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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.
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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