5 tips for replacing your timber windows
5 tips for replacing your timber windows
We speak to the expert team at The Sash Window Workshop for their top tips on what to check when replacing your windows.
When replacing your wooden windows, it is important to choose the right company as installing the wrong windows or not installing them correctly can not only devalue your home, but also make it draughty and uncomfortable to live in.
So, you have decided that your windows need replacing. But you may not have any experience replacing windows, so where do you start? You want to avoid costly mistakes and ensure that the results will enhance the value of your home. If you live in a conservation area or listed building you will also need to be sure to comply with planning requirements.
There are several checks that you can carry out to ensure that your new windows will improve the look, value and feel of your home, while also complying with any planning requirements.
Are you in a conservation area or is your home listed?
The first thing to check is whether your home is in an Article 4 conservation area or if your home is a listed building. If it is, you will need to apply for planning permission prior to replacing your windows. If you are unsure, always check with your local authority.
Check previous experience
Before going ahead, check the company you select has experience carrying out similar work. For example, if you are looking to replace Victorian sash windows, make sure they specialise in replacing traditional sash windows. All traditional windows were bespoke, so the salesman should measure every window you are looking to replace to provide you with an accurate quotation.
By choosing a company that specialise in traditional wooden windows, like The Sash Window Workshop, you can feel confident that they understand the unique challenges that period properties can bring.
Visit where the windows are manufactured
Seeing the manufacturing process in person allows you to check the quality of the windows that the company produces. By viewing the manufacturing process, you can see how your windows will be made, from pieces of timber right through to the final finished product.
Although showrooms can give you a good idea of what the company is capable of, remember that they will often just show you examples of their best work. In contrast, viewing products that are currently being manufactured will help you see the attention to detail and quality of work being produced for other customers.
Check the quality of the installation
If you are having the windows installed by the same company, ask to be put in touch with previous customers who have had similar work. Ask if you can see windows the company have installed for other customers in person.
Quality windows are an investment, and it is important that the installation is just as high quality as the manufacturing of the windows.
Check accreditations
It is worth checking accreditations. All installation companies who are installing complete new windows should be FENSA registered, confirming that they comply with building regulations. This means that you won’t have to spend money paying for an inspection in the future if you want to sell the property.
Another accreditation to check is whether they are Which? Trusted Traders. Which? require any company who wishes to become a Trusted Trader to undergo a thorough assessment process and comply to their strict code of conduct. A yearly review is carried out to remain a Which? Trusted Trader, meaning you can be sure of high quality products and customer service.
For a free, no obligation quotation to replace your wooden windows, contact The Sash Window Workshop:
01344 868 668
info@sashwindow.com
www.sashwindow.com