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.
Showing posts with label local window companies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label local window companies. Show all posts
Friday, 9 July 2010
Friday, 16 April 2010
Jargon Buster - Your Guide to Trade Bodies and Organisations related to the double glazing industry
When you're visiting individual window company websites or reading through literature you may have been left by a visiting window salesman, you'll see all kinds of logo's and banners proclaiming membership of that trade body or partnership with this scheme etc.
Some are purely trade associations whilst others are more focused on protecting the consumer rather than the company - offering everything from guarantees to arbitration services should the need arise. They will often have their own codes of conduct and standards that continued membership relies on adhering to.
But what do they all mean and what or who exactly to they protect? Here's a round up of the more common ones you're likely to come across:
FENSA - usually followed by a membership number:
FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme and was set up by the GGF (more on them below). One of the advantages of using a FENSA registered company is that when having new windows fitted, a FENSA registered company will be able to issue the required thermal performance certificate of compliance (energy rating certificate). FENSA is there to protect the homeowner.
GGF - Glass & Glazing Federation:
A trade association which represents companies who make, supply or fit glass and glass related products. GGF members are required to protect homeowners deposits. Members work to a code of practice - their conduct is monitored and regulated and your finished installation will comply with the Building Regulations. The GGF also provides a free conciliation service should a company and homeowner fail to settle any grievance.
BBA:
Recognised throughout the construction industry, providing information on the performance of construction materials and products.
Specifically - the BBA issue Agrèment Certificates which assess the competency of a company to install products acceptable to building regulations, councils and insurers alike.
Fairtrades - A multi trade association which helps members via increased marketing and awareness:
The homeowner benefits from using a quality company which adheres to the values of the Fairtrades Homeowner's Charter which expects it members to demonstrate the highest levels of customer service etc.
Trustmark - A not for profit organisation supported by the Government:
The badge reads "Government Endorsed Standards" - It means a firms skills have been independently checked through regular on-site inspections as well as checks having been made on their trading record and financial status. It's also supported by the building industry and consumer protection groups.
Secure by Design - Police initiative themed on designing out crime:
Products must have passed Secure by Design test standards. With an emphasis on home security and products standing up to intruders attempts to gain access. In the case of window and door design, this will cover areas like hinge protection as well as the locks themselves and the overall design of the window or door.
Energy Saving Trust - An organisation set up to help everybody use energy efficiently with the aim of reducing carbon emissions:
Working in collaboration with companies to help them engage customers and employees to save energy and recycle waste. With particular reference to housing and building professions, providing technical guidance and solutions to design, build and refurbish properties to a high level of energy efficiency.
FMB - Federation of Master Builders:
Promotes members as dependable, quality builders and tradespeople. It is the largest trade association in the UK building industry. They have their own complaint resolution service for the benefit of members and members customers.
CPA - Consumer Protection Association:
Another reliable contractor service - the CPA makes finding a safe, reliable contractor easier - its members are all fully vetted professional trades to ensure "impeccable standards of best practice are maintained". They offer their own guarantees and protection services for homeowners and tradesmen alike.
BS British Standards - the 'Kite Marks':
We've all seen the Kite Marks on everyday goods. There are specific BS Standards that refer to the build, strength, safety, security and thermal qualities of windows, doors and conservatories etc.
Most Kite Marks refer to the original manufacture of the frame or lock and not necessarily the installation company, although there are now BS standards for installation too.
Many of the trade associations listed above have membership fees which companies must renew annually. In addition, they may carry out independent checks and reviews that a particular member is upholding standards. Some like the CPA do carry out customer satisfaction surveys, the results of which may be published by the company or the CPA themselves.
At the end of the day, it is up to you - the homeowner - to satisfy yourself that the company you wish to engage to provide your home improvement is reliable and will do what it has agreed to. Whilst trade associations can help prove the 'worthiness' of a company, you may feel that speaking with previous customers or viewing work already carried out locally by a company is a good idea.
The WindowQuoter website provides the first step to re-assurance by giving you an online guide price for the work you want doing. You'll also get the opportunity to view first-hand feedback from other homeowners who've used companies local to you, to help you decide whether they're the right company for you and your home.
Some are purely trade associations whilst others are more focused on protecting the consumer rather than the company - offering everything from guarantees to arbitration services should the need arise. They will often have their own codes of conduct and standards that continued membership relies on adhering to.
But what do they all mean and what or who exactly to they protect? Here's a round up of the more common ones you're likely to come across:
FENSA - usually followed by a membership number:
FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme and was set up by the GGF (more on them below). One of the advantages of using a FENSA registered company is that when having new windows fitted, a FENSA registered company will be able to issue the required thermal performance certificate of compliance (energy rating certificate). FENSA is there to protect the homeowner.
