We have tried to answer as many of the frequently asked questions as we can below. Obviously no two jobs are the same and we have generalised the questions to be able to answer them. Please contact us for any information or questions with regards to your windows, we will always help out where we can.
What is the process if I want to arrange a survey or get a quotation?
If you enquire via the website, someone will be in contact with you asap usually within 24 hours, 48 hours at the most. We will try and get an idea of what you are looking to achieve and then be able to email you through an estimate. If you are happy with the prices and services available we would then look to arrange a site survey/measure up to double check the estimate is accurate. If anything needs altering on the estimate it would be done at this stage. If you want to book in deposits and lead times would then be arranged.
You can contact us to speak to someone and get an estimate sent over if you prefer.
How long will a survey usually take?
Usually about 20 minutes but can be up to an hour for larger jobs.
How much will it cost to repair or replace my windows?
Whilst we work from a standard price list it is very difficult to give an exact price without carrying out a full site survey. Generally prices start from £350.00 + vat. Please see our price list for more information
How much will it cost to replace my windows?
This is difficult to say without carrying out a full site survey but we are able to give you a very accurate indication. The style of the window and the timber used have the biggest variation on price, more so than the size. Please see our price list for more information.
What is the lead time once I book in?
If no new joinery is required then usually 3-4 weeks. For jobs requiring new joinery the general lead time is 8-10 weeks.
How long will the work take?
This will vary depending on the service and amount of windows. Most jobs can vary from 1 day up to 10 days. Some commercial jobs can last for weeks.
How does your draught proofing system work to improve my windows?
The main complaints we hear about are draughty, rattling windows. The most common service we provide is an Overhaul & draught proof of existing box sash windows. The draught proofing system closes the gap around the sashes, eliminating draughts, rattles and reducing dust ingress and heat loss.
What kind of wood do you use?
We will use any type you want, as standard all our new joinery prices are for hardwood (Utile or sapele), other common timber we use are scandanavian redwood, british columbian pine and Accoya.
What areas do you cover?
All of the south east. We are based in Kent but 90% of our work is in the greater London area.
I have problems with condensation, can you help?
Condensation is a common problem for all tyres of windows not just sash windows. The condensation is caused when warm air inside your home meets the cold air outside. One of the best ways to combat this is to ventilate your home by opening the windows every now and then. Obviously people won’t want to do this in the colder months, hence the condensation being worse in the winter. Whilst having double glazed sash windows will usually improve the amount of condensation in a home there is no guarantee of this as there are many other factors to consider as well. Please see this link for more info https://www.envirovent.com/help-and-advice/why-ventilate/condensation-problems/what-causes-condensation/
Will I need scaffolding?
Not on the majority of jobs. Most windows are fitted from the inside so we can carry out our work without scaffolding. However some windows, dormas being a common example, would require scaffolding. We would discuss this during the site survey.
I live in a listed building/conservation area, can you work on my windows?
Absolutely, the majority of our work is on listed buildings or in conservation areas so we are used to working within the guidelines required.
Is it possible to install double glazed units into my original sash windows?
Yes and no. As a general rule we don’t offer this as a service. There are a lot of negatives and not a lot of positives for this option. The general assumption is that it will cost less, this is not the case, while there may be a small saving on the cost of joinery there is a lot of extra labour on this type of work cancelling out any savings on the joinery. Plus you will then have to have the window decorated after.
There are however ‘slim lite’ units that are specially designed for this type of work. These are mainly aimed at listed buildings. However the u-values on standard ‘slim lite’ units aren’t great and they cost more than your standard double glazed unit, hence we don’t often recommend them unless there is no other option.
Do you offer a decoration service for my windows?
Unfortunately we do not offer a decoration service. We are carpenters and joiners, not decorators. For a high quality finish on your windows you are better off using somebody that does that type of work all the time. We always prime/undercoat any new or exposed so that the windows are left protected from the elements until you can get a decorator in. We are more than happy to work alongside your decorator if needed.
