Although cost is an important consideration, it certainly should not be the sole criteria on which one should purchase replacement double glazing, as quality and durability of the product, along with a professional installation should figure in one’s decision making process. In addition, the savings on your fuel bills that follows on after fitting energy efficient double glazing, should also play a part in deciding which product to install, so although energy rated windows tend to cost more than standard double glazing products, focus on the benefits to your living environment, reduced maintenance and the long term saving on your heating bills that thermally effiecient double glazing delivers.
Modern double glazed windows are also aesthetically pleased, increase security, add value to your property, reduce noise pollution and resist the build up of condensation.
The UK double glazed window and door market is competitive, so dealing direct with a manufacturer is less likely to cause problems in the future than if you buy through “a middle man” who ends up not having the resources to deliver on whatever guarantee you were promised. Obviously costs do vary between suppliers, as does the quality of the product, and installation knowledge and expertise. It is therefore wise to do your research and find out who exactly (and where!) will be fabricating and fitting the replacement windows and doors you require, as the last thing you want is to fork out on a major investment that ends up costing you nothing but time, money and hassle in the future should anything be/go wrong with either the products or installation.
Price is not the be all and end all, especially if you want high quality, energy saving replacement windows and doors, so be wary of any quotation that apparently is considerably “cheaper”, as there is always a reason, so check the specification carefully, as well as visit the showroom of your chosen home improvement partner, so you know what you are going to get before you get it.
Finally, never rush a decision, plus allow sufficient time (2-3 months) for survey, ordering of raw materials, fabrication and installation. Better to take your time and get it right first time, than opt for a cowboy who surprisingly can offer you a quick installation date. For genuine peace of mind, choose a company who do not require a deposit, as then you stay in complete control, as there is nothing to pay until your installation is completed.
CATAGORY|Windows & Doors
The one thing I’ve found at Hazlemere Windows, is that they faithfully communicate with the growing numbers of customers, year on year, keeping them up to date with the many technological advances and legal changes (constantly occuring it seems!) affecting the double glazing industry.
The Hazlemere Group wrote to every single customer/household on their database in June 2010, informing them of the significant changes to the building regulations after 30th September 2010. Property owners now only have 30 days including today to purchase our most affordable windows that meet current legal requirements. From 1st October 2010 onwards, we will only be able to provide them with windows that have an energy rating of C or higher.
I do however think it is important to point out that our double glazing that has less than a C rating still delivers excellent benefits, and is without doubt a much better option than sticking with old timber or single glazed crittal windows. Not only do you need to purchase these windows on or before 30th September 2010, but you must have had them installed by 5th April 2011 in order for them to be issued with a FENSA certificate. Hazlemere Windows are currently able to promise that we will have them installed and ready in your home well well before this final deadline, so there is no need to panic as long as you do request a no obligation quotation very very soon, and sign/date an order before the end of this month!
It is worth remembering that the cost of having new windows and doors put in your home is a much less costly option compared to moving house. When you add up all the costs of moving home such as paying stamp duty, estate agents fees, removal vans, solicitors and legal fees (most of which attract VAT as well), it can often make real financial sense not to change property, enabling you to stay in your current residence for a fraction of the cost.
Another reason it is worth considering ordering replacement double glazing now, is because as long as it is installed before Christmas 2010, you will avoid the 2.5% Valued Added Tax increase from 17.5% to 20% VAT that comes into effect on Tuesday 4th January 2011.
CATAGORY|Retail, Saving Money, Windows & Doors
Absolutely is my personal view, as the last thing one wants from a double glazing company is a poor, rushed, miss-measured, badly fitted, wrongly specified or a low quality product, which can result in endless hassle trying to get it sorted. In my experience to date within the double glazing industry, it is better to take one’s time chosing the best suited energy saving product (and supplier) for your property, than run the risk of ending up with a second rate poorly installed product.
When looking at double glazing, take advantage of well established independent local firms that offer a genuine no obligation free home consultation by an experienced expert. From the outset, advise every firm you approach that you will not tolerate any hard selling tactics, plus that you will require a written quotation to consider in private. Make it clear you are not going to rush and that you will make any decision in your own time and space. Be wary of any double glazing sales person or firm that claims it can offer you delivery in only a few weeks, as ask yourself why are they not busy and able to offer delivery quicker than other firms quoting several months? If one firm has a substantially larger order book, it could well mean that more people had chosen to wait and have a longer delivery to get the firm, quality of product and workmanship they want, rather than rush to try and save money with a quick fit outfit desperate for the work.
