How to choose a window company you can actually trust

Want to know how to vet a window company and make sure you're getting the best product and service? You'll want to read this guide.

Windows aren't cheap, so you want to make sure your investment doesn't go to waste. But knowing who to trust can be tricky. While most window fitters are trustworthy and legitimate, there are a few cowboys out there who give the industry a bad name.

That's why we've put together this guide to help you choose a trusted window company in Yorkshire (or anywhere else in the UK).

The window industry has a reputation problem

As we say, most window companies are just trying to do a good job. But there are exceptions.

Some window salespeople do themselves no favours – and their actions damage the whole industry. So much so that the mere mention of "window salesman" can elicit negative reactions from some people.

Perhaps they've had bad experiences. Maybe they've been on the receiving end of an intense sales pitch in their own living room. They may have been stung by pressure tactics and endless follow-up calls – then the inevitable 50% "today only" discount when they say no.

That's not the only shady tactic cowboys use. Some post ads on social media for "Government Help to Buy" window funding or "Window Scrappage Schemes", which either don't exist or are very rare. More often than not, they're just trying to snare you into completing a form so they can send a salesperson to knock your door.

Or maybe they'll talk up their "team of experts" when, in reality, they hire second-rate, self-employed window fitters to install your windows. If your window starts letting in cold air a year or so later, the company will blame the installer and vice versa, so the problem remains unresolved.

Nobody wants that. They just want new, high-quality windows at a fair price. Unfortunately, these dodgy dealings make all window companies look bad. And that's simply not the case.

Trustworthy companies are out there. To help you find them, we've created these four handy checklists.

If your supplier ticks all these boxes, you're in good hands.

Checklist one: accreditations to insist on

You want the people providing and installing your windows to have the right skills and professional attributes for the job.

Don't just take their word for it. Insist that they show you proof of these accreditations.

Self-certification scheme membership (Certass or FENSA): window replacements must comply with UK Building Regulations. The company providing your windows can self-certify that they meet them through the Certass or FENSA schemes. Without this self-certification, you'd have to pay your local council to check the work. Otherwise, you may face legal problems when selling your home in future.
Insurance-backed guarantee (IBG): a warranty can only do so much. If your window supplier goes bankrupt or disappears off the face of the Earth, you'll be glad you took out an IBG policy. These guarantees uphold your warranty for a set number of years.
PAS 24 security certification: for windows to hold this certification, they must have been thoroughly tested against forced entry. Without it, your home insurance policy may become invalidated.
TrustMark registration: this is a measure of quality endorsed by the UK government. It shows the company has satisfactory competence within the window trade, as well as fair trading practices and good customer service.
Deposit protection insurance: this protects the deposit you've paid if your window installer goes out of business before completing the work. Check that your installer offers suitable cover, so you're not left out of pocket if the company stops trading after taking your deposit.

Checklist two: the questions to ask on a first visit

When the window company sends someone round to discuss the project, don't just hope for the best. Have these questions ready. A good supplier will be able to provide clear answers that stand up to scrutiny.

Will you fully itemise the written quote? You want to know exactly what you're paying for. A single lump sum figure said out loud or scribbled on paper isn't good enough. The quote should include materials, labour, skips or other forms of waste disposal and scaffolding if required.
How long is my quote valid for? Some quotes have time limits attached. Make sure you know how long yours is valid for so you don't get stung later.
Are your window installers sub-contractors or do you employ them directly? You're looking for the answer, "We employ them directly." If they do subcontract, ask who takes full legal responsibility if the window installation is faulty.
What happens if one of my window hinges fails or the glass unit blows in six years? They might have already told you about a warranty. This question shows you how easy (or difficult) it will be to claim. Follow-up questions can include, "Do you charge for call-outs?" "Do you have a dedicated aftercare team?" and "Does the warranty transfer to the new house owner if I sell my property?"
Who will be issuing my building regulations certificate? The answer you're looking for is one of the self-certification bodies: FENSA or Certass. If they say you don't need one, alarm bells should ring.

Checklist three: contract and deposit red flags

Before you sign anything, go through your contract and deposit details with a fine-toothed comb. Be wary of these red flags.

A deposit higher than 25%: this can indicate a cash flow problem.
Anything less than a full list of specs: make sure you know the energy rating, profile brand, glazing type, hardware colour and frame material.
Any mention of a "today-only" discount: if you sign a qualifying contract in your home, consumer protection regulations generally give you 14 days to change your mind. Be wary of installers who use supposedly time-limited discounts to pressure you into signing on the spot.
No estimated completion date: if you want to avoid delay after delay, insist on an estimated completion date. An open-ended situation can lead to month-on-month delays on your windows.

Checklist four: what a genuine warranty looks like

You want a solid warranty that protects your investment for a long time. Although window companies typically offer a 10-year guarantee, the fine print can often render it useless.

Here's what you should look for in your warranty.

IBG: you need to make sure your warranty covers you even if the business goes bust. Look for independent insurance-backed guarantees to ensure any future claims will be honoured for the full 10 years.
Any parts replaced come with free labour: your warranty may simply state "replacement parts". However, you need to be assured that these parts will be fitted for free.
It covers glass and hardware for at least five to 10 years: ask for coverage details for each part of your window, such as handles, hinges and locks. Also make sure your glass is covered against blowing or misting.

Why small, local and family-run wins

As with most businesses, you'll likely receive the best service and product from a small, local family-run company.

Why? Because they have more to lose than big corporate entities or random sole traders.

Family-run firms have reputations to protect. They're more likely to avoid bad window installers because poor-quality work reflects negatively on them as a business and tarnishes their name in the community.

How we can help at Calder Windows

At Calder Windows, we've fitted windows, doors, extensions and conservatories across West Yorkshire for more than 30 years.

Our reviews? Glowing. At the time of writing, we average five stars over our last 37 installs.

There's a simple reason for that. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional products and customer service, with none of the pressure or marathon sales pitches you may be used to.

Got a project you want to chat about? Speak to our friendly team of experts today.

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