GGF - Glass & Glazing Federation:
A trade association which represents companies who make, supply or fit glass and glass related products. GGF members are required to protect homeowners deposits. Members work to a code of practice - their conduct is monitored and regulated and your finished installation will comply with the Building Regulations. The GGF also provides a free conciliation service should a company and homeowner fail to settle any grievance.
BBA:
Recognised throughout the construction industry, providing information on the performance of construction materials and products.
Specifically - the BBA issue Agrèment Certificates which assess the competency of a company to install products acceptable to building regulations, councils and insurers alike.
Fairtrades - A multi trade association which helps members via increased marketing and awareness:
The homeowner benefits from using a quality company which adheres to the values of the Fairtrades Homeowner's Charter which expects it members to demonstrate the highest levels of customer service etc.
Trustmark - A not for profit organisation supported by the Government:
The badge reads "Government Endorsed Standards" - It means a firms skills have been independently checked through regular on-site inspections as well as checks having been made on their trading record and financial status. It's also supported by the building industry and consumer protection groups.
Secure by Design - Police initiative themed on designing out crime:
Products must have passed Secure by Design test standards. With an emphasis on home security and products standing up to intruders attempts to gain access. In the case of window and door design, this will cover areas like hinge protection as well as the locks themselves and the overall design of the window or door.
Energy Saving Trust - An organisation set up to help everybody use energy efficiently with the aim of reducing carbon emissions:
Working in collaboration with companies to help them engage customers and employees to save energy and recycle waste. With particular reference to housing and building professions, providing technical guidance and solutions to design, build and refurbish properties to a high level of energy efficiency.
FMB - Federation of Master Builders:
Promotes members as dependable, quality builders and tradespeople. It is the largest trade association in the UK building industry. They have their own complaint resolution service for the benefit of members and members customers.
CPA - Consumer Protection Association:
Another reliable contractor service - the CPA makes finding a safe, reliable contractor easier - its members are all fully vetted professional trades to ensure "impeccable standards of best practice are maintained". They offer their own guarantees and protection services for homeowners and tradesmen alike.
BS British Standards - the 'Kite Marks':
We've all seen the Kite Marks on everyday goods. There are specific BS Standards that refer to the build, strength, safety, security and thermal qualities of windows, doors and conservatories etc.
Most Kite Marks refer to the original manufacture of the frame or lock and not necessarily the installation company, although there are now BS standards for installation too.
Many of the trade associations listed above have membership fees which companies must renew annually. In addition, they may carry out independent checks and reviews that a particular member is upholding standards. Some like the CPA do carry out customer satisfaction surveys, the results of which may be published by the company or the CPA themselves.
At the end of the day, it is up to you - the homeowner - to satisfy yourself that the company you wish to engage to provide your home improvement is reliable and will do what it has agreed to. Whilst trade associations can help prove the 'worthiness' of a company, you may feel that speaking with previous customers or viewing work already carried out locally by a company is a good idea.
The WindowQuoter website provides the first step to re-assurance by giving you an online guide price for the work you want doing. You'll also get the opportunity to view first-hand feedback from other homeowners who've used companies local to you, to help you decide whether they're the right company for you and your home.
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Why is it getting harder to find a good local double glazing company?
Thinking of getting your windows or doors replaced, or having a new conservatory built? Where do you turn to get a competitive local quote?
Local newspapers, magazines and directories used to be full of companies. Not anymore.
The fact is that it still remains a very expensive way for window companies to attract new business. The installation prices reflect the large sums of money the window companies are having to claw back to cover their traditional advertising costs. Costs are either higher to home owners or discounts are tied into having the whole property included in the job rather than perhaps just two or three individual windows.
Thankfully, WindowQuoter has changed all of that.
10 Years ago, WindowQuoter introduced online pricing to the double glazing industry and homeowners alike. We were the first to introduce such a feature and our online system, today, is still serving over 3,500 homeowners every single week.
How does it help you?
1) Quite simply, you can get a FREE online quote there and then, without the need for any salesman to call you or visit your home.
2) We can source the best local companies with the most attractive discount schemes.
3) If you do want to take your online enquiry further (or you'd rather talk to someone on the phone) then we're here to help. We can match your location and the work you want doing with our nationwide database of over 6,500 approved local companies. They'll be happy to come round, measure the job professionally and give you a FREE written, no-obligation quote that's valid for 6 months.
How does it help the companies be so competitive on price?
1) You're able to support your local businesses and your local economy.
