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Experience of replacement windows is a completely pleasurable one. After all,
improving your home should be something you are pleased to do - not something you are dreading doing.
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How to avoid sales person
You can believe the salesperson about as much as you can believe everything you read in the papers.
On that basis you should find a way of double checking all the important facts and information given
to you that are relative to your personal reasons for buying, or for not buying.
The salesperson tries to persuade you to have fewer openings in your windows.
This is not that unusual and the reason is that the more openings you have - the more expensive it will be.
Perhaps the salesperson thinks that if the costs are too high then you will not do the work. Be especially
careful when comparing quotations to note the total number of openings each supplier is offering. After all,
it may be possible that one supplier is only cheaper because of fewer openings.
This Special Offer only holds good for one visit only (variations are offers ending this weekend,
month etc). Basically it is to put pressure on you to make a buying decision now. Fail to buy now and you lose the
discount! With very few exceptions we would always recommend "sleeping" on any buying decision. The only occasion
a time-specific-discount can be relevant is when you are buying an ex displaying model conservatory or something
that is end-of-range.
Our salesperson could not make it so I - the sales manager have come instead. The deal here is
that you will supposedly save money because the company will not be paying for any sales commission. (The manager
will put order through at a trade price etc.) This approach will often be followed by - can you please make a
decision now as I am a very busy person and I will not be able to call out next time or fail to buy now and we will
have to send out the sales person and off course the price will be higher.
If you are just about ready to make a decision - ask your potential supplier if there will be
any additional discount if you agree to have an installation board outside your home or act as a 'show home'? You
never know your luck - you might just get some additional discount.
Agree to be a show house and we will give you additional discount. This is another common 'play'
and while there may be some genuine offers around - you should realize that this is often just another attempt to get
you to make a decision now.
Very few designs are impossible. More often the salesperson does not know how it is done.
The answer here is to ask more companies to design and quote. Look out for companies that specialize in bespoke
designs and difficult sites. Bespoke Design
Energy Saving Tips
The first item you need to consider when looking at windows is where you live. If you live
in the North where you need to be concerned about heat loss, you will want to find the best insulation you can in a
window so you can retain the most heat. In window terms, you are looking for a high R-value.
Energy efficient home will save you money and provide greater comfort. Replacement
of windows that reduce heat loss and doors with more insulating power and fewer drafts.
Installing storm windows will increase the energy efficiency of your windows.
Energy Efficiency
Double-glazing will reduce heat loss through your windows by an estimated 10 - 12 %. You will
save money on your heating bills. However it will be a considerable time before you save enough money to "pay for
the windows" - so don't fit double-glazing for this reason alone.
Do It Yourself
You can save a few dollars (10% to 15% of the purchase price) by installing the windows yourself.
Do It Yourself
Visual Appearance
Replacing windows on your property can change the visual appearance of your home considerably.
You should choose a style that matches your property and enhances its looks. This is particularly important with
PVC and Aluminum designs when they are fitted to older properties. It's a good idea to look at properties similar
to yours in the area and compare the effect of various replacement window types.
Sometimes (but rarely) planning permission may be required in order to fit replacement windows.
This is particularly the case in "listed buildings" and "conservation areas". Also if you are "converting" a flat
window into a "bow" or "bay" window you may need planning permission. It's a good idea to always check this your self
with the local authority.Building Permits in Toronto
Sound Insulation
Fitting double-glazing in replacement windows will provide some sound insulation. However if your
primary motivation for fitting double-glazing is to reduce sound then secondary glazing, where you fit a new single
glazed frame in front of the existing (prime) window frame, will be better. The greater the "air gap" the better the
sound insulation.
Buying Tips
Don't accept the first price you are quoted. Get at least two - three estimates if you have
the time. Research all of the alternatives in terms of product and style.
Always ask your supplier how long the delivery will be. It's also a good idea to have this
stipulated on your contract. Additionally ask for an "estimate" of how long the work will take to complete once
they are on site.
It is also a good idea to make sure you have adequate numbers of opening windows. The simpler
the design and the fewer the openings - the "cheaper" the window. While you may end up with a price you like it's
more likely you will regret this option in the end - especially as badly designed windows can turn out to be a very
bad investment and even lower the value of a property.
Windows Maintenance
While PVCu and Aluminum frames are virtually maintenance free please note that the hinges and
mechanical parts such as locks will need regular lubrication etc. The frames will also benefit from an occasional
"wipe down". Special PVCu frame cleaners are available.
For timber frames you will need to paint every 3-5 years or, if you are using hardwood, oil or
varnish as appropriate. We recommend an annual "spring clean" for all windows and doors no matter whether they are
PVCU, Aluminum or Hardwood.
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