You’ve carefully researched all the double and secondary glazing options. You’ve read and re-read those pesky Building Regulations guidelines to make sure you haven’t fallen foul of your local council. You’ve meticulously done your homework on which company to use and the work has been scheduled. Then panic! You’re unhappy about an aspect of the upcoming job or perhaps that it might not look the way you think it should.
Well don’t worry. It might be one of the largest purchases you make but here are some brief guidelines to make sure it all goes to plan.
Start right
If you need to sign a contract, make sure you read it properly to understand when work is going to take place and what products they will use. A contract protects the installer but also allows your rights to be protected under the Consumer’s Home or Place of Work Regulations 2008. This is key, because it includes a 7-day cancellation period if you are unhappy with the agreement after you have signed it and before the work has been done. This gives you a little time to think about your big spend! If you do cancel, all financial agreements made will be terminated. Take note though; if you do not sign the contract in your own home (i.e. you do so at the Company’s offices for instance) you cannot cancel under this law.
Consumer protection
If the work is carried out and you are unhappy you have rights under the 1982 Supply of Goods and Services Act. Work must be carried out using ‘reasonable care and skill’ with materials that are of a ‘satisfactory quality’ and ‘fit for purpose’. (More help can be found from the Citizens Advice Bureau at www.adviceguide.org.uk). If the contract has been breached, the company must replace or repair the windows – the company can decide which – in a ‘reasonable time without causing significant convenience’. While most of these terms are subjective, they do help consumers navigate these tricky situations. Which? has a template that you can use if you need to complain to your double glazing company (www.which.co.uk).
Use an ombudsman
If in doubt at all, you can choose to use a double glazing ombudsman, such as the Glass and Glazing Federation – you just need to make sure that the company you use is a member before you go ahead. Farnborough double glazing companies who are members are listed on their website . In a small minority of cases, where they can’t sort it out successfully, the case will be mediated through an independent arbitrator.
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