It is all about choice, but the process of producing good quality energy efficient high quality bespoke replacement double glazing does take time. Firstly, after a client signs up, the sales consultant’s measurements, product specifications and costings have to be double checked. Then a professional surveyor needs to arrange a new appointment at the client’s convenience to take accurate exact measurements of each opening. From his survey and assessment of a particular property, the raw materals and appropriate glass is ordered. Upon receipt of these (which can take several weeks if the product required is not in standard colours or finish), the work is scheduled for production in the factory, enabling the windows and doors to be fabricated, then checked, before an installation date is set. Fitters are then assigned to carry out the installtion on a mutually agreed date with the client.
Steer clear of any firm looking to cut corners in order to be able to deliver a lower cost product, as they will still be looking to make a profit out of the deal, so it may well be worth asking yourself at which point in the process will they do this? Where will they make their margin on your contract? Will there be any area of compromise? If so, will it be a) on the survey, b) on the quality of the raw materials, c) on the glass specification, d) during fabrication, e) on quality control, f) during installation or g) on after sales service? There is nearly always a reason why one firm is less and one is more, so please remember the faithful old saying that “you get what you pay for”.
I would therefore be wary of sales representatives and/or firms promising a quick delivery, as if they have lots of customers ordering they can’t do them all as priority, plus if they have taken a 25% deposit off you, it is very difficult to cancel the order if they don’t achieve the delivery date promised, as they have your money. At Hazlemere Window Company we don’t take any deposit and will quote a realistic genuinely achievable delivery period. I believe we therefore offer consumers the choice of waiting a little longer and ending up with a high quality product, installation and a ten year fully comprehensive guarantee, or taking a risk on a firm who are “promising” a fast delivery.
This risk can be reduced by doing thorough research into the product, the speficication on offer and each of the firms under consideration. As nowadays energy efficient double glazing is not cheap, it is worth taking one’s time and carrying out sufficient investigation into your chosen double glazing supplier and installer, to ensure you get a decent return for the investment you are making in your property. You may be fortunate enough to have a job well done, as there are some really decent local independent UK double glazing manufacturers, suppliers and installers around, so don’t be rushed into signing on the dotted line, wait till the sales representative has gone before selecting the right product for your property.
CATAGORY|Retail, Windows & Doors
A typical UK home affected by the new Building Regulations
New building regulations mean the cost of major home improvements is set to rise significantly from 1st October 2010. The current turbulent state of the housing market has led to many home owners choosing the often more cost effective option of improving, rather than moving. Unfortunately home owners planning to take this route are in for an expensive surprise in October when the current Building Regulations are updated. Help is at hand though, as Hazlemere Windows is highlighting, there is one last opportunity for consumers to get their hands on less expensive double glazing; as long as they order on or before 30th September 2010.
After the 30th September 2010 double glazing suppliers will be forced, by law, to sell windows that meet the new regulations strict criteria. Part L of the Buildings Regulations states that windows sold from October onwards must have a minimum Window Energy Rating (WER) of C or higher. Although these windows will provide better heat efficiency, the extra costs in production means that they will be more expensive for manufacturers, suppliers, installers and therefore ultimately for the consumer.
The next two months present a final opportunity for home owners all across the country to grab themselves a bargain before the last remaining stocks of less expensive double glazed windows are snapped up by property owners looking to save money on replacement double glazing before the new laws come in.
Under Part L of the Building Regulations, double glazing that only satisfies the existing legislation criteria has to be sold before 30th September 2010 and installed before the 6th April 2011 in order to receive FENSA Certification which is required on all new replacement windows and doors (unless otherwise approved by Building Control). After these cut off dates, any remaining stock will be useless to suppliers, so right now is a unique one-off opportunity to purchase more affordable double glazing before several product ranges become obsolete.
Currently the cost of installing aluminium double glazing for a semi-detached three bedroom house is currently around 15%-20% less than it will be after 1st October 2010. Plus, by ordering before 30th September 2010, and ensuring new double glazing is fitted before the 2010 Christmas shutdown, property owners will save themselves the 2.5% price hike when VAT increases to 20% on 4th January 2011.
