How to Choose a Good Glazing Installer

Windows and doors are a fundamental component of any house. A lot of money is spent investing in the right ones, so sourcing an experienced and qualified installer is therefore crucial to ensure you’re getting the most out of them in terms of look, energy performance, security and more.

Why Do I Need a Professional Installer?

Good installation is the key to long-lasting windows and doors. So, always look for a reputable and trusted trade with the knowledge to fit them to a high standard.

A reputable installer, like the ones we partner with at The Residence Collection, will offer a window and door guarantee for customers. This gives you confidence that, if anything were to go wrong, they should be on-hand to rectify the issue quickly. That may not be the case if you’ve installed the windows yourself or used an unaccredited fitter.

Not only that, but it is also a legal requirement that the installation of new or replacement windows or doors must be completed in compliance with UK Building Regulations. Hiring a professional installer can help to ensure this, and that the setup, fitting and clean-up is taken care of efficiently, minimising disruption to your daily life.

Use the online postcode search tool to find a reputable installer. You can then contact the company and discuss your requirements from The Residence Collection ranges, such as the Residence 7 in Clotted Cream as shown here

What Should I Look for in an Installer?

A good window and door installer will have all the relevant certifications, and will be more than happy to share their credentials. A homeowner shouldn’t consider anyone to work on their house if they aren’t a fully insured professional who can do the job to the very best standards.

One way to ensure Building Regulations compliance is to use an installer registered with a competent person scheme (CPS). An accredited trade can sign off the completed works as compliant, saving you the trouble of going to the council or a private building inspector to check the work. Once your windows are fitted and signed off, the installation will be registered with the relevant CPS and you’ll receive a certificate to confirm it meets the required Building Regulations standards.

FENSA is the most recognised scheme for windows and doors installation, and many solicitors ask homeowners to provide a FENSA certificate when they are in the process of selling their home. However, any CPS scheme listed on the UK government website will meet the required Building Regulations.

Once you’ve chosen from the various styles on offer, such as this sleek and modern Silvered Oak window from the R2 collection, the installer will send your order to their fabricator to be handcrafted

How Can I Find a Trusted Installer?

Word of mouth is often an effective way of finding a good quality installer. If you’re hearing first hand from family and friends that they’re satisfied with the work carried out, you can feel reassured they’ll do a good job for you, too. Nevertheless, always do your own homework. Look at online reviews and check out their social media pages for previous examples of the work they’ve done, too.

There are plenty of other good routes to finding a reputable trade at The Residence Collection. We have created a handy online postcode search tool allowing homeowners to find local installers. The website also signposts if the installer is experienced in specific types of jobs, such as conservation area or listed building work, and whether they have a showroom or samples so you can see the windows and doors in person. So, it’s easy to find someone who caters to your needs for the project.

Once you’ve selected your preferred window system and installer, you can request a survey. A quote will then be offered and, if you’re happy with it, you can place the order – including signing the contract and that all-important guarantee. Your windows and doors will then be crafted to your bespoke requirements by an approved Residence Collection fabricator and sent to the installer to fit.