| Buying new windows can be costly, bearing in mind | | | | double glazing. Despite the increased cost of having |
| you have to pay for the windows and their | | | | two panes of glass the benefits of double glazing are |
| installation. Care needs to be taken to choose the | | | | great. As well as noise reduction, double glazing |
| best style for your home as well as selecting the | | | | provides good insulation and prevents heat loss, |
| windows which will have the durability you desire. | | | | resulting in reduced energy costs at the end of the |
| Styles and materials can greatly affect the overall | | | | month. |
| look of your home. Not all materials will suit your | | | | When looking which windows to buy, whilst looks do |
| house and as a result it might be a good idea to | | | | matter, security should be your main priority. Most |
| have a look at houses in the surrounding area for | | | | windows have multi-point locking systems but it may |
| guidance on what looks good and what doesnt. | | | | be worth spending slightly more for a stronger |
| Ensure the windows have an adequate number of | | | | locking mechanism. |
| openings. Simpler designs with fewer openings are | | | | Rather than going with the first glazing company you |
| less expensive and whilst the price tag may be | | | | find it may be worth comparing quotes with other |
| tempting, badly designed windows can actually lower | | | | companies to see if you can get a better price. |
| the value of a property and buyers can even | | | | However, it is important to remember that price is |
| negotiate a reduced price for a property on the basis | | | | not the only important factor. Customer service, |
| of this. | | | | reliability and guarantees are important and if you go |
| You may need to double check that you dont need | | | | for the cheapest quote you can find some or all of |
| to apply for planning permission to fit your new | | | | these may be compromised. |
| windows. Generally its only listed buildings that require | | | | When contacting a company, to contract them to fit |
| planning permission but if you are installing new | | | | your windows, make sure that you ask to see |
| windows in a conversion or extension for example | | | | examples of their work. If a company has a |
| then you might need to double check that the design | | | | showroom, then visit it and check out the work |
| and type of glass has the planning authority seal of | | | | there. Smaller companies may not have a showroom |
| approval, especially if you are overlooking neighbours. | | | | so you could always ask them if they have any case |
| When choosing your new windows seriously consider | | | | studies or referrals that you can contact. |