| Extending your home to include a panoramic view | | | | disappointment. |
| through patio doors is an exciting project that can | | | | Bi-folding-sliding patio doors supplied by the builder |
| cost a considerable sum. You've included budgets for | | | | from an unknown source, rather than companies that |
| the architect and surveyors, planning approval and | | | | specialise in bi-folding doors has, unfortunately, left |
| building regulations, builders estimate for materials, | | | | some home-owners with patio doors that are difficult |
| labour and cartage (skip hire is currently around | | | | to use. At the end of the job the doors were |
| £200) plus finishing and decorating. No matter | | | | working but after a while, when they became |
| what your budget is, the cost always seems to | | | | problematic, it transpired that they came with no |
| exceed expectation and a cost-cutting exercise | | | | further guarantee nor warranty. Who is responsible? |
| towards the end of the project is almost inevitable. | | | | The supplier, the builder or the home-owner? In the |
| Budget. The estimate for a single storey extension | | | | end, it's the home-owner who has paid the money |
| might be between £30,000 and | | | | and has to live with the problem or the hassle of |
| £60,000. Whether the builder is charging | | | | resolving it. |
| time-and-materials or a fixed-price-job, there may still | | | | Two of the main reasons for choosing bi-folding |
| be extras to pay. For example, is there a | | | | doors, apart from the 'WOW' factor, are: to achieve |
| contingency for unforeseen problems, such as | | | | maximum light and panoramic views when the doors |
| uncovering rotting timbers or damaged pipe-work? | | | | are closed and to have virtually seamless maximum |
| Have you checked any 'PC' items in the builder's | | | | access between the home and garden (or |
| quote/estimate? These are Provisional Costings and | | | | conservatory) when the doors are open. Another |
| therefore subject to change. Examples here might | | | | reason may be the optional integral blinds, |
| include doors, windows, floor tiles, etc. PCs are often | | | | encapsulated between the double-glazing, looking |
| priced for basic options and most home-owners tend | | | | great and not getting dusty! |
| to be a bit more choosy. If you haven't already | | | | Most common are wooden or pvc frames. A third |
| sourced and priced specific items, these extras can | | | | option, powder-coated aluminium frames, look similar |
| add up to a significant amount. | | | | to pvc but is stronger, has narrower frames |
| If you are living in the home or regularly visiting the | | | | (therefore more glass to look through), will not need |
| site, on-the-job changes to the original specification | | | | to be painted or varnished, will not warp in hot, cold, |
| are common, which will usually add to the cost. | | | | dry or damp conditions, can be supplied in a variety |
| It becomes a challenge, often unavoidable, to balance | | | | of colours and are strong enough to open and close |
| the budget towards the end of the project by | | | | smoothly for openings as wide as 7.2 metres. |
| deferring some of the work, resorting to diy | | | | Aluminium bi-folding door prices are very competitive |
| decorating or buying cheaper materials, such as | | | | for the quality and anticipated life of a virtually |
| doors. The secret is to only cut costs on | | | | maintenance-free product that will continue to |
| non-essentials, inexpensive and short life-span | | | | perform for years, in terms of both functionality and |
| consumables. You don't want to have to replace | | | | thermal efficiency. |
| patio doors within a couple of years. | | | | Powder-coated aluminium bi-folding patio doors, |
| Research. You will have researched the type of patio | | | | manufactured by specialist companies such as |
| door that will enhance your home: sliding or bi-folding | | | | SunSeeker Doors, can offer warranties on their |
| doors, wood or pvc frames. Some home-owners will | | | | products and installations because the products have |
| have short-listed suppliers by product features, | | | | been tried and tested in thousands of homes over |
| quality, benefits, price, delivery time and reputation | | | | the years, measured and fitted by experienced |
| while some will have left it to the builder to supply | | | | professionals. |
| and fit. | | | | More information. Features, current installation dates, |
| Many builders are good sources of information when | | | | warranties, testimonials and an obligation-free |
| it comes to sourcing quality materials and getting | | | | quotation can be found on the web site and you can |
| value for money from reliable suppliers but | | | | also click on the News and Views link for client |
| sometimes following that advice can lead to | | | | case-studies before making your final decision. |