Cheapest doesn’t always mean best.
It’s no secret that home upgrades can be costly, and that’s just one of the factors to consider when making improvements. Replacing doors and conservatories or upgrading to double or triple glazing can be expensive, so it can be tempting to cut corners. However, it’s essential to recognise that the cheapest quote isn’t always the best and that high-quality home upgrades are best considered an investment.
Whatever your project, shopping around and gathering various quotes should give you a baseline. Likewise, checking out reviews and seeing if a business is manufacturer-approved is a good starting point for your project planning.
At Thermaglaze, we’ve been in business since 1987 and have spent all those years building a trustworthy reputation. We’ve got the experience to share a few insights on what to look for when gathering quotes for a project, as well as the red and green flags you should be watching for.
You’re only as good as your tools. Even the most skilled craftsman cannot be expected to do a high-quality job if they work with cheap or substandard materials. Cheap materials that bend or warp over time could mean spending more money on repairs or replacements. Likewise, poor workmanship of inferior quality may need multiple repairs and even be dangerous. At Thermaglaze, our installers are professional, CERTASS-approved and work to a very high standard. They’ll advise on prepping the space before work and leave the site each day looking tidy with no safety hazards.
Feeling secure. Home upgrades, particularly doors and windows built poorly or with cheap materials, will not withstand an unwelcome intruder. Safety in the home should never be compromised, and many of our customers consider it the priority when considering improvements. Here at Thermaglaze, we are incredibly proud of the quality of our doors and windows. Our doors come with the highest standard, modern deadbolt locks approved and designed by UK security experts, and our windows come with three-star security cylinders and anti-burglary fittings.
The home aesthetic. A cheap door or window may look comparable to a more expensive one, but you’ll see a quick difference in how they cope with adverse weather and solar exposure. High-quality uPVC will stay fresh and vibrant even when exposed to long hours of sunlight and won’t sag or fade. Modern composite doors are as tough as they are beautiful, and some, like Comp-Door, have been designed with technology that provides a ‘second skin’ to reduce UV damage and maintain an optimal temperature within the core.
Peace of mind. A reputable company will always guarantee its work. A company confident in its products and installers will have no problem offering a guarantee because they know it’s unlikely ever to be used. No guarantee means you may be paying out more in the long run, which could cost more than you originally paid.
Read the small print. Unfortunately, getting a quote that hasn’t included all the costs is very common. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a project to be given a bill you weren’t expecting. Look for a company that will be upfront about costs and include details in your quote. This should be fully itemised to see precisely what you are paying for.
Did you know that double or triple-glazed windows should last, on average, 25-30 years? When improving your home, it’s worth considering the long haul and remembering that they may help substantially increase its value. Your home improvements should be practical, and something you love coming home to, and modernising your property is an ideal way to add curb appeal. Choosing the cheapest product when thinking of longevity is a no-go.
We hope this has given you insight into why the cheapest quote isn’t always the best. Our last advice would always be to try and get a personal recommendation. Talk to your family and friends who have had similar work done—it’s one of the best ways to find a trustworthy company. Many of our customers have had several home improvements done through us and heartily recommend us to their friends.
Want to know more?
For a free, no-pressure quote, contact our friendly team here.