In this, the first of our ‘Spotlight On’ posts we’ll be introducing Chris Phillips, who manages our South East team and works out of our Romford Double Glazing and Conservatory Show Centre.

How long have you worked for SEHBAC?

4 years; prior to this I worked for a couple of other Double Glazing companies in Essex.  

How did you get into the industry?

By accident really. Originally I was a builder, but when the last recession hit I decided to change trades.

Which areas do you cover?

I manage the teams which cover London, Kent, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex. My area also extends south to Sussex, West to Oxford and North to Northampton. Day to day I’m based in Romford.   

What do you think consumers are most interested in when it comes to purchasing windows and conservatories?

People are most interested in a company’s reputation, and want to have confidence in the sales person. it’s all about trust really. We’ve very lucky at SEHBAC as we get a lot of business as a result of existing clients recommending us to their friends and family.

What do people most ask you most often when they are looking to buy double glazing?

Price! Particularly in the current climate people are being careful with their money.

However, we do get asked a lot about the various of styles of double glazing - so people are also concerned about how the finished product is going to look. We’ve also had a lot of interest in our new coloured PVC frames - they are really starting to take off. We offer a range of colours - blues, greens, greys, white, reds etc. Obviously they’re not going to suit all types of houses, but on modern flats they look really smart.

What do people ask you most often when they are looking to buy conservatories?

Conservatories are particularly popular at the moment, as many are electing to ‘improve rather than move’, and the extra space a conservatory provides is really handy.

Conservatories have changed a lot over the years. I remember my Nan had a conservatory - it really wasn’t a usable room - freezing in Winter, boiling in Summer - not good. Now we can build conservatories which are usable all year round - people use them as dining rooms, living rooms, play rooms for the kids. Plus with modern self cleaning glass they’re much easier to maintain, keep clean and looking good.

Some are worried that they’ll be tied to a particular design - but it’s really not the case - you can pretty much have whatever you want. I guess some might also have concerns over planning - but again, most don’t require consent, and we’re happy to help guide them through the process. 

Have you seen a trend towards people being more interested in environmental issues / savings on heating bills?

Yes I’d say people are more aware of green issues than before, and we’re now able to offer A rated windows which is excellent news.

PVC or Hardwood?

PVC - it’s maintenance free.

What do you do for fun?

I was going to be a pro golfer, I played trials for England, and used to play for Essex Amateur. Unfortunately I got injured in a car accident and so couldn’t continue to play competitively, but I still like to play. 

Who would you get to play you in a film of your life?

Well, people used to say I looked like Steve McQueen…

If you were a superhero - what would your superpower be?

Invisibility.

What’s the biggest misconception you face in your line of work?

There is a stigma attached to the double glazing industry - pushy sales people, etc. At SEHBAC we don’t do that, we’re happy to quote for a job - but we’ll come in, measure up, go back to the office, pull together a quote and then send it on to the client. Our motto is ’no pressure, no hassle, no fuss’.

What industry improvements do you think will come about next?

Well, I’d really like to see tighter regulations on the double glazing industry, particularly with regard to selling practices. I think it would kill off the rogue traders, which could only benefit the industry as a whole.

How has the internet changed your job?

Well I’d guess we get around 60% of our enquiries via the web now - it just makes it so much easier for customers. They can book appointments online, view the range, etc. I think it’s made life a lot easier for everyone.

What are you most looking forward to in the next six months?

Well, we’re going to be having our new hardwood windows and doors range fitted in the Romford show centre. It’s already the best PVC double glazing and conservatory show centre in the South East; but now people will be able to compare PVC and Hardwood side by side in the same show centre. It’s going to be great for the customers.

Work stuff aside, I’m over the moon as my lovely wife’s expecting our second child on 19th December. We’re taking bets on whether it will be a boy or girl, so watch this space…

Steve McQueen image wikipedia

Recently, Ian Jack wrote a piece in the Guardian - titled ‘Beware the Double Glazing Salesman’ postulating that the biggest threat to conservation areas is not new development, it’s PVC windows (or indeed perhaps PVC double glazing salesman).

The conservation movement back in the UK way back in 1877, when William Morris founded the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Initially the conservation movement was primarily concerned with protecting the heritage of cathedrals, churches, large country manor houses and so on.

