Buyer’s Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Buying New Windows & Doors
It can be a mindfield out there. Despite a much more regulated industry these days, there are still companies out there that will use high pressure sales tactics and tricks such as “too good to miss” offers to get you to sign up. When you’re spending a lot of money improving your home, you want to be sure you are making the right choices.
Here we set the facts straight and present our quick guide on how to purchase your double glazing and the all important questions you should be asking your installer. (Psst, our Blog has a whole lot of useful articles too).
Be Aware of Dubious Sales Tactics
Certain salespeople will sometimes quote a higher price to begin with, which they will then discount over the course of their sales visit. The price you’re finally quoted could drop by as much a half or more in an attempt to get you to sign up there and then. From much of the feedback we receive, this seems to be a more common practice in big-name companies.
At Ruislip Windows we want to make the whole experience of buying your new windows and doors a pleasant one. That’s why we won’t engage in any high pressure sales tactics or dubious sales practices, just to get your job. We give honest, practical advice and a realistic quote without any “signing up” deadlines. And we give you plenty of time to think about it, too. When we visit your home to give you the quote, we won’t spend all evening there either. Usually 30-45 minutes is more than adequate.
Choosing Window Designs
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. It’s a good idea to look at properties similar to yours in the area and compare the effect of various replacement window types. It is also a good idea to ensure that you have adequate numbers of opening windows. Fire escape hinges should always be fitted to casement bedroom windows.
Discuss the technological benefits of different window and door systems so that you can get a feel for how knowledgeable and professional the company seems.
Building Regulations
Self Certification: Competent Persons Schemes
New windows and doors installed in your property must comply with current building regulation and thermal performance standards. This can be achieved in two ways: by either requesting an inspection from your local authority to confirm the installation does meet the latest standards, or by using an installer who is enrolled in a self-certification scheme, such as Fensa or Certass. Installers can self-certify compliance under the Building Regulations without the need for a separate assessment from the local authority. Work carried out by a self-certified installer must:
- Offer a deposit protection scheme
- Offer a guarantee on the products installed
- Offer an insurance-backed warranty to cover the installer's guarantee
Ruislip Windows offer insurance backed warranties from Quality Assured National Warranties on all our installed products.
You can find out more about QANW here.
Check the Guarantee Carefully
A guarantee is not worth the paper it’s written on if it’s not insurance-backed and the installer goes out of business. Installers who are registered members of a self certification scheme are legally obliged to have insurance policies in place. These are like an insolvency guarantee and only become effective if a company should go out of business.
If a registered business takes a deposit in advance of an installation, they must give some form of deposit indemnity. This could be a trade association deposit indemnity scheme, or credit card protection. A registered business must also give a guarantee or warranty covering the cost of completing rectification work in respect of defects and in the event of ceasing to trade and offer to back this guarantee with an independent insurance policy.
Customer Experience
Where practical, try to view other work carried out by the company and speak to previous customers. Try and ask specific questions such as, “Did they turn up on time?”, “Was anything missing and how quickly was this rectified?”, “Did they leave the site clean and tidy?”. Don’t always expect perfect answers!
Doors
Conservatories
What Our Customers Are Saying About Us
The quality of the window is excellent and has made a huge difference to the room. The fitters were professional, friendly, and extremely polite. They completed the installation to a very high standard, worked efficiently, and left everything clean and tidy afterwards.
I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking for new windows or doors and I will definitely be using them again in the future.
From the initial quotation through to the measuring and final installation, everything was handled smoothly and professionally. The whole process felt well organised, and we were kept informed every step of the way.
A special mention has to go to Ross and Lee, the fitters, who were absolutely fantastic. They were professional, friendly, and incredibly hardworking. Their attention to detail was outstanding, and nothing was ever too much trouble—they took real care to make sure everything was completed to the highest standard.
The end result looks amazing, and the quality of the workmanship really shows. We would not hesitate to recommend Ruislip Windows to anyone looking for excellent service and top-quality installation.
Their post-sales customer services is also excellent. Many thanks.
We are delighted with the look and quality of our new windows and doors and have already noticed a considerable difference in the warmth in our home (we had single glazing previously.
We would also like to thank and give a big commendation to the Installation team of Tom and Lee. They were throughly professional, courteous and friendly in doing an outstanding job. A particular thank you to Tom, the Lead installer who went above and beyond in making good and ensuring that we were happy customers.
Thank you to all at Ruislip Windows and the highest recommendation.
The fitters Fernando and Casio were great. Did a great job cleaning up after a quick installation.
Altogether an impressive result.
We have used Ruislip Windows before and would recommend them to anyone that asked.
Thank you to everyone we spoke to, we are well pleased with the final item.
Steve and Jenny Welsh
We received a text, within the period advised by the surveyor, asking us when would be a convenient time for the installation.
On the day of the installation the first fitter arrived early in the morning and started removing the old windows and doors. Soon after a second van arrived with the replacement doors and windows and installation commenced. The men worked non stop and completed mid-afternoon. The surrounds of doors and windows were repaired where necessary. The old fittings were removed and all the rubbish swept up and cleared away.
We were shown how the locks and the internal blinds worked.
Overall we are very satisfied with the new doors and windows and the workmanship of the fitters. We would certainly recommend Ruislip Windows and Doors Ltd to anyone.
Our 40 Year Tried & Trusted Process
We’ve been fitting double glazed windows, doors, and conservatories for four decades. Our proven process delivers outstanding results time after time, giving customers excellent installations on every project.
Book an Appointment
Free Quote
One of our experts will visit your home to measure up and discuss your options. You’ll then receive a clear, no-obligation quotation.
Confirm Date
Once you’re happy to go ahead, we’ll schedule your installation for a date that suits you best, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Job Complete
Our experienced fitters complete every job to the highest standard, leaving your home tidy and your new windows, doors, or conservatory ready to enjoy.