Top 10 Money Saving Secrets to Save on Double Glazing

Tips from one of the UK’s Top Double Glazing and window Experts

1) Negotiate

Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate: This is where the biggest saving will come, whether it is a small local company, a one man band, or large national company;  beat them up on price never take the first, second or even third offer. Most salespeople work on commission only, which is between 10%-15% of the job: Value Haggling also works with trade counters !

2) Nothing is Free

Remember nothing is free.  Free installation, Free Fitting even scrappage schemes sound good, but the have to be paid for, and are part of the price of the windows. Just compare the final fitted price.

3) Trade Counters

If you are feeling adventurous there is a real saving from buying from trade counters and getting them to recommend a local approved fitter.

4) Energy Savings

Don’t get sucked into too many benefits from energy rated windows. ‘C’ can be good, but the uplift from ‘C’ to ‘A’ proberbly isn’t.  According to Pilkington’s website the saving is only £700 over 20 years.

5) Conservatories

With windows I would suggest there is little difference between a good local company or a national company. However, with conservatories, a lot of smaller companies outsource the building and fitting work, you pay them directly legitimately saving the VAT.

Remember that on a £15,000 conservatory if the base work is £5000 and the fitting £2000 you could save £1225!

6) Avoid Cheap Windows

Avoid cheap window, look at the window company; if they are quoting on 58mm profile with no shootbolts think what other things they are cutting back on. Instead go for a good quality product at the best price you can get.

7) Right First Time

Changing your windows can be costly and a time consuming.  Make sure you get the design and style right first time to avoid changing it in a few years.

If you are staying in the property for some time it may be worth looking at very energy efficient windows, or Acoustic Glass if you live next to a busy road or airport.

8) Grants

Under the Home Energy Saving Programme you may be eligible for a grant toward some, or all of the cost of new windows. Some councils also offer Home Repair Grants.

9) Buy at the Right Time

If you can wait, the best time to buy window is around Christmas; this is especially true for conservatories. Window companies will be bending over backwards for your order in quiet times.

10) Negotiate a Bit More

I know this is number 1, but honestly you will save more money this way than with any of the other tips. Get 3 - 5 quotes and play each one off against the other.

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