However in 1968, the creation of conservation areas began touching the lives of us everyday folk, when some Victorian terraced homes also became protected.

England alone has 9,300 conservation areas, of which English Heritage claim one in seven are ‘at risk’.

At risk of what?

Well, essentially conservation areas are created to preserve the distinctive character of the locality, mainly via protecting the existing architectural features of the buildings.

Seemingly, in many areas the conservation rules are ignored, and the local authorities are either unwilling, or unable to step in to try to enforce them.

According to English Heritage the biggest threat to conservation areas is ‘unsympathetic’ replacement windows and doors. The Government’s English House Condition Survey seemingly backs this assertion as they found that 40% of houses built in the last half of the 19th century has replaced their wooden sash windows with PVC double glazing by 2006.

Now, whilst we wouldn’t dispute that indeed double glazing has increased in popularity, it seems to me to be a massive leap to blame double glazing, and indeed double glazing salesman for what is essentially a failing in local authorities to enforce these conservation rules.

At SEHBAC we believe that replacement double glazing should be sympathetic to the character of a home. It should enhance rather than detract from the house’s appearance. In any given part of the country there are of course examples of poorly selected double glazed windows which do not complement the character and style of the original structure.

However, we resent the notion that all double glazing suppliers are out to sell ugly windows which spoil the appearance of protected architecture. Our business certainly would not have succeeded for past 38 years if that was our raison d’etre.

We offer a wide range of double glazed windows in a variety of styles, and indeed in a variety of materials.

We’re not alone.

There are many other reputable companies out there like us who offer homeowners the opportunity to install modern double glazing, with all of the associated benefits - improved security, savings on heating bills, etc, without compromising on how their home looks.

It’s seems to us to be both a gross generalisation, and indeed pretty sensationalist journalism from what is supposed to be a ‘quality’ newspaper.

This week, the Daily Mail reported that Government advisers are suggesting that householders who do not take steps to make their homes greener should face higher council tax and stamp duty.

Those homeowners who do not have either double glazing or insulation would be hammered under the new proposals which are currently being considered by ministers. These proposal were drawn up by an environmental pressure group.

The pressure group would like to see ‘green mortgages’ under which homeowners can apply for loans to make energy efficiency improvements to their home. Improvements might include double glazing, new boilers, solar panels, insulation and so on. However, in addition to this, they would also like to see punishments handed out to those who elect not to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Ed Milliband (Climate Change Secretary) is expected to welcome the plans for ‘green mortgages’, but will not make any announcement with regard to the potential penalties until later this year.

John Adams (who put together the proposals) said that the ‘green mortgages’ would be unlikely to take off unless the penalties were also implemented, saying that a ‘carrot and stick’ approach needs to be employed.

These penalties could take the form of higher council tax rates and higher stamp duty which could put off potential buyers as and when homeowners elect to sell their homes.

Matthew Sinclair (from the Tax Payers’ Alliance) said:

“It is absolutely shocking that the Government is still threatening new bogus green taxes when taxpayers are already paying a fortune in higher prices for their electricity, gas and petrol thanks to ineffective global warming policies… There is no need for these new taxes that will punish people already paying a heavy price for the Government’s clumsy and failing energy agenda.”

The aim of the ‘green mortgage’ plan is to make repayments so small, that they would be outrstripped by the savings on energy bills - meaning that homeowners will actually save money by taking out the loans.

Officials have calculated that a typical Victorian end of terrace house would spend £10,280 on energy saving measures. This would lead to repayments of £514 per year. However as the energy savings would amount to £802 per year, homeowners would actually make a profit of £288 per year.

Here at SEHBAC we welcome the ‘green mortgage’ scheme as we believe it will make energy efficiency measures within the grasp of far more homeowners. However, we feel that the potential penalties for those who elect not to make these improvements are unfair; particularly as whilst some will be keen to take out loans to make these improvements, the chances are that there will still be many who are unwilling (or indeed unable) to go into debt.

It should be noted that whilst Ed Milliband is expected to back the proposals for green mortgages, he will not make any announcement on the potential stamp duty and council tax penalties until the Autumn. We’ll be watching with interest to see how this all progresses, and of course will provide updates here.

Image credit L’Enfant Terrible

In the current climate, many homeowners are electing to improve their property in the hope of adding to it’s market value; but sadly, it seems that many are making expensive mistakes.

