What should I pay for new Windows & Doors?

Window

What should I pay for new windows and doors?

Craig Smith, Copperfield Windows discusses why we should often be wary of the discounts offered.

In the summer Zenith Staybrite Ltd admitted ten offences under Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations following an investigation by Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards*. This included five offences of engaging in an unfair commercial practice by quoting an initial inflated price before applying a number of discounts to give the impression of a bargain. The firm also pleaded guilty to five counts of engaging in an unfair commercial practice by falsely stating that products would be available at a particular price for a limited time to persuade customers to make an immediate decision. In one case, a householder was initially quoted £52,120 for a replacement set of uPVC windows, fascias and guttering before a series of discounts were applied giving a final price of £22,362. And they aren’t alone. 

So this begs the question, how much should you pay for double glazing? There is no simple answer but new windows should never cost £50,000 plus!

Tip 1 Not all window systems are manufactured to the same standards

There is a big difference in quality between the different window systems that your new windows could be made from. A white PVC-U energy efficient window, may look the same but they aren't. 

Always ask about its Window Energy Rating (WER). This provides a measure of performance based on a simple colour coded scale in the same way as white goods running from ‘A’ to ‘G’. Also choose a window system which has strong fixing points for hardware - a key factor in the security of your new PVC windows and doors.

Our energy efficient, low maintenance and high security windows are manufactured in Optima, a high performance six chamber energy efficient system from Profile 22, a British-owned and based systems company.

Tip 2 Glass – generally you’ll see through it but that’s where the similarity ends!

There are lots of different options of glass. This can also have a huge impact on the price. Do your research, remember new windows should last for a long time once installed.

All of the double and triple-glazed glass units that we supply our done so through our glazing partner Pilkington. These use smart low-e coatings on glass - a one-way door for trapping and holding energy. We also use warm-edge spacer bars which separate the sheets of glass in double and triple-glazed units to put ‘space’ between the cold air outside and warm air inside, insulating it in the process.

Tip 3 Security is one of the most important features of new windows and doors so make sure you pick wisely

Most modern windows feature multi-point locking system and anti-burglar handles and hardware but as always there are cheaper specifications on the market which won’t deliver the same high levels of security as other systems.

Our windows feature eight-point locking as standard and nine point locking on larger window sizes. As well as locking the window along the sash, our heavy duty multi-point locking system provides a dedicate fix in corners. These have been Independently tested to 6,000N force - more than double the requirements set out in the BSI 7950 Security test. All of the composite entrance doors that we supply are also police accredited Secured by Design as standard.

Tip 4 Choose a window company that’s established in your local area

Choose a company with a good reputation. Again, do some research!

Tip 5 If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!

There is always room to move on price but 60 per cent discounts are unrealistic. We wouldn't be in business if we offered this. We’ll always try and work with our customers to keep costs to a minimum but also always start at a realistic price point. We don’t offer huge discounts but we do offer great value and the peace of mind that goes with purchasing from a successful business.

Like anyone in business, we’re here to make a profit but not rip our customers off.

For more information email admin.copperfield@btconnect.com or call a member of our team on 02476 452688