Do I really need to get 3 quotes?

There are a number of advantages to getting more than one quote for a project as big as a major home improvement.

How do you know you're paying the correct price for the job if you have nothing to compare it against?

You can compare how companies treat their customers.
You can compare quality of materials (and workmanship if you have the opportunity).
Different companies have different offers - which one suits you the best?
You may have a wider choice of payment options.
Guarantees and after sales differ from company to company.
You have more choice over when the job is started / completed.

As the list above demonstrates, it's not always about price. Many of our homeowners go on to leave us feedback that proves they haven't always chosen the cheapest quote put before them.

Because each and every home improvement is unique to you, the same company isn't always going to be the best one for the job. As we can see above, getting a range of quotes gives you more options, more flexibility and ultimately more choice.

A home improvement like replacing your windows, having a new kitchen fitted or a driveway laid is going to last you a long time. It's so vitally important to be totally happy with the company you finally chose to carry out the work.

It's very easy to get a range of quotes to consider - using our online 'Quoter family of websites gives you an instant online quote which you can then opt to have confirmed by the best three companies in your area based on quality and price.

You get to read real feedback left by previous homeowners on these companies, before you let any of them through your door!

Big window company versus little window company

Should you choose a large national company or go with the smaller, local company? That's a question that faces hundreds of home improvers each week.

We take a quick look at some of the Pro's and Con's of each:

The large national company:

The Pro's:

- Potentially bigger buying power, means potentially better prices.
- A name you've heard of.
- Lots of information, brochures and previous examples.
- Operate nationwide - usually with local dedicated fitting teams.
- Will probably manufacture their own windows/frames etc.

The Con's:

- You may be paying for the name / branding & glossy brochures.
- Bigger company doesn't necessarily mean better service.
- May not be aware of local planning issues.
- Little room for negotiating discounts.

The local company.

The Pro's

- Better localised service.
- Should be aware of local planning issues.
- More ready to discount. Less overheads means better prices.
- Other completed jobs nearby to judge against.
- Not tied to one frame manufacturer.
- Should be aware of local planning issues.

The Con's

- Little potential for discounts on single items.
- May not make their own window frames etc.
- May use contractors to complete certain stages e.g plumbing & wiring issues.
- Possible an unknown name / no trading history.

We've highlighted just a few of the pro's and con's of using a national company as opposed to a local company and vice-versa.

Of course, being a national company is no guarantee of quality or that they won't go out of business. Unfortunately, being a local company, even when they're members of various professional trade bodies isn't either.

One of the best ways of comparing companies is to read first hand customer reviews left by other homeowners who've used the companies operating in your area. As the Federation of Small Businesses own advice recently stated (with particular regard to double glazing companies) that the best way for homeowners to ensure they were hiring a reputable company was to read independent feedback left by previous customers. Click here to read some recent examples we've collected.

WindowQuoter goes one better. First, using our clever website gives you a price in minutes, without the need for a salesman ever to call you. Then later if you'd like to use our company matching service, you'll get to read genuine feedback comments left by other homeowners, to help you make an informed decision about both national and local companies operating in your area.

Remember, many local companies won't advertise because of the high costs and low returns involved, preferring to work on word-of-mouth or matching services like ourselves, so you may not be fully aware exactly which companies cover your area.

Click here to get your free, no-obligation online double glazing quote now and see how much you could save.