Planning on replacing Windows and need advice

Planning to replace windows over the summer and have been reading the forums here for the last few weeks trying to glisten as much as I can prior to deciding the best option and identifying three to four reputable suppliers.

Have approximately 21 metres sq comprising approx 10 windows ranging from 0.2 sq m to 5.5 sq m.

Also considering sliding patio doors to front and back of house.

Would really love timber but I know from experience that maintaining the exterior takes a lot of effort.

From what I have read on prices charged by most suppliers I reckon Alu-Clad windows are out of my price range.

Really want to avoid going the pvc route if possible but price may dictate.

Reading posts here I like what I saw on Carlsons Website in their Optiwood Range (but again I am guessing probably too expensive for me) and the Virtuoso Maintenance Free range pictured on bonner windows website (cant find indicative prices in previous threads for this type of window). (I dont have any connection with these or any other suppliers)

I want to get a minumum of three quotes. Can anyone advise:

1.what I can expect to pay to include removal of old windows and installation of new windows for the 10 windows totalling 21sq m and 2 sliding doors assuming I really want to avoid pvc and aluclad is out of my league
2. if the windows above are a good idea in preference to pvc
3. if the suppliers are good to deal with
4. and any other suppliers I should contact



Please add to my info list if I am missing anything I need to ask about:
Plastering, concreting, removal and disposal included ?
Material (openings, hinges, handles, locks)
Security/Fixed with clamps to walls or just screwed in?
Spacers
Glass type E/K and Depth
Argon gas ?
Space between the frame and wall foamed with the apropiate window foam or only the standard builders foam ?
U standard measurement ?
Five point locking on doors?
Guarantee and quality of guarantee/installer insurance


I have really enjoyed reading on on the information in the threads here over the last week or two. Really great for helping to identify pitfalls and solutions.

Avoid Vista and stick with XP would be my advice...have you considered buying a MacBook and getting away from Windows altogether?
Sorry, I couldn't resist...

Guess I can take that on board too

When you mention security isn't it best to get the beading internally to ensure they cannot remove the window which some burglars do these days.

Not sure about other companies but Bonners do a very good sliding latch system to allow for ease of cleaning on the upstairs windows. It almost eliminates the need for window cleaners.

Living in a bungalow so upstairs not an issue.

House is however south facing .....

Went to architects today to see a sample from bonner windows and I am somewhat concerned that the wood effect coating is only 1 or 2 mm thinck that this may discolour over time or get scratched on installation (architect was not sure it the weed effect laminate was mounted on hardwood or MDF .... concern is that if scratched on installation and laminate is over MDF then the finish will not last).

Looking around the neighbourhood I really want to avoid PVC .... hope the neighbours that installed it arent reading this but it just looks worse than the wood effect / wood / aluminium windows that others have installed.

Updated line of thought is that hopefully I can get timber windows sanded and varnished every three years for a reasonable price (I know there is no way I will do this myself as I was tempted to put bricks through the windows in our last house rather than facing re-applying yacht varnish again)

Anyone have any suggestions for a reliable timber frame supplier ? Discussed powder finish with architect but I would prefer wooden finish.

Hi,

We used Wrights Window Systems for the wooden windows in our extension. Argon filled, low E, very happy with the price/quality. From memory we tried a lot of the wooden suppliers from the likes of Rocco (ultra expensive) to Carlson (quite reasonable but softwood, ableit pine) to the now defunct Swedex. We were very happy with the end result. BTW we did get Bonner Windows to stick in a few Wood effect PVC windows elsewhere and found them good to deal with too and a good product (though probably not as technologically advanced as WWS.) Best of luck,

Jack

Replaced windows recently with PVC - used Wright Windows - Bonner also seem good) - main thing is to get plenty of quotes, check quality.
One thing to note though is that a lot of companies who do both wood and pvc (both companies mentioned above for e.g. I believe) will only do wood on a new build - which meant to keep price down we went with PVC.
The companies who specialise in wood will do replacement, but cost tends to be higher with specialists.

I have checked out a sample of Bonners wood effect windows and whilst they go look great I am concerned as to the durability of the "laminate". Wasnt quite sure it if was hardwood or mdf under the laminate but nor was the company rep I was discussing the sample with !

Increasingly likely to go down the timber windows route.

As suggested I will seek quotes from Bonner, Carlson and Wrights.

I am hopeful that I can elimate any cowboys with the help of you all here so is there anyone else that I should approach ?


In addition can anyone give me a rough idea on whether there is a real benefit in opting for Low E rated or Pilkington K glass and if the argon fill option is also worth the additional cost.

Thanks again to everyone for the help so far.

WWS windows (the timber hardwood ones anyway) have argon fill as standard, and also low-e (I think). A quick call to the company will give you the name of the local area rep who will be able to give you all the technical details. I havent got the Carlson quote to hand but I have a recollection that they may have low-e as standard as well

Jack

Great, I will contact each of the three on Monday.

Based on rereading threads here today I may try Rationale for a quote although seems like I can expect to pay higher for their product.

Will let everyone know how they compare when I get quotes