The cost of carrying out any home improvements, needs to be weighed against the average cost of moving house which is currently £13,500 when both selling and buying a £250,000 property. This takes into account estate agent fees, stamp duty, solicitor’s fees, survey costs and the price of hiring a moving company to transport all of your belongings.
The next six weeks offers a final window of opportunity for property owners to purchase less expensive double glazing while they still can.
For further information on the imminent changes to Part L of the Building Regulations, as well as solutions if looking for quality UPVC and aluminium replacement windows doors and conservatories, request a a free no obligation consultation by a Hazlemere Windows experienced expert or Freephone 08000 825825. Alternatively, click here for more about energy rated windows
CATAGORY|Saving Money, Windows & Doors
It may seem a long way off, but I do genuinely worry about how many UK property owners are actually aware they only have until Thursday 30th September 2010 to order windows and doors to match their existing ones, that comply with the current building regulations, but cannot meet the higher thermally performing requirements of Part L of the new Building Regulations that come into force on 1st October 2010.
Likewise, are all UK home owners aware that if they want cheaper double glazing they only have until 30th September to order it? As, after this final deadline, UK double glazing manufacturers, suppliers and installers are not permitted by law to take orders for non-compliant product (i.e. a vast number of existing products), and even if ordered before 1st October 2010, no window or door that only complies with the current standards can be installed after 6th April 2011. All replacement window orders dated on or after 1st October 2010 can only be for “C”, “B” or “A” rated products or those that can achieve a combined U-Value of 1.6 W/m2K
The regulatory facts are that FENSA will not issue a certificate for non-compliant products (i.e. those that are “D” rated and below) ordered after 30th September 2010 or installed on or after 6th April 2011. This has implications for property owners wanting to sell, as without the certificate, it may well affect the value of their homes, or incurring the cost of having to replace the new replacement windows, with “C” rated windows that do comply with the new higher thermally efficient standards required by the Government.
HM Government do not appear to have notified UK home owners of the impending changes, which not only affect windows, but also doors which need to have a maximum combined U Value of 1.8 W/m2K, plus new build/extensions have to be overall far far more energy efficient, meaning the thermal efficiency of the entire property has to be greater through more efficient boilers, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, higher specification products, energy rated windows and doors etc.
The building industry, double glazing industry and home improvement market, seem to have been left to advise UK property owners of the substantive changes, as they will have a major financial impact on any home owner who builds an extension or new property after 1st October 2010, as the higher costs of making the new building compliant to the new Building Regulations will be significant.
Consequently, property owners who want to beat the 30th September 2010 deadline, save money and install decent replacement double glazing (like Sapa Monarch Monaframe aluminium windows and doors) that will do a perfectly good job (which, after all meet the current building regulations), whilst it is still available, must order it in writing before 30th September to achieve their goal. As long as these double glazed windows and doors are installed on or before 5th April 2011, then they will be FENSA compliant, so I can only hope that property owners who were planning to replace any of their existing windows a) find out about the Government’s deadline, and b) take advantage of the last remaining “window of opportunity” before it closes forever!!
CATAGORY|Saving Money, Windows & Doors
In 2010 Which? posed as a potential double glazed windows and doors customer, and asked Anglian, Everest, Safestyle, and Weatherseal/Zenith Staybrite to visit at least four addresses each across Britain, and give them a quote for double glazing. The Which? “probe finds false claims from big firms’ reps.”
According to the report on their findings on the Which? website, their undercover investigation found that “some salespeople in the £1.2bn-a-year industry were making dodgy claims – such as saying they were part of a government scrappage system that doesn’t exist – and pressurising people with discounts into signing up.”
Sadly for the double glazing industry the “Which? experts were astounded by the tactics used”, which included:
a) six out of 18 salespeople made misleading claims, such as ‘We’ve been tested by the government and were chosen for its scrappage scheme’ by an Anglian salesperson
b) seven out of the 18 salespeople offered a discount if the undercover researcher signed up immediately
fifteen out of 18 offered significant savings, often half the ‘original’ price – the biggest drop was £16,926 from an Everest salesperson
c) many of the salespeople offered a lower price with a ‘credit deal’
Peter Vicary-Smith, chief executive of Which?, says: ‘As a homeowner, replacing your windows is one of the most expensive jobs you’re likely to face, which is why we’re so disappointed to discover salespeople from the biggest names in the double glazing business making outlandish claims and using hard sell tactics.’
