So – you need a glass supplier and you have no idea what to do or where to start looking for one. Selecting the right glass supplier can be a bewildering and even an intimidating process. Your choice will need to be based on a wide range of factors such as value for money, quality, reliability and service.
Here are a few pointers to help you through the assessment and make it an easier process in that fits your specifications.
Who are the Players?
If you’re looking for a supplier in your local area, it’s worth trying directories such as the Yellow Pages, your local press, or by searching online – most companies have websites these days.
Once you have found a few suppliers contact them and ask them to for a quote. These quotes will assist you in establishing whether or not you are over paying for your windows.
Reliability is Key
Finding out how long the company has been operating for is a good measure of reliability.
Secondly ask if the company is FENSA registered. FENSA, Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme, was set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation to ensure that replacement glazing is carried out according to certain standards to meet the latest building regulations.
Thirdly, request recommendations or examples of previous installations, a good supplier should be able to show you letters from satisfied customers, and possibly photographs of other installations they’ve carried out locally, or even arrange for you to visit and talk to the homeowner.
Product Quality
A warranty is an obligation that the product is as factually stated by the supplier and often provides a specific remedy such as repair or replacement in the event that the product fails to meet the warranty. In this way warranties are an indicator of quality and most window companies offer a warranty of some description, with the most reputable offering no quibble guarantees. There are other accreditation bodies besides FENSA that also offer product quality certification and you should enquire about these from the supplier.
Value for Money
The installer offering the lowest price is not always the best option for you. If you want reliability, performance and quality from your glass supplier and installer, you’ll have to decide how much you’re willing to pay for your supplies and the balance you want to strike between cost, reliability, quality and service.
Service and Communication
You need your window installer to deliver on time, or to be honest and give you plenty of warning if they can’t meet deadlines. The best Installers will want to talk with you on a regular basis to find out what needs you have and how they can serve you better.
Financial Security
If you are launching quite a big project or restoration it could be quite useful to ensure your glass supplier & installer has a sufficiently strong cash flow in order to be able to deliver what you want and when you need it. A credit check will help reassure you that they won’t go out of business when you need them most
The most effective glass suppliers & installers are those who offer products or services that match or exceed your needs. When you are looking for glass suppliers & installer, it is best to be sure of your needs and what you want to achieve. This is important in order to avoid being pressured into a sale where you are paying for what installers want to sell you instead of what you need.
