Windows + Doors - Help with some quotes please!

Hi

Great forum, its a minefield when it comes to buying double glazing.

Our current windows are double glazed PVC and were originally installed by Stormseal some 30+ years ago.

Rosewood on White Windows/Door: (Measurements are thereabouts!)

1 x 90 x 165 - Toughened Glass - Top opener
1 x 60 x 95 - Obscure Glass - Full Opener
1 x 123 x 196 - Toughened Glass - Top and Side
1 x 123 x 196 - Top and Side Opener
1 x 90 x 190 - Top opener
1 x 170 x 115 - Side Opener
2 x 170 x 178 - Two top openers

Rear Door: 85 x 195
Front Door: Door: 80 x 200 + Side Panel: 35 x 200 + Arch (with house number): 66 x 115

I’ve had a few quotes which I’d really appreciate your feedback on please (Based in North West):

Quote 1 > Selecta Advance 70 > Grade Not Sure > 2 x Solidor - £5300 - Certass + Insurance Guarantee

This quote has some price flexibility, could bring it down a notch. There’s not a lot of info on the profile, I have a pic that the installer sent - seems the middle of the profile (on the left in the pic) is rather hollow. Is that acceptable? Veka and Halo have smaller centre chambers (not sure of the correct terminology). Image: http://bit.ly/1JUcU7G

Quote 2 > Kommerling C70 > Grade: Not Sure > 2 x Solidor - £5300 - No Certass + No Insurance Guarantee

Good frames from what I understand. shame about the cert + warranty.

Quote 3 > Rehau 70 > Grade C: £5800 > 2 x Solidor - Certass + Insurance Guarantee

Quote 4 > Veka > Grade: Not Sure > 2 x Solidor - £6000 - Certass + Network Veka

Quote 5 > Halo > Grade: Not Sure > 2 x Solidor - £6050 - Certass + Insurance Guarantee

Thanks everyone!

Firstly they are big brand names so should be nothing to worry about with the makes (although I haven't seen Selecta's windows in the last 15 years in my area).
Personally for aesthetics I prefer Liniar and Eurocell, but its just down to what you like the look and feel of.

Secondly I would avoid quote 2 unless he has a very good reason for "No guarantee or Fensa/Certass"

Thirdly why are they quoting C rated? Have you asked for the cheapest prices possible? Generally A rated over C rated only cost about £10-15 per glass unit and it is worth the extra few pounds.

Other than that its all about the fitting and who you think will do the best job. Facebook is good for asking friends and family who did their windows and whether or not they would recommend the company's that did it. You can then even pop around to see the job possibly.

As a general rule small local company's who have been around for a while are your best bet for a good job.

Many thanks for taking the time to reply – appreciate it.

I haven’t come across Selecta previously until the installer quoted me. The profile just seems really hollow in the middle if that makes a difference.
I did have a quote for Liniar + Composite doors for £4300 but wasn't sure if Liniar is any good.

Everyone who has turned up has offered frames + glass C rated. On the Rehau A rated frames + glass is an additional 25%

All the quotes have been from local companies – it’s a tough one!

You probably have tried but I would definitley recommend the following two firms. (No connection with them whatsoever!)

Higher Walton Glass

Trade Windows & Doors, Preston

Liniar is my personal favorite and is the main frame I use and sell.

One of the nicest moldings in my opinion and a good smooth plastic that cleans easily. Its a British company and because they are fairly new all the profiles are new designs. Many other brands are using 20-30 year old window designs that have been tweaked to meet modern regs rather than replace all their machines.

Liniar was actually started by the previous owners of another big brand. They sold the the brand and then started again from fresh taking along all the best ideas with them and improving further.

But as I said its all about the fitting!

A rubbish window fitted well is better than a great window fitted poorly.

ALL window companies registered to Certass or Fensa have to offer Insurance Backed Guarantees now....If they are not offering it walk away!

Is quote 2 a builder by any chance?

ibruceuk said:

You probably have tried but I would definitley recommend the following two firms. (No connection with them whatsoever!)

Higher Walton Glass

Trade Windows & Doors, Preston

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Many thanks for the recommendations, I have come across Higher Walton Glass - good reviews.

Gazman16 said:

Liniar is my personal favorite and is the main frame I use and sell.

One of the nicest moldings in my opinion and a good smooth plastic that cleans easily. Its a British company and because they are fairly new all the profiles are new designs. Many other brands are using 20-30 year old window designs that have been tweaked to meet modern regs rather than replace all their machines.

Liniar was actually started by the previous owners of another big brand. They sold the the brand and then started again from fresh taking along all the best ideas with them and improving further.

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Thanks for the info on Liniar. The installer who wanted to fit Liniar doesn't install Solidor. I wanted to have it all supplied and fitted by one outfit.

The Liniar mouldings do look a lot nicer than Rehau IMO.

Gazman16 said:

But as I said its all about the fitting!

A rubbish window fitted well is better than a great window fitted poorly.

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I agree which is why I'm so scared of picking which installer to go with, don't want to get in a situation where the fitting is abysmal. You hear all these horror stories.

ronniecabers said:

ALL window companies registered to Certass or Fensa have to offer Insurance Backed Guarantees now....If they are not offering it walk away!

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I'm surprised at how many aren't. They don't think its necessary!

DHFrames said:

Is quote 2 a builder by any chance?

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No from a double glazing "company" shockingly!

I managed to get the first quote down to £4900, but to throw a spanner in the works another non-certified / no insurance outfit have offered to do the same for £4000 which is tempting to say the least!

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply and my apologies for the late reply. I went on holiday then got busy with family weddings, never ending!