Things to think about when changing windows and doors

Hi
When changing windows and doors in your home what things should one bear in mind/consider/be aware off in relation to

Window Fitting company that you choose
The windows themselves - Energy Rating, Glazing Type, Guarantee etc

Thanks

1. references - not ones from the installer - ones from friends or relations.
2. Installers length of time in business.
3. Deposit required.
4 Lead time.
5. Uv value
6. Where manufactured eg ROI or NI or Europe
7. Does installation include replastering reveals
8. Self cleaning


list is endless.

Guarantee important but not too important. You will be told ten years, but if you have a problem with a hinge /handle etc you will be told that there not covered.

I bought my own in Europe.

Guarantee was useless, that was a risk I was prepared to carry. So far its not been a problem.

Usually 5 year manufacturers warranty on the hardware and you have to either put them on yourself or pay the cost of having them put on after 1 year.

We live in the wrong country for self-cleaning glass to work, also think about it, it needs the sun to burn the dirt off followed by the rain to wash the dirt off - where does it wash it the dirt off to... yes onto your window frames and down onto your window cills.