2) By saving money on traditional advertising (which is a very expensive by comparison to our service), the companies are able to save money - savings which they pass directly onto you, the homeowner, with more competitive quotes and bigger discounts - like their own window scrappage schemes, without you having to sacrifice quality.
3) We're able to forward homeowners specific to their own chosen area. This reduces their travelling time between appointments, reduces their costs again (which all get passed onto you) and you get the benefit of their local knowledge when it comes to your installation.
Too good to be true? It's been a reality for over 10 years now.
With more and more home improvement companies joining our approved database, so less and less of them continue with their local publication and directory advertising. So rather than it getting harder to find a local window company, we continue to make it a whole lot easier.
Visit WindowQuoter now and get your FREE online no-obligation quote, then if you're ready, we can talk to you and offer to match your details against local (and national) window companies - companies that are local to you.
Local newspapers, magazines and directories used to be full of companies. Not anymore.
The fact is that it still remains a very expensive way for window companies to attract new business. The installation prices reflect the large sums of money the window companies are having to claw back to cover their traditional advertising costs. Costs are either higher to home owners or discounts are tied into having the whole property included in the job rather than perhaps just two or three individual windows.
Thankfully, WindowQuoter has changed all of that.
10 Years ago, WindowQuoter introduced online pricing to the double glazing industry and homeowners alike. We were the first to introduce such a feature and our online system, today, is still serving over 3,500 homeowners every single week.
How does it help you?
1) Quite simply, you can get a FREE online quote there and then, without the need for any salesman to call you or visit your home.
2) We can source the best local companies with the most attractive discount schemes.
3) If you do want to take your online enquiry further (or you'd rather talk to someone on the phone) then we're here to help. We can match your location and the work you want doing with our nationwide database of over 6,500 approved local companies. They'll be happy to come round, measure the job professionally and give you a FREE written, no-obligation quote that's valid for 6 months.
How does it help the companies be so competitive on price?
1) You're able to support your local businesses and your local economy.
2) By saving money on traditional advertising (which is a very expensive by comparison to our service), the companies are able to save money - savings which they pass directly onto you, the homeowner, with more competitive quotes and bigger discounts - like their own window scrappage schemes, without you having to sacrifice quality.
3) We're able to forward homeowners specific to their own chosen area. This reduces their travelling time between appointments, reduces their costs again (which all get passed onto you) and you get the benefit of their local knowledge when it comes to your installation.
Too good to be true? It's been a reality for over 10 years now.
With more and more home improvement companies joining our approved database, so less and less of them continue with their local publication and directory advertising. So rather than it getting harder to find a local window company, we continue to make it a whole lot easier.
Visit WindowQuoter now and get your FREE online no-obligation quote, then if you're ready, we can talk to you and offer to match your details against local (and national) window companies - companies that are local to you.
Monday, 8 February 2010
Double glazing quotes? Search by Town for local window companies
Just a quick note - we've noticed that some of our homeowner visits to WindowQuoter (online double glazing quotes) like to specify their town name in order to try and get a more local company.
So we've made it really easy for you by providing a page per town resource of double glazing information just for you.
In addition to being able to get an instant online double glazing quote, you can also read feedback from other customers in your area who've used our service as well as check out what the competition is like between window companies in your town - are you lucky enough to be spoilt for choice or are there fewer companies than the national average hoping to attract your business?
Click here to see an example page for Derby, Derbyshire.
We can even tell you how many other households in your town have used our online service in the past 12 months.
Another reason why over 3,500 homeowners every week trust the 'Quoter family of websites to get an online quote for their next home improvement project. Click here to join them by getting your FREE, no-oblgation, online home improvement quote now.
So we've made it really easy for you by providing a page per town resource of double glazing information just for you.
In addition to being able to get an instant online double glazing quote, you can also read feedback from other customers in your area who've used our service as well as check out what the competition is like between window companies in your town - are you lucky enough to be spoilt for choice or are there fewer companies than the national average hoping to attract your business?
Click here to see an example page for Derby, Derbyshire.
We can even tell you how many other households in your town have used our online service in the past 12 months.
Another reason why over 3,500 homeowners every week trust the 'Quoter family of websites to get an online quote for their next home improvement project. Click here to join them by getting your FREE, no-oblgation, online home improvement quote now.
Monday, 5 October 2009
Recycled upvc double glazing - are your old windows being recycled?
We Can Recycle It. We Have the Technology.
Recycling used uPVC windows, doors and other glazing products is not the stuff of science fiction - the technology is there and commercially available, so you should make sure you ask your supplier what they will do with the old units they're replacing.
Most homes in Britain now have recycling bins alongside their normal waste collection, and most people have become used to the idea of recycling their household waste wherever possible.
