Hi there,
Can folk please help me understand the new windows process?
I have just bought a 1930s semi house for space, extension potential and school catchments. Its really a fantastic property but its main downside is that its set back from the main road in our town for bus routes. We're in St Albans.
I've had some quotes for supposedly noise-cancelling windows. The sky's the limit on how much one can spend on these, it seems.
Each window company has their own version of what would be best to reduce the noise of the buses going past the house every two minutes (super convenient for getting everywhere, but v noisy).
Anyone got views on which kind of window arrangement is best? Some say triple glazing, some say t'his and only this brand' of acoustic glass, some say normal UPVC double glazing is fine, some say acoustic glass at the front and UPVC DG at the back, some say to also replace all the doors. Argh. Quotes range from £3k to £15k.
Also, does anyone know of a windows supplier that does not expect upfront payments? I have been told by all I've spoken with so far that I am expected to pay a deposit for the materials upfront and also pay for 50%-90% of the cost of labour before anyone even turns up to the house.
This does not seem to make any sense. All the risk of a supplier going bust before materials are delivered, of labour being sub-par are being put on to the customer. The workers presumably get paid by the company for work completed, rather than upfront. It seems like an unusual way to manage cashflow and concerns me that suppliers are not extending credit.
Every other job I'm having done, for example the new bathroom and flooring, is paid upon completion.
Any experience/advice/recommendations gratefully received. Thanks in advance.