I deplore all hard sell tactics, which continue to give the double glazing industry a bad name and unfairly tar many reputable local independent double glazing manufacturers and installers with the same brush, even though many have a genuine “no pressure promise” like Hazlemere Window Company in High Wycombe, Bucks. I find that the unprofessional behaviour (as exposed in the Which? probe) of some individual sales persons representing the “Nationals” actually is counter productive, driving customers away, as it is my experience that no customer wants any form of pressure applied to them when facing such an important investment decision – I certainly don’t!
Consequently, I am proud to work for a family run firm that does not tolerate any hard sell tactics, plus prides itself on being more than happy to leave a detailed written quotation with a customer for them to consider in their own time, and in their own space. Plus customers can browse unpestered seven days a week through our home improvement showroom on Cressex Business Park, seeing what they are going to get in relaxed environment before having to make any form of commitment.
This rather damming report on the national double glazing companies carried out by Which? serves as a reminder that there is sadly far too many selfish, pushy and uncaring people still working for the big boys. What I don’t understand is why don’t the National double glazing companies exposed by Which? clean up their representative’s acts? Surely they must see the damage it is doing to their brands and the entire industry? Maybe they don’t care about the industry or their repuation? Well boys and girls, as William Shakespeare wrote “something is rotten in the state of Denmark” (Hamlet Act 1 Scene 4) and needs sorting – fast!
CATAGORY|Commerce, Conservatories, Windows & Doors
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has published its advice about the implementation of the major Part L changes. In summary the GGF has stated there are three main transitional provisions:
ONE – Where building work has started before 1st October 2010, it may continue as if the new changes had not been made. Where a building contract has been agreed, as long as the work commences before 6th April 2011, then this is OK. If full plans have been submitted before 1st October 2010, then as long as work starts before 1st October 2011, then this is an allowable exception.
TWO – Replacement window and door companies/property owners must commence installation before 6th April 2011 on all contracts signed on or before 30th September 2010. For the avoidance of doubt, any contract signed on or after 1st October 2010 must comply with the new Building Regulations.
THREE – For the new build and replacement market (domestic and non-domestic) where Building Control provided approval before 1st October 2010, the installation can comply with the 2006 edition of the Part L after 1st October 2010 as long as work commences by 1st October 2011. Any notices issued on or after 1st October 2010 must comply with the 2010 Approved Document L guidance.
For a more detailed GGF summary download a PDF entitled “Transitional Arrangements for compliance with Approved Document L Conservation of fuel and power 2010”
CATAGORY|Saving Energy, Windows & Doors
…..If you own a property these substantial changes affect what you can now legally do, when extending or replacing any window or door in your property. The Government is in effect “making you” install even more thermally efficient windows from 1st October 2010 to help it meet its carbon emission reduction targets and save energy. It is UK property owners that will have to fork out for these higher performing products without any form of Government subsidy.
These changes announced the Government’s approved document L1B entitled “Conservation of fuel and power in existing dwellings” require property owners to install even higher performing energy saving products than currently required if they a) replace their existing windows or b) have an extension or c) build a new house etc.
From 1st October 2010 it will only be legal for window companies to take orders for windows with a Window Energy Rating (WER) of band C or above, or a combined U Value of 1.6 W/m2K for installation into existing dwellings. Likewise, all doors ordered on or after 1st October 2010 will have to have a maximum U value of 1.8 W/m2K (U values are a universal method of measuring thermal insulation). All windows and doors ordered on or before 30th September 2010 must be installed before 6th April 2011.
Any products installed on or after 1st October 2010 will have to comply with the new stricter Building Regulations. Consequently, property owners will only receive a FENSA certificate if they install products that have been approved and certified by the BFRC as attaining the new higher energy ratings that will soon be required by law if any window or door is replaced.
“The major changes in Building Regulations have significant practical, legal and cost implications for property owners, developers and the double glazing industry,” says Mark Austin, Marketing Director of the Hazlemere Group. “So, substantial are the changes, they are something every property owner really needs to be aware of, as they do have massive implications if anyone wants to install windows and doors to match the ones already in their property, given the vast majority of double glazing products currently in the UK market will legally become obsolete after 30th September 2010.”
“The best performing energy rated windows have a higher specification, so by definition cost more, so in effect, whilst property owners will benefit from energy savings (assuming the rest of the property is properly insulated!), after 30th September 2010 they will be legally obligated to order and install higher performing thermally efficient products. Consequently, property owners will need to order before the 30th September deadline if they want to install “matching” windows and doors that only meet the current Building Regulations.”
