After copious of amount of research to find out what options are available, what’s possible to do and what things to look for when looking for a new window system, the next stage is finding out and confirming who you are going to get to manufacture, install and supply your new windows.
When looking for a manufacturer and supplier, we advise on basing your decision on 5 key areas.
You can find out more about them below.
1. Product quality
Once you have created a short list of potential systems/ manufacturers, be sure to visit a stockist of that window to view them in person. Seeing the windows up close will allow you to assess their quality, operate them and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you have about the manufacturing and installation process.
Don’t forget to check and ask questions about the following:
- Locking system and security features
- The available glass types the window can accommodate
- Available finishes
- Thermal efficiency
- Guarantees
The Origin Window
Our windows perform exceptionally well in each category listed above. When upgraded with Aerogel technology, the windows deliver an A++ Energy Rating – the highest in the industry. You can read more about the energy efficiency of the Origin Window with our Energy Efficient Windows and Glazing FAQs.
Security features of the Origin Window include Yale Encloser locks, impenetrable crimped frames and locking handles, making it one of the most secure windows on the market.
You can view the full range of features that make the Origin Window when you order a brochure here.
2. Guarantees
New windows should come with at least a ten year guarantee. Don’t just take the guarantee at face value though – ask exactly what’s included in it. Some windows may come with a guarantee for the frames only and not the hinges, locks or hardware for example. In other cases, there might be a 10 year guarantee on the windows but only a 5 year guarantee on the paint finish. These discrepancies are why it’s so important to read the small print in any guarantee and ask questions to find out exactly what it covers and for how long.
Glass manufacturers usually provide a separate guarantee, in some cases, this can be up to a 10 year guarantee period, but will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Many of Origin’s accredited partners offer a warranty on their installation too.
The Origin Window
Origin’s guarantee on all windows is 20 years. We are able to offer such a long guarantee as we exclusively design, manufacture and assemble every window in-house in our Buckinghamshire-based factory, which means we have complete control over the quality of every component, and take care of all elements of production – from sourcing right through to delivery.
The twenty year guarantee covers the frames, the powder coated finish, locks, hinges and hardware, giving you peace of mind that our guarantee is comprehensive in the unusual event of their being a problem with our windows.
3. Expertise and reputation
In order to get your project underway, there are two decisions to be made. Firstly, you will need to decide on the window system (the designer/ fabricator/ manufacturer), and then you will need to decide who is undertaking your building project.
Window
Even if you’re considering buying windows from a manufacturer that is a household name, it’s still worth checking their credentials against other independent window manufacturers.
Check whether the company manufactures the windows in-house or whether they are fabricated by a separate company. If this is the case, on occasions, it can mean that the quality control in manufacturing can vary from one fabricator to the next.
Choosing a company that designs and manufactures their own system of windows in-house will offer more peace of mind, as they will have a team of experts that are dedicated to optimising the design, operation and component performance of the window, enabling them to retain control over the entire manufacturing process. As it is all one company, it also means the customer service is more readily accessible, supportive and efficient.
Accredited Partner
Once you know your window of choice, then you need to determine who will be undertaking the installation. Origin use accredited trusted trade partners who have extensive experience in installing windows and building projects in general. These will usually be local companies, will have set areas that they operate in, and will have access to the best doors and windows available.
In both cases, it’s a good idea to check to see how well-established the companies are and what recognition they have within the industry, for example, if they have won any awards or are recognised as being a fast-growing, financially successful company.
You should be able to research into company reviews and testimonials online, either on their website or through a reviews website such as reviews.co.uk or trustpilot.com.
The Origin Window
At Origin, we manufacture every element of our windows in our Buckinghamshire-based factory, with experts working on each stage of production, from sourcing through to product design, manufacturing and even delivery.
When you are ready to purchase your Origin Window, we will put you in touch with one of our accredited trade partner companies who are specialists at installation. Our trade partners will essentially manage your project for you and provide everything you need to make it a success, including project design, sourcing of complementary products and the installation of your new windows.
We ranked 34th in the Sunday Times Profit Track 100 in 2016 – a league table of 100 private companies in the UK with the fastest-growing profits in the last three years. This ranking means that we are recognised as a reputable, financially stable company and the fastest-growing in our industry.
In 2016, we also won the Business Growth Award at the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) Future Manufacturing Awards for the South East region. This award recognises that Origin has achieved the most dramatic business growth of any manufacturing business, based on a consistently delivered growth strategy. This success means Origin has also been entered into the same category for the 2017 EEF National Awards.
Origin is a ISO:9001 accredited company. This means the company will have applied Quality Management System standards for all areas of their business including services, training and staff.
4. Installation
A survey by Which, that asked more than 2,000 double glazing customers how they would rate the company they used, revealed that they experienced a number of problems with the windows installation process:
- 14% said the installers used caused damage to the property
- 14% said the windows didn’t fit as well as they should
- 11% said some fittings were not installed
The expertise and knowledge of the people who fit your windows can go a long way to ensuring your new windows perform at their optimum level.
Ask the company you are buying from who will be installing your windows and what their knowledge and experience is. Some installers will be registered with FENSA or CERTASS and/or have a City and Guilds Installation qualification:
- FENSA – installers registered with FENSA can self-certify their work to ensure it complies with building regulations.
- CERTASS – this is a UKAS approved certification scheme that checks installers’ competence against set standards.
- City and Guilds NVQ Fenestration Installation – recognised qualification in fenestration installation that demonstrates competence against the National Occupational Standards for Fenestration Installation.
An experienced installer will tell you upfront how long the job will take and what to expect during the installation process.
The Origin Window
Origin’s accredited trade partners are carefully selected and extensively trained to ensure you receive a highly professional installation service.
When you choose the Origin Window, you will be given the details of an accredited Origin trade partner operating in your local area, so you can visit your local showroom to view our windows. Our accredited partners have exceptional product knowledge, experience and installation proficiency and will answer any questions you have, at any stage of the project.
Many of Origin’s trade partners are registered with FENSA or CERTASS.
5. Happy customers
A quick way to check the authenticity and previous work of a window manufacturer, supplier or installer is to read reviews, testimonials and case studies. Reviews website such as Reviews and Trust Pilot offer independent reviews and ratings from previous customers.
Ask the company you are considering using for testimonials and case studies (including images) from previous projects, so you can see the windows in-situ and read first-hand experiences from people who have used the company in the past.
The Origin Window
Origin receives nearly 400 positive reviews a year on Reviews.co.uk with the current average rating being 4.59 out of 5. You can read case studies about the Origin Window on our website including a beautiful barn conversion featuring our windows and a windows’ installation in-keeping with the look of a traditional home. You can read all of our case studies, including those for bi-fold doors and windows, here.
To find out more about the Origin Window, contact your local installer today. You can find your local showroom by filling in your details here.