Choosing a Conservatory Installer
Double Glazed Conservatory Installers & Trade Associations
It’s not only getting the lowest online conservatories prices which should be your objective, it’s also about finding the best company to do the work for you – low prices matched with bad workmanship are a recipe for costing you even more in the long run.
Start with Selecting a reputable fitting company with a fair cost range. Looking for industry related qualifications is the first step to take, by finding a company that has made the effort to train its staff to adequate levels of skill you will at least know they should be capable of doing the work.
Secondly, once you have an installer in mind, you could ask them for references from previous customers and ask them to show you details of recent works that they have installed (preferably in you locale).
Thirdly, take the time to get a written quote covering all the aspect of the work & pay particular attention to warranties & guarantees – the 2 main types will be related to the product and to the workmanship. Product guarantees are generally carried by the manufacturers but the workmanship warranty is carried by the installer.
Also look for an installer that offers deposit guarantees – again, preferably insurance backed so that you have a dual layer of protection.
Finally, always negotiate on the price and don’t get rushed into a hasty decision.
Double Glazing Trade Bodies – Some of the more recognised trade associations for the double glazing industry are:
- The Glass & Glazing Federation: GGF
- Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme: FENSA
- Certification & Self-assessment; CERTASS
- Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme; DGCOS
- Trustmark
The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) provides a good level of consumer protection for homeowners who are dealing with installation companies.
All the DGCOS accredited members are checked upon and continuously vetted to make sure that consumers have a high level of protection all the way the process of buying double glazing or conservatories.
All members must give the customer
- Free written quotations
- Deposit protection at no cost
- Fully comprehensive guarantees in writing
- Guarantees that are backed by insurance underwriters
- Access to the double glazing ombudsman & the compensation fund
If you are buying a new conservatory get quotes from a minimum of 4 fully accredited installers so you have a better chance of finding some of the lowest cost for your new room.