Choosing the right windows and doors for your home isn’t always easy. They’re a significant investment, and one you probably won’t make often, so making the right choice is crucial. Your windows and doors should complement the exterior style of your home as well as your surroundings, but in addition to being beautiful, they need to be functional, practical and durable. The multitude of choices available these days can be incredibly overwhelming, making it difficult to know where to even start.
Fortunately, Premier Windows is here to help. As one of the country’s leading window and door manufacturers and suppliers, with many years of experience, we have extensive knowledge of the industry and can help you find the right windows and doors. To get you started, we’ve put together this ultimate guide to highlight what you need to think about when choosing windows and doors for your home.
Think About Your Architectural Style
Achieving a cohesive look is always important when you’re carrying out renovations, giving your home an overall appeal that you’re proud of. The best way to ensure this happens is to choose windows and doors that match the architectural style.
For instance, timber sash windows could be better suited to a period property, matching the timeless feel and adding character. Whereas aluminium tilt and turn windows could be the perfect choice for a modern home, with their sleek frames and large panes of glass. If you’re not sure which look will suit your home, our specialist team will be happy to discuss the different options with you. We know that attention to detail is important.
Know What you Want from your Windows and Doors
While windows are primarily designed to let light into your home and doors are predominantly an entrance or exit point, they have other functions as well. They can have a significant impact on both functionality and aesthetics. If you have specific wants and needs, then it’s important to make sure your new windows and doors are suitable.
If you want to install new doors from your living space to your garden, for example, think about the amount of floor space you have. While bifold doors undeniably look amazing, you need to have space for them to stack at the side of the opening. For smaller spaces, sliding patio doors might be a better option as they won’t take up any floor space when they’re open.
Consider the Necessary Ventilation
Another essential role of your windows and doors is to get fresh air moving through your rooms. This is important as your living spaces can quickly become stuffy and uncomfortable, particularly during the summer months. Knowing how much ventilation you’ll need for your space can help you choose not just the number of windows and doors but also the right styles, which can vary considerably based on your needs.
When it comes to windows, tilt and turn windows can be a great choice for rooms that need constant ventilation, as they can be left open without worrying about security or safety. Traditional French doors are also an excellent choice for ventilation, as both doors can be opened together, allowing as much air as possible to move around.
Designing New Windows and Doors
It’s easier than ever to install windows and doors that are perfect for your home, as the vast majority of options are fully customisable. You have control over everything from the style and the colour to the hardware and glazing options, influencing both appearance and performance. Here are some things to consider when designing your new windows and doors:
Material
Getting the material right is critical when choosing new windows and doors. It affects appearance, durability, maintenance, and energy efficiency. Common options include wood, uPVC, and aluminium. Wood offers a timeless, classic look but requires regular maintenance to remain in good condition. UPVC is low-maintenance, durable, and energy-efficient, making it very popular. Aluminium is strong, lightweight, and modern, yet sometimes more expensive.
Colour
Colour is a significant decision, especially for external features like your front door. Most materials are available in every RAL colour on the market, offering flexibility. Consider how the colour of your windows and doors will complement or contrast with your home’s exterior and interior. Bold colours can make a statement, while neutral tones offer timeless appeal. When it comes to doors, consider whether you want glass elements or block-coloured doors too.
Glazing
The type of glazing you choose can significantly impact thermal insulation and sound reduction. Popular glazing options include double glazing and triple glazing, both of which are energy-efficient and help to prevent disturbances. However, you can also get acoustic laminated glass if noise is a real issue, and obscure glass if you need extra privacy. For added visual interest, consider the decorative glazing options available as well.
Hardware
Hardware is an often-overlooked detail that has a big impact. Handles, locks, hinges, and letterboxes are all available in a range of styles, colours and finishes. High-quality hardware can be the perfect finishing touch and can also improve both security and ease of use. Modern locking mechanisms and child-safety features are particularly important for family homes, while heritage-style fittings are well suited to period properties.
Price
Price is a crucial consideration when selecting new windows and doors. These are significant investments, and costs can vary widely. Deciding on a budget early will help you make design decisions and prevent overspending. While it might be tempting to choose the cheapest option, balancing cost with quality and performance is essential. Investing in higher-quality windows and doors can offer better durability, lower maintenance costs, and improved energy efficiency, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
Questions To Ask Before Purchasing New Windows and Doors in London
When it comes to purchasing new windows and doors for your home, making the right decision involves more than simply picking a style you like. Here are some key questions to ask before undertaking this home improvement project:
What is the Company’s Reputation Like?
When choosing a company for your new windows and doors, it’s essential to consider their reputation. Look at online reviews, testimonials and ratings; these will provide an insight into other customers’ experiences. A company with consistently positive feedback is likely to provide high-quality products and reliable customer service. Try to avoid companies with unresolved complaints, as this could indicate ongoing issues with customer satisfaction or workmanship.
Are They Fully Accredited and Insured?
Accreditation and insurance provide peace of mind that the company meets required industry standards. For example, at Premier Windows, we are a FENSA-accredited installer, which means our work complies with building regulations and is regularly assessed for quality. Don’t be afraid to ask whether a company has public liability insurance to cover any unforeseen issues during installation too.
Do They Offer a Guarantee or Warranty?
It’s important to know that if something goes wrong with your new windows and doors, you’re protected. Ask about the length of any guarantees or warranties, and whether they cover the products and/or the installation work. An experienced installer should offer a comprehensive warranty that ensures the long-term performance of your investment.
Can I Visit a Showroom?
Visiting a showroom can make a huge difference to the decision-making process during home improvement projects. It allows you to see product samples in person, compare different design options and get some tailored advice from experts. At Premier Windows, we recommend a showroom visit to experience the quality of our double-glazed units first-hand and explore all of the customisation choices available.
Do They Provide a Detailed Quote?
Before committing to new windows and doors, it’s useful to ask if the company offers a detailed, no-obligation quote. This quote should be clear and transparent, and break down all costs involved in the process. A quote that just covers the cost of the new windows and doors can result in additional costs, like labour and VAT, which can quickly add up. There should be no hidden surprises after you’ve agreed to the purchase.
High-Quality Windows and Doors at Premier Windows
Hopefully, now you know more about how to choose the right windows and doors for your home, you can use this information to help you make the best decision for your specific needs. Every home is different, and what works for someone else may not be the best option for you, so take the time to consider what’s right for your property.
If you’re thinking about replacing the existing windows and doors in your home, Premier Windows is the company to contact. We specialise in providing our customers with high-quality products that are fully customisable, with a wide range of styles, materials, colours and finishes to choose from. We can help you find the best solutions for your windows and doors, and we have the knowledge to recommend options based on your unique requirements. We also offer installation services, and you can rely on our team to do an excellent job every time.
Get in touch with us today by giving us a call or by filling out our online contact form.