So it makes sense that many of us worry about what happens to our used window units when we have them replaced. The units are not small, large amounts of uPVC from window frames, sadly, still ends up going in to landfill, where it can pollute and damage the environment.
This is all the more galling when you realise that there's no longer a serious technological barrier to recycling the PVC used in windows - technology has progressed to the point where PVC can be recycled not just once, but many times over before it becomes unusable. The process itself is also remarkably efficient and the chemicals used in recycling can be used many times over without losing their effectiveness.
In 2008 over 50,000 tonnes of recovered PVC was recycled in 2008, up from around 42,000 tonnes in 2007. Whilst this is great progress, and indeed puts Britain ahead of the rest of Europe in terms of the amount of PVC we recycle, it is still estimated to represent less than 10% of the PVC wastage we create in Britain.
This is why it's important to ask your window supplier, indeed all of the three window suppliers >Window Quoter can help you get in touch with, what they will be doing with the windows they remove from your house; whether they are part of a PVC recycling scheme; and - even more importantly - whether the new frames they are install will be at least partially constructed from recycled PVC.
When you buy recycled products, you're helping to reduce the amount of landfill sites we need, reduce the amount of pollution we cause, and lessen the impact of our species on the planet. Don't forget to check.
Recycling used uPVC windows, doors and other glazing products is not the stuff of science fiction - the technology is there and commercially available, so you should make sure you ask your supplier what they will do with the old units they're replacing.
Most homes in Britain now have recycling bins alongside their normal waste collection, and most people have become used to the idea of recycling their household waste wherever possible.
So it makes sense that many of us worry about what happens to our used window units when we have them replaced. The units are not small, large amounts of uPVC from window frames, sadly, still ends up going in to landfill, where it can pollute and damage the environment.
This is all the more galling when you realise that there's no longer a serious technological barrier to recycling the PVC used in windows - technology has progressed to the point where PVC can be recycled not just once, but many times over before it becomes unusable. The process itself is also remarkably efficient and the chemicals used in recycling can be used many times over without losing their effectiveness.
In 2008 over 50,000 tonnes of recovered PVC was recycled in 2008, up from around 42,000 tonnes in 2007. Whilst this is great progress, and indeed puts Britain ahead of the rest of Europe in terms of the amount of PVC we recycle, it is still estimated to represent less than 10% of the PVC wastage we create in Britain.
This is why it's important to ask your window supplier, indeed all of the three window suppliers >Window Quoter can help you get in touch with, what they will be doing with the windows they remove from your house; whether they are part of a PVC recycling scheme; and - even more importantly - whether the new frames they are install will be at least partially constructed from recycled PVC.
When you buy recycled products, you're helping to reduce the amount of landfill sites we need, reduce the amount of pollution we cause, and lessen the impact of our species on the planet. Don't forget to check.
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
Local Window Companies and how to find them
Window companies – finding a local window company.
You wouldn't think so but sometimes finding a local window company (or companies) to call round and give you a quote for your double glazing can prove a bit tricky.
Especially so when a local window fitting company is really a regional office for a larger concern.
So why go to the trouble of getting a quote from a local company in the first place? Well, for a start, very often a local company will have prior knowledge of particular planning issues that may affect the work you want doing. They may have come across these when carrying out another local installation.
Secondly, they should be better placed to provide local examples of previous double glazing installations they've carried out. It may be possible to check with the homeowners if they were satisfied with the finished job first hand.
WindowQuoter can help you get up to 3 written quotations from local double glazing companies.
Our free service lets you enter your own measurements online and get an instant price guide there and then. We can then conduct a search using our vast database of over 3000 companies across the UK to find you up to three local quotations. Written and valid for 6 months.
Click here to get your instant online local window company quote now.
You wouldn't think so but sometimes finding a local window company (or companies) to call round and give you a quote for your double glazing can prove a bit tricky.
Especially so when a local window fitting company is really a regional office for a larger concern.
So why go to the trouble of getting a quote from a local company in the first place? Well, for a start, very often a local company will have prior knowledge of particular planning issues that may affect the work you want doing. They may have come across these when carrying out another local installation.
Secondly, they should be better placed to provide local examples of previous double glazing installations they've carried out. It may be possible to check with the homeowners if they were satisfied with the finished job first hand.
WindowQuoter can help you get up to 3 written quotations from local double glazing companies.
Our free service lets you enter your own measurements online and get an instant price guide there and then. We can then conduct a search using our vast database of over 3000 companies across the UK to find you up to three local quotations. Written and valid for 6 months.
Click here to get your instant online local window company quote now.
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