose.

In terms of redecorating - we had a fair few windows replaced. It looks quite scary when they do it (bare brick, and they whack the old windows out something chronic) but a decent company should fix it up nicely so you shouldn't have to redecorate entirely, but you're likely to gets few cracks in the surrounding plaster. Polyfilla and the extra bits of paint from when you painted the room that you have stored under your stairs are your friends.

Don’t go to the large companies, there’s plenty of adverse revues.
Get three quotes from local companies, preferably recommended by people who have used them.
They should be FENSA registered and be able to give you a FENSA certificate on completion. Then you know they have used appropriate glass and frames. I would expect a 10 year guarantee, preferably insurances backed in case the company go out of business.
Cost will depend on size of windows, glass used, style of frame, opening windows cost more and you must have an opening window upstairs that allows for emergency exit.
Doors depend on style, locks and door furniture style.

@user1471530109 £17k for a side window and composite doors?!?! 😲😲😲😲

I'll definitely try local companies and get quotes. Won't be for a while yet but hopefully next year. Between needing new windows and needing a new kitchen, windows are probably the priority.

no. For the whole house but included a complicated front door with side windows.

But still!

I just find the whole sales pitch embarrassing. He didn't even try and haggle. Just dropped it straight away from £17k to £5.5k. I am very tempted. But I can't decide on whether to go with agate grey or not at the front. Something for me to think through and see where the money is next spring I think.

Definitely not one of the big companies.
Local company recommended by friends or neighbours.

I work at a window manufacturer (North West). We are happy to recommend a fitter to any householder who rings and asks us.
You could maybe try that if you have any manufacturers near you?

@Seventimesaday I am in the north west, I have PM'd you.

I used a local company with a good reputation who don't haggle on price and give you their best quote first time.

It's a three bed terrace with sliding back doors and composite front door. All in anthracite grey with fancy glass on the door.

£4K in Yorkshire

I went with a small local company and it was £3k or so for a composite front door and side windows and french doors.

Do not touch Everest or Safestyle. Maybe ask for a recommendation on Facebook?

[quote Blindleadingtheblind]@Seventimesaday I am in the north west, I have PM'd you.[/quote]
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@Serafinaaa that's a great price.