For further information on Part L and energy saving windows, doors and conservatories contact a Hazlemere expert consultant for a no obligation chat on FREEPHONE 08000 825825 or visit www.hazlemere.co.uk
CATAGORY|Windows & Doors
With the recent announcement of changes to Part L of the Building Regulations to come into effect on 1st October 2010, it is important that all UK property owners are made fully aware of how the proposed changes will impact the specification of glazing in both domestic and commercial developments and how glass manufacturers Pilkington Building Products is responding to the requirements.
The Government’s Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) made five key changes in relation to glazing. These are:
• significant reductions in target carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for all new buildings
• tighter requirements for Window Energy Ratings (WERs) in replacement glazing
• greater restrictions on the use of centre pane U-values in measuring compliance
• recognition of the benefits of supplementing existing single glazing with low-e secondary glazing
• increased focus on the risk of overheating in summer
The full details of the changes affecting glazing in Part L 2010 are summarised in a downloadable PDF bulletin 10 produced by Pilkington
Pilkington developed this bulletin to provide a comprehensive summary of the new Part L regulations for England and Wales. It outlines the significant changes and detail the implications for new and existing dwellings, new and existing buildings other than dwellings, conservatories, historic buildings as well as information about how to limit the effects of solar gains in summer.
The new rules and regulations will have an impact on the design and specification process. Navigating this can be made easier by knowing which products will help achieve compliance. For replacement windows, the requirements for Window Energy Ratings and window U-values have been tightened. Greater restrictions are placed on the centre pane U-value compliance route and the benefit of supplementing existing single glazing with low-e secondary glazing has also been recognised. Energy efficient glazing such as Pilkington K Glass™ and Pilkington energiKare™ can satisfy these requirements. For non-dwellings, there will be a greater focus on limiting solar gains in the summer, high performance solar control glass such as Pilkington Suncool™ and Pilkington Eclipse Advantage™ will make it easier to achieve compliance. Find more information about each of these products visit www.pilkington.co.uk or for more on Part L visit www.hazlemere.co.uk
CATAGORY|Conservatories, Windows & Doors
To say that the changes to Part L of the building regulations will have a profound effect on the double glazing industry is an understatement of Neville Chamberlain proportions. Because the UK Government took longer (following 6 months of consultation with the industry) to a) announce what the actual changes would be and b) confirm when they will come into effect and then c) eventually advise that these changes will affect ALL DOUBLE INSTALLATIONS FROM 1st OCTOBER 2010 onwards, it has left double glazing manufacturers, suppliers and installers, little or no time to realign their businesses to be able to i) cope and ii) comply.
Many extruders and double glazing manufacturers like Hazlemere Window Company obviously hold stocks of double glazing profiles which the new legislation is rendering obsolete after 30th September 2010. Had the industry had more notice it could have run down its stocks over a sensible period of time. In addition, companies with double glazing showrooms will have to replace all the products that are being discontinued if they are to on display products which comply with the new more thermally efficient requirements of Part L which come into force on all windows and doors installed on or after 1st October 2010.
Regardless of if a company is a double glazing manufacturer, supplier or installer, each individual business immediately faces the moral dilemma of whether or not to advise each of their customers that the majority of them have bought products for their homes which will no longer be available from 1st October 2010. It was a no brainer for the family owned and run Hazlemere Group who last week sent letters to every single one of their customers informing them about the implications for UK property owners of the Part L changes, along with an explanatory information leaflet on how these major legal revisions to the Building Regulations will affect home owners. Fortunately the Hazlemere Group have been manufacturing, supplying and installing energy efficient energy savings windows since 2007, so are geared up for the challenge, with a wide range of BFRC and Energy Saving Trust approved “A”, “B” and “C” energy rated double glazed windows.
Since sending the mailing, Hazlemere Windows received calls from customers wanting to order windows and doors of the same specification and finish they already have had fitted in their properties. Given the short time frame, it could well end up being the case of first come, first served, as double glazing manufacturers can only survey, fabricate and install a finite number of double glazed windows and doors between now and 30th September 2010, the last day products can be installed which only comply with the existing Building Regulations, but which do not comply with the new ones that come into effect on 1st October 2010.
Download a PDF of a Part L 2010 Changes Information Factsheet
CATAGORY|UK Politics, Windows & Doors