Homeowners looking to make improvements - specifically with the aim of increasing the value of their property should think about practical, functional improvements which will have broad appeal - rather than putting an ‘individual’ stamp on their homes.

Below are our top five home improvement blunders, which are likely to detract from your home rather than adding value:

1. Outdoor Hot Tubs - whilst this might seem like a nice idea, they’re rarely used. They also take up space in the garden and require maintenance. They’re also expensive, and not likely to add anything to the value of your property.
2. Extravagant Kitchens - whilst a kitchen can really sell a property - rather than choosing something ‘bold’ - go for a clean unfussy design that is likely to appeal to the broadest audience.
3. Crazy Bathrooms - again, if you’re looking to sell your property a clean, unfussy white bathroom suite is what you need. ‘Individual’ touches are not required (you might love the barbie pink floor tiles, but others might not).
4. Eccentric Decor - buyers look for high quality finishes, not gimmicks. Neutral colours often work best - you can always add splashes of colour via furnishings, cushions, rugs, artwork etc. These are easier for buyers to see past if they are not to their taste. 
5. Unsympathetic Renovations - stripping a Georgian cottage of all it’s character to try to create modern open plan living is a definite no-no. Likewise a period fireplace in a new build is probably not the best way to spend your money. Be sympathetic to the style and character of the property you own. 

So what should you do? 

Nationwide Building Society suggests that home owners should focus on functional renovations in order to stand the best chance of boosting the market value of their home:

1. A 10% increase in floor space (i.e. square footage) adds between 5%-7% to the value of a property. However, the additional space needs to be usable - e.g. add a conservatory, home office or similar.
2. Adding an extra bedroom and en suite bathroom via a loft conversion or by extending over the garage can add 11%-20% to a property (for those homes that are expanding from a two bedroom to a three bedroom, or those that are expanding from a three bedroom to a four bedroom).
3. Energy-efficiency measures such as double glazing can also boost a home’s value and make it easier to sell. If you are selling or renting your home, you’ll need to provide prospective buyers / tenants with an energy performance certificate; undoubtedly homes which are more energy efficient are likely to appeal more. 

Other top tips:

1. It’s worth spending money making sure your home has curb appeal - make sure your front garden and driveway are presentable and your front door is well maintained - you don’t want people to be turned off before they’ve even entered your property.
2. If you do have an extension make sure that you get the necessary planning consent. If you don’t have the consent, then a buyer is unlikely to go ahead and purchase your property, as they may be asked to take the extension down.

Want to Go Green?

If you’re thinking about replacing your windows with a more energy efficient alternative, you’ll be pleased to hear that the GGF have launched their carbon calculator.

Who are the GGF?

GGF stands for the Glass and Glazing Federation. The GGF is a trade association for companies who make, supply and fit glass and glazing products.

The calculator was developed by the GGF in conjunction with the government and the Energy Savings Trust who have verified the calculations.

The Carbon Calculator

The Carbon Calculator is a simple tool which allows homeowners to calculate how much they could save on their energy bills, and how much they could reduce their carbon footprint through the installation of energy efficient double glazing.

Best of all it illustrates how the highest rated (’A’ rated) energy efficient windows perform versus those rated ‘B’ to ‘G’. So you can see for yourself the saving you’ll make if you elect to have ‘A’ rated windows installed, versus ‘C’ rated windows.

How to Use the Carbon Calculator

Click here, then simply enter:

1. The type of windows you currently have
2. The kind of property which you live in
3. The approximate size of the windows you are planning to replace
4. The type of fuel you use
5. The rating of your replacement windows

The calculator will then return your annual savings, the total savings made over a period of years and the total amount of carbon you will save.

Here at SEHBAC we think that this is an amazing tool, and will be very useful for consumers who are keen to understand the benefits of installing energy efficient windows; and helping them to decide which rating they should go for.

Further Reading…

If you’re looking at replacing your windows and are particularly interested in energy saving you might find our other blog posts on the subject useful:

Energy Savings - a Question of Trust

What are Energy Efficient Window Ratings?

If you have any questions, or further queries with regard to energy efficiency and/or double glazing we’d be happy to help. Please leave a comment on this post, call us on 0800 666 444 or drop into one of our show centres where our staff will be happy to assist you.

Image credit kevindooley