1. Is your supplier financially secure?
Any reputable company will file accounts in the public domain and a simple way is to check at Companies House or any credit rating agency.2. Is the supplier a member of a 3rd party accreditation scheme?
Look for wholly independent schemes which hold UKAS accreditation and not ones run by supplier memberships.3. Check products have been independently tested.
Check the wording, "compliance to" or "tested in accordance with" does not mean products have passed those tests. Test certificates should be sought ensuring they are UKAS registered test bodies.4. Check your supplier purchases timber from certified sources
To be certain your windows do not come from illegal logging always check for either FSC of PEFC certifications. These are an independent chain of custody certifications which ensure products come from well managed forests.5. Is the company subject to regular independent auditing of the manufacuring process for compliance with ISO 9001?
Look for certification from independent accreditation bodies such as BM Trada.6. Do not buy purely on price, consider the best available.
Buying the wrong style or poor quality products can have a detrimental effect on the look of your property. Well purchased timber windows can enhance any property and add considerable value to your investment.7. Always get written confirmation before you agree a contract.
This should detail exactly what your are buying, what you will pay and the terms of payment. If your are not sure then don't be afraid to ask.8. Plan ahead and consider literature and information carefully before buying.
The more knowledge you gain, the more precise you can be regarding your requirements, this way there is less chance of misinterpretation.9. What Happens if something goes wrong?
Ensure the company has UK based operations and field personel who can help resolve issues.10. Protect your investment
Joinery needs to be maintained, ensure you receive homeowner manuals and warranty information.