Reading Your Sash Window Repair Quote!
Labour And Materials Should Be Separate
A clear sash window repair quote should detail the cost of the materials and the cost of the tradesperson’s time separately. If the materials and the labour are included in one figure, you may not know whether you are being charged a high hourly rate or whether the materials have been costed highly to enable a low labour price. It’s also much easier to question one aspect of the sash window repair quote and for you to know that you will not be charged more for the whole repair.
The Timber Species Should Be Named
The type of timber used to repair sash windows can vary greatly in price depending on the type and amount of use it is going to get. Typically the most economic option is Redwood, this is the most commonly used timber for sash window repair, Accoya modified softwood which has superior durability against rot and swell and reclaimed hardwood. The price of sash window repair can greatly vary depending on the type of timber that is needed to complete the work, if a quote just says “matching timber” then it is best to explore the cost in more detail to ensure that you are getting the best value for money.
How Many Sashes Need Work
It is also worth pointing out that most sash windows have two sashes (i.e. upper and lower), and whilst both may require similar attention, it is often the lower sash that requires the most day-to-day maintenance and therefore the most repair work. It is also worth noting that often only the lower sashes require new cords, pulleys etc, with the upper sashes simply requiring ‘easing’ (i.e. cleaning) of the existing cords etc, and possibly some minor timber work.
Access Costs For Upper Floors
A sash window repair quote for windows on the first floor, for example, should detail how the work will be carried out. Scaffolding, a sash window repair cradle or even a simple tower could be required and must be factored into the overall cost of the sash window repair. This can be a relatively small cost to hire a scaffold tower, but the scaffolding hire for a Victorian house on the second floor could cost several hundred pounds for the period of time that the scaffolding is erected. See also Sash Window Repair Norfolk.
Like-For-Like Repair Versus Full Strip-Down
For like-for-like sash window repair, the team use the original sash frame where possible to complete the repair of a single fault such as a snapped cord or a sash that is not opening or closing correctly. A full strip-down sash window overhaul involves completely removing the old sash from the window and then removing all of the old paint and putty down to the bare timber before replacing any rotten sections. The sash is then completely rebuilt using the highest quality materials. A full strip-down sash window overhaul is a very different job to like-for-like sash window repair and therefore the prices for the two types of work are very different too.
What A Reasonable Guarantee Covers
There is a lot to consider in terms of what a guarantee will cover and how long a guarantee will last. Most Sash Window Repairers offer a 1-5 year guarantee covering the workmanship and the materials that have been used to complete the repairs. When looking for a Sash Window Repairer look for a written guarantee that clearly outlines what is covered and what is not. Make sure you understand what you are covered for and what would be considered to be outside of the terms and conditions of the guarantee, for example painting of unfinished joints.
VAT, Deposits And Payment Stages
Also make sure to establish whether or not the quote price includes VAT, as this can add up to 20% to the price, a large unexpected increase. In addition to the price for the work, tradespeople may ask for a deposit on the sash window repair in Norfolk. This can be anywhere from 10% to 30% of the total cost of the sash windows and can be paid in instalments depending on the size of the job, with the balance being paid on completion. The best way to ensure this is to have a written schedule of payments for the work.
Why Getting More Than One Quote Matters
Prices can vary greatly between tradespeople for sash window repair of the same job on the same street. It’s recommended to ask for two or three quotes for sash window repair in Norfolk to find out whether one price is far too high or that a very cheap quote is hiding extra costs for access etc. It’s also very important to see how clear a tradesperson is at explaining the costs for any sash window repair work. The standard of work that a tradesperson carries out can often be reflected in how clear and good their pricing is explained.
A clear detailed quote is one of the biggest indicators of a knowledgeable tradesperson, it’s there to help you so ask as many questions as you feel necessary until you are 100% clear on what you are paying for.
