Having windows, doors, or a conservatory installed means inviting strangers into your home and trusting that they will treat it with respect. You need them to complete the job you are paying them for on time, on budget and with minimum disruption.
Get it wrong, and you could be left with a poor installation that leaves your home vulnerable to break-ins, leaks and falling foul of building regulations.
But with so many companies offering similar services and making grand promises, how do you find a quality installer?
With over 25 years of experience supplying and installing windows, doors, and conservatories, we feel qualified to offer some guidance. In this blog, we’ll explain how to choose a window installer, what to look for for peace of mind, and a few red flags to avoid.
Verify Certifications
Professional installation experts should be accredited by CERTASS or hold FENSA membership.
CERTASS
CERTASS is a Competent Person Scheme (CPS) approved by the UK government to ensure that tradespeople are qualified to perform installations that meet UK Building Regulations. Particularly prevalent in the window installation business, it allows fitters to certify their own work as compliant with the latest UK building regulations, cutting out the need for a third-party inspector.
As CERTASS only certifies installers whose work and products are of the highest quality, it offers reassurance to homeowners.
FENSA
FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme) is a similar government-authorised scheme that certifies and regularly assesses installation companies to ensure they consistently deliver compliant work of the highest industry standards.
Only CERTASS-accredited or FENSA-approved fitters can issue certificates that certify your installation adheres to building regulations. These certificates are registered with the local council and are supported by insurance-backed guarantees. If you try to sell your house without one, you may run into problems. The lack of such a certificate is a red flag for estate agents and potential buyers, lowering the property value and making it harder to secure a sale.
Manchester Window Factory is a CERTASS member.
We are also members of the Consumer Protection Association, meaning we can offer an Insurance Backed Guarantee that covers 100% of the contract value – some IBG providers cover as little as 25%.
Transparent Quotations
Any window and door company worth their salt should offer you a free detailed quotation upfront. This should be freely provided, based on your measurements and specifications and include a breakdown of the potential costs.
There should be no obligation or pressure, just a clear, concise list of costs and an agreement for the next steps.
Red Flags:
- Vague pricing
- Lump-sum pricing
- Pressure to use their services
We are happy to provide a full, transparent cost breakdown after the initial consultation and answer any questions you may have regarding the work. Please contact our sales team for more information.
Installation Quality
A quality window installation will fit seamlessly, look smooth and professional and be simple to operate – opening and closing easily.
Some common issues that can occur in a poor installation include:
- Uneven or misaligned frames.
- Water leaks or moisture build-up.
- Visible cracks or damage.
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Company Longevity and Reputation
It is difficult to stay active in a competitive industry, let alone to do so while offering poor service and/or subpar products.
Word spreads quickly when people feel cheated or let down, so chalking up several years in the business suggests that a company is doing something right.
Another thing to check is which manufacturers a company uses. For example, we work with global glazing innovators Pilkington, who supply our textured glass, Activ Solar roof panels and more.
Check Reviews and Testimonials
While longevity and associations with quality manufacturers are good indicators of a company’s credibility, you should also check independent review sites such as TrustPilot and TrustATrader. Customers tend to write reviews if they are thrilled or furious about a product or service they have received. Window installer reviews are no exception.
Genuine independent positive reviews are a significant indicator of a high-quality business.
Red Flags:
- Vague pricing
- Lump-sum pricing
- Pressure to use their services
We are happy to provide a full, transparent cost breakdown after the initial consultation and answer any questions you may have regarding the work. Please contact our sales team for more information.
Aftercare Support
A reputable company will offer aftercare support. This includes insurance-backed guarantees, clear policies, and advice on maintenance and cleaning.
In the unlikely event that something goes wrong, we want to fix it. That’s why we employ a full-time service engineer to fix snags, typically within 48 hours.
Red Flags:
- Vague warranty terms and conditions
- No mention of aftercare
Conclusion
Finding a reputable window installer can be a challenge. We hope this blog has helped you to identify some key aspects to look for (and those to avoid) when choosing a company to install your windows.
We operate across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and much of the North West. So, if you are in the area, why not give us a call?
How to Get in Touch
To request a free brochure, you can call us on 0161 976 4739, use our contact form or chat with us via the chat button at the bottom right of this website. If you live locally, you can also visit our Altrincham showroom, and check our contacts page for up-to-date opening hours.
We look forward to hearing from you!
FAQs
As noted above, a reputable window installer will be CERTASS-certified, FENSA-accredited, or both. They should also be a member of the Competent Persons Scheme. At a minimum, they should hold a Minimum Technical Competencies (MTC) certificate, as this is a legal requirement for window and door fitters.
The windows should have British Fenestration Rating Council Certification (BFRC) to ensure they meet UK energy standards, PAS-24 for British Police standards of security, and Secured by Design accredited.
Sometimes, a poor installation is obvious, such as a big gap between the frame and the wall. However, sometimes it is more subtle. Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Smaller gaps between the wall and window frame or the frame and the window sill.
- Draughts – it can be harder to tell during the warmer months, but a tissue or a candle can help you find air leaks.
- Hearing ambient sounds through the window.
- Windows that are hard to open or get stuck frequently.
- Windows that are tricky to close or lock.
- Scraping or catching when opening or closing could mean misalignment.
- Water leaks.
- Condensation.
- Cold spots near the window.
- Messy or uneven caulking.
A standard guarantee or warranty gives the buyer basic protection for a short period. An insurance-backed guarantee (IBG) typically lasts 10 years and protects the purchaser from faulty installation, even if the installers go out of business.
This means that if problems occur from poor installation, you can claim your money back for any defects, even if the company is no longer operating under the same name or has ceased trading entirely.
Without an IGB, it can be very difficult to make a claim, particularly if the installation company no longer exists, leaving the homeowner often thousands of pounds poorer with a faulty installation they then have to pay someone else to fix.