The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Tue Jun 08, 2010 10:30 pm**

Hello again,

We're in the process of getting quotes for the installation of double glazing: 7x windows, 3x doors and a set of French doors. Normally I would approach companies on the strength of a recommendation but we don't know of anyone who has had similar work done recently. Many of our friends moved into houses with the work already complete.

I had hoped to avoid the big companies like Safestyle and Anglian, but I am getting them to quote if only to give me figures to work with as some kind of ball park. Smaller companies don't seem to get much press on the net, and for the larger ones people seem more ready to speak up when it goes bad, so bad reviews vastly outweigh the good.

If anyone has any recommendations for an installer in Birmingham or nearby, I'd appreciate any comments.

Thanks very much.

Posted: **Tue Jun 08, 2010 11:07 pm**

I'm no where near Birmingham but all I'd say is watch out.
Next door neighbour had an Anglian quote which was way too much.
Then he done the 'I'll ask my manager' thing and came back with a far better quote which they took.
It was only when the windows where installed that the penny dropped.
They'd severely cut back on the spec, amount of openers etc but very cleverly concealed that and my neighbour unknowingly agreed to it.

Doesn't matter what company you choose they will say their windows are best.
They'll blind you with science, internal/external beadingis best, shooting bolt/espagnolette locking is best. 28mm air gap/reflective glass, the list goes on.

I haven't checked this website for a while. Don't know if it's changed but it used to give impartial advice.
http://www.thewindowman.co.uk/

Not sure what your budget is but have you considered equal sight lines?
http://www.windowstoday.co.uk/top_tips.htm
Depends on you on what you're replacing but when I replaced my georgian style bay windows I was glad I'd paid the extra.

Posted: **Wed Jun 09, 2010 10:13 am**

Thanks Bob.

I have considered the sight lines aspect, but it doesn't really affect us. We're replacing crittal windows with, largely, one side opener and one large, fixed pane.

I'm very much on my guard with the likes of Anglian. I'm not interested in signing on the day, I'll ask for the best price they can offer for the work, and give the option to beat anything else with a phone call later. They all want to be the last to quote so they can offer a better deal!

I've read lots of instances where people, public and trade, would agree that Anglian have a better product, in build quality and longevity, but this means it might be more expensive than their direct competition. But a lot is in the installation, and you've know idea if you're going to get a bunch of muppets until they arrive.

I have to say I prefer the way smaller tradesmen operate, quoting materials plus labour to fit, working from the bottom up, rather than the top down and seeing what they can get away with.

The Brew Cabin

Recommend a double glazing firm in birmingham?