Choosing the right wooden windows can feel overwhelming. With so many companies and options available, it’s not easy to know where to start. That’s why we’ve created this simple guide to help you ask the right questions and compare your options fairly and confidently.
1. Why Does the Company’s Background Matter?
It’s easy to focus on the products, but who you’re buying from matters just as much. Here’s what to look for:
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Track record and stability: Has the company been around a while? Are they financially secure? This is vital not only for your deposit but also for aftercare and guarantees.
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Relevant experience: Have they worked on similar properties? Listed buildings, for example, require specialist knowledge. You don’t want to be part of someone else’s learning curve.
Top Tip: Be cautious of newly formed “phoenix” companies offering long guarantees. Always do your research.
2. Who’s Really Delivering the Work?
Many companies use subcontractors or act as middlemen. That can cause confusion if something goes wrong.
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Choose a company that does it all: When one team handles the sale, survey, manufacture and installation, you know exactly who’s responsible. If multiple parties are involved, it can lead to blame-shifting and poor communication.
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Simplify your supply chain: Fewer suppliers means better coordination, fewer invoices, better pricing, and one point of contact for your guarantee.
Top Tip: Visit the factory and meet the people who’ll be working on your windows. It tells you a lot about the company.
3. What Type of Product Are You Really Getting?
The materials and methods used say a lot about a manufacturer’s values.
- Look at the setup: Mass-produced windows from automated factories can offer consistent quality at a lower price, but they’re rarely bespoke. Smaller workshops often provide craftsmanship with more variation. The best companies combine modern machinery with experienced joiners.
- Check the specification: Timber choice makes a big difference. Softwoods may last only a few years. Modified timbers like Accoya can last over 60. Add factory finishing and microporous paint, and you’ll see a huge difference in quality and lifespan.
Top Tip: Work out your budget and desired service life. Then create a clear comparison chart based on specification, not just price.
4. What Does the Guarantee Really Cover?
Guarantees can sound impressive, but they’re not always straightforward.
- Read the small print: Some guarantees cover everything. Others offer different terms for different components. The simpler it is to understand, the more likely the company will honour it.
- Watch out for maintenance clauses: Some guarantees only apply if you follow strict routines, such as oiling the hardware every six months. These requirements can be used to avoid responsibility.
- Check company history: If a business has gone bankrupt and reformed, their previous guarantees will be void, even if they’re operating from the same site with the same team.
Top Tip: If a guarantee sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Ask for clarification on every clause.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide makes your window-buying journey a little easier. We encourage detailed comparisons. When all the facts are on the table, we’re confident our products and service stand out.
Need advice on your project or want help comparing options? Contact our team and we’ll be happy to talk it through.