Double glazing is one of the biggest investments most owners make to improve their home, and getting it right can ensure you maximise your budget and protect your property.
West Norfolk Glass, a Which? Trusted Trader glazing company
Double glazing is one of the most important aspects of your home’s security, energy efficiency and appearance, but selecting the right product for your property and the right company to install it can seem a daunting task with an array of products to choose from.
Unfortunately, in the past, some unethical double glazing companies used pressure tactics which led to the industry attracting an unwanted, dubious reputation, so choosing a reputable double glazing company is an important part of the process.
West Norfolk Glass, which has a showroom at Hardwick Narrows in King’s Lynn, has been a Which? Trusted Trader since 2019 and the consumer badge of confidence that is has earned means that it has been independently assessed for its customer service, financial performance and procedures.
Choosing windows and doors
It may sound obvious, but when choosing double glazing a good place to start is by looking at other properties in your area. Is your home a period property or does it sit in a modern development? Is the style of your neighbours’ houses uniform or does each have a unique look?
Examine the type of glazing style used and whether it is broken up, by Georgian bars for example, often the case in period properties, or whether the windows are full height and have a large expanse of glass, such as is often found in a contemporary property.
Also look at the colour of the frames – while white PVCu is the most commonly used material, increasingly owners are starting to utilise colour to create a unique and impactful style for their home. Most recently, grey and black frames have become popular colours, with neutral, soft heritage colours used by many Norfolk homeowners in coastal and rural properties.
Alongside colour, think about the profile of the frame which can be decorative or flush, creating a sleek style. Depending on the setting and opening, there are a range of window styles, including traditional casements, tilt and turn and sliding sashes. Think about how you will use the window, depending upon whether it is on the ground or upper floors of the property, and consider how you will access and clean the exterior glass.
If you live in a listed property, double glazing may not be an option, but secondary glazing can help to reduce heat loss, improve noise reduction and security. Custom made to fit each property, secondary glazing can provide a glazing solution that meets the requirements of most conservation officers whose job it is to protect listed and historic buildings.
Once you have some ideas about the type and style of windows you like, it’s worth visiting West Norfolk Glass’ showroom to see the range of windows and also consider different hardware options to complete the design. Our friendly team will be able to demonstrate the different options and help you to make the final selection.
Why choose an independent double glazing company?
Finding the right double glazing company to install new windows and doors for your home often starts with an online search, although word of mouth recommendation and seeing a company working in the area are also cited as reasons why a homeowner chooses a certain installer.
A good reputation and being well established are among the reasons why many customers make their final selection, and in a survey by Which? Trusted Trader, 57 per cent of customers opted for a local or independent glazing company.
In the survey of 3,409 double glazing customers, one person described the reason for their selection: “I like local companies because they are local and they have their reputation to maintain, plus there is no up-front pressure to buy,” while another said, “I used a friendly local supplier who was very helpful, able to offer the products I wanted at a reasonable price and, crucially, I knew I could easily contact them in the future if anything went wrong.”
The Which? Trusted Trader scheme recommends using a company which has been trading for ten years or more and, as a second-generation family firm, West Norfolk Glass has been helping homeowners with replacement windows and doors since 1967. Our friendly team can help you to select the right double glazing products and style for your home, explaining the technological benefits of each system.
Look for the FENSA logo which shows that a company, such as West Norfolk Glass, is an approved installer and member of the government-authorised scheme that monitors building regulation compliance for replacement windows and doors. A FENSA certificate is your assurance that the installer who fitted your double glazing has complied with building regulations and is registered by the local authority. When time comes to sell your home, you will need certification as part of your conveyancing documentation to prove the glazing has been installed correctly.
West Norfolk Glass is also a founding member of the Glass and Glazing Federation, the trade federation of the glazing industry since 1977.
Protect your money when buying double glazing
New double glazing for your home can be a significant investment, and it is important to protect your money when choosing a double glazing company. At every stage, you need to feel comfortable with the sales person, surveyor, fitters and customer care team.
One of the biggest criticisms of double glazing companies by homeowners is being pressured into making a decision, and at West Norfolk Glass we are proud that our team will never adopt hard-selling tactics. Avoid companies which offer an ‘on the spot’ discount, insisting that their price is only valid for the time they are in your home – a true price should be based on the quality of the product and scale of work.
Once you have decided the double glazing company you would like to work with and the products for your home, you will be asked to sign a contract and make an initial deposit – 20 per cent when working with West Norfolk Glass.
Choosing new double glazing for your home is an exciting moment and will improve your property’s appearance and energy efficiency, so make sure you choose the right company to help you get the job done.
