If you’re considering improving your home with a conservatory, double glazing, extension etc obviously the price you pay will be a key consideration, particularly given the current economic climate.

However, according to recent research by Lloyds TSB there has been a 16% increase in the number of ‘botch’ jobs by rogue traders in the last 12 months - possibly as a result of people being more price sensitive; and therefore going for the cheapest quote.

It seems however, that many homeowners are being penny wise, but pound foolish, and they are now having to foot the bill to correct the work undertaken by unscrupulous tradesmen.

Lloyds TSB’s research suggests that on average it costs an additional £1,250 in remedial works to repair a poorly installed conservatory - a sobering thought indeed. Particularly when you consider that these homeowners were looking to save a few hundred pounds - but actually end up spending far more.

Sadly nearly a third of victims admitted that they failed to check up  on workers’ qualifications, or even seek references from previous customers.

Top Tips to Avoid the ‘Cowboys’

If you’re looking to undertake home improvements - be it having double glazing or a conservatory fitted, or getting your home extended avoid the ‘cowboys’ and check out our top tips:

1. Don’t assume that anyone who can afford to advertise will be OK - adverts in local directories / newspapers etc aren’t particularly expensive, and these publications offer you no guarantees about the businesses who advertise in them. If you’re looking for double glazing or conservatories then check that your chosen supplier is FENSA registered.

2. Get at least three quotes so you can compare prices.

3. When getting quotes make sure you’re comparing like for like so you can be sure that the cheaper quote isn’t down to lower quality materials being used.

4. Do some background checks - e.g. check that they are registered with FENSA, check how long they’ve been in business, look around online for adverse reviews etc.

5. Ask for references - and make sure you follow them up!

6. Any reputable company or individual will offer guarantees for their work. Make sure your chosen supplier does too.

7. Get a written and signed agreement detailing the work which will be undertaken, the cost, how long it will take, when work will commence and how much you have agreed to pay.

8. Agree up front payment terms - e.g. deposit and payment on completion and include dates. Never pay the full amount in advance.

9. Trust your gut. Often your instincts will be correct - if you don’t feel comfortable, then find someone else to do the work for you.

10. If it seems too good to be true - it probably is!

Obviously if you are considering replacing your windows, or getting a new conservatory, we’d love the opportunity to quote. Browse our website to view our range, drop into one of our show centres, call us on 0800 666 444 or book a home visit.

Image credit a.drian

If you are thinking about replacing your windows there’s many things to consider; material/style, noise reduction, energy saving; the list goes on and on.

However, some people overlook what should perhaps be one of the most important considerations - making sure they use a FENSA approved installer.

So, why is it so important to choose a FENSA approved installer?

To Make Sure You Comply with Building Regulations

Well, you may not be aware, but all replacement residential glazing comes within the scope of building regulations.

Back in October 2001, the government issued a document designed to complement the energy efficiency regulations. This covers the replacement of windows and doors from April 2002 onwards. Effectively, all installers and indeed purchasers of replacement windows and doors will be expected to comply with the new energy efficiency requirements.

These new energy efficiency requirements will assist us in reducing energy loss in line with government policy, which ultimately aims to assist in the meeting of global energy saving targets.

You Will Need to Prove this When You Sell Your Property

If you decide to sell your property in the future, your buyers solicitors will ask you to prove that any replacement glazing installed since April 2002 complies with building regulations.

It stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment scheme.

What is FENSA?

FENSA was set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) at the request of Communities & Local Government (CLG) who set policy on building regulations (amongst many other things) to allow registered companies to self-certify that their installations comply with current regulations.

- If you use a FENSA approved installer for your replacement windows, you will not need to seek building regulations approval - as your installer can self-certify. This will save you time and money.

- Using a FENSA approved installer will give you peace of mind that your new windows and doors are compliant.

- All work will be guaranteed as per FENSA’s guidelines, and you will be covered for any rectification work in respect of defects.

- If for any reason, your installer ceases to trade, your guarantee will still be covered via an independent insurance policy.

- If your installer requires a deposit, this too will be protected and guaranteed.

- Should you misplace your homeowner certification, replacements can easily be ordered online.

Unhappily there are still some unscrupulous characters working within the Double Glazing industry. This is bad for everyone - both for consumers and the industry as a whole.

End game is, if you’re thinking about replacing your existing windows, make sure you use a FENSA registered installer. To find a FENSA installer in your local area, or to check whether or not the company you plan to use is registered click here.

Obviously SEHBAC is FENSA approved, so you can rest assured that our work will conform to regulations, and is of course guaranteed. We’ve also got a fantastic ‘At Cost’ offer running now - it can’t last forever though, so act now to make sure you don’t miss out!