Double Glazing & Home Improvement Frequently Asked Questions
Ask Holly!
Some of our most frequently asked questions, answered by Holly
Hello! My name’s Holly and my Dad runs Ideal Window Solutions; your favourite local window, door and conservatory specialists. Based in Fareham, Chichester and Southampton, they expertly supply a range of high quality uPVC, timber, timber alternative and aluminium home improvement products throughout Hampshire, West Sussex and the surrounding area.
Double glazing has so many amazing benefits, so I’m sure you’re interested in all the great offers and services Dad can provide. Double glazing is a big part of our lives – I’ve become quite the expert myself! So, I’ve taken the time to answer a range of questions we get asked a lot. If you need to know more, just get in touch!
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What are ‘Energy Rated Windows?’
Have you seen me in the local newspaper, holding a giant globe and talking about how energy-saving windows can help you to save money on your energy bills and help to save the environment? This is a really important subject for me and Dad, which is why we make sure that all the windows that are fitted have energy-efficient glass and frames. Using advanced uPVC frames and special ‘argon gas’ in between the panes of glass helps to make Dad’s windows the most energy-efficient ones that money can buy.
What do window energy ratings mean?
Window Energy Ratings tell you how energy efficient your windows are, just like the labels you see on your fridge or washing machine! Based on a scale of A-G, A-Rated windows are the best and most energy-efficient. It's easy to see why people are interested in energy rated double glazing, because up to 25% of the heat in most homes escapes through the windows and you can reduce this lots and lots with new A-Rated windows!
Advanced glass and frame technology
Dad says at Ideal Window Solutions, all the glass they use to make double glazed windows is the most technically advanced glass available. Specially designed to prevent heat escaping through your windows, it also helps to reflect the sun's heat back into your home which cleverly provides FREE HEATING too!
Get more informationWhat colour uPVC windows and doors are available?
I’ve talked a lot about coloured uPVC windows and doors on local radio, as lots of people are bored with white uPVC windows and don’t have the time to paint wooden windows either. Well, Dad has the answer! Ideal Window Solutions stock up to 50 different coloured uPVC windows and doors, so you can choose exactly the right colour to suit the style of your home. You can even have a coloured effect on the outside frame and keep the inside of your windows or doors white!
Offering the best of both worlds, Dad can provide a range of woodgrain uPVC window effects too. Choose between wood effect colours like Golden Oak and Mahogany to grey, black and even red or blue windows and doors - how amazing is that?! The classic good looks of wooden windows, without any annoying maintenance involved – it’s ideal!
Visit our uPVC window page for further details on the range of colours available.
Do coloured uPVC windows fade?
No, not anymore! Coloured uPVC window and door frames use colour-bonding technology, which means they won’t fade.
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Do you need planning permission for replacement windows or doors in conservation areas?
Unless your property is listed or covered by an Article 4 Direction you shouldn’t need to apply for planning permission.
My Dad is an expert in this type of thing, and with many timber and timber alternative windows and doors accepted in conservation areas across Hampshire and Sussex, don’t hesitate to contact him to discuss anything further to put your mind at ease.
Get more informationCan I view a range of products at a local showroom?
Yes! Dad has three extensive showrooms based in Fareham, Chichester and Southampton, where you can view the full range of uPVC, timber, aluminium windows and timber-look window, door, conservatory and orangery products at your leisure. All 3 are open Monday to Saturday, 10am-5pm. Get in touch today with our customer service team to book an appointment to visit one of our showrooms.
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What areas do you cover?
We work across the South of England in Winchester, Southampton, Basingstoke, Portsmouth, Chichester and Hampshire. We offer all kind of properties a wide range of products including; sliding patio doors, composite doors, sash windows, tilt & turn windows, bay windows and casement windows– just to name a few!
Does my front door need replacing?
There are many early warning signs that indicate it’s time to replace your front door. If you have a space underneath and around your door, splitting or peeling, noisy door hinges or rotting then you are definitely in need of a new front door.
Can you replace French doors with bifold doors?
Yes you can! Replacing your old French doors with new bi-fold doors is a great way to create a seamless transition between home and garden.
Does a conservatory add value to your home?
The answer is yes! A conservatory creates extra space for your home and allows for more natural light. A conservatory is becoming a desirable feature for homeowners across the UK.
I have placed my order, what happens next?
Our experienced surveyor will be in contact within 7 days to arrange an appointment to inspect your home and take detailed information needed to make your new windows, doors or glazed extension.
What happens after the survey is complete?
Our installation co-ordinator will be in touch within 3 weeks to confirm an installation date that suits everyone.
Why can’t you provide an earlier fitting date?
Fitting schedules must remain flexible due to unforeseen circumstances, like the weather, jobs overrunning and staff sickness. If you require a specific date, please highlight this with our installation department as soon as possible and they will do their best to help you.
What do I need to do on the day of my installation?
Please clear the area where our fitters will be working; we usually start work from upstairs and work downwards. Our fitters usually arrive by 9am, where they will introduce themselves and fully explain the sequence of work involved. For their own safety, we also ask that children and pets are kept away from the areas of work at all times. If you have any further questions, please contact our installation department as soon as possible.
What if the weather is bad on the day of fitting?
Even if the weather turns, there is usually work that can be carried out on a less exposed elevation. If it’s particularly bad (where safety or the property is compromised), one of two things will happen;
- Our installation department will contact you as early as possible
- Or, our fitters will decide the best course of action with you when they arrive.
In the event that we are unable to start, we will re-schedule for as soon as it’s reasonably practical.
Will there be any mess?
We are carrying out construction work, so there will be disturbance and the potential for dust. Our fitters will protect floors, stairs and carpets with dust sheets and will clear up after the work is finished. When removing the existing windows, fitters will also protect flower beds and borders outside your property with tarpaulins.
Have a look at our Checkatrade reviews, where our fitters score an average 9.68/10 for tidiness. (Correct at time of publishing)
What happens when the fitters have finished?
Our fitters will demonstrate the operation of windows and doors with you and ask you to inspect the work, to make sure you’re happy with everything they’ve done. The fitters will provide you with a satisfaction note that they will ask you to complete and seal in the envelope provided, so that you can provide us with your honest opinion of the work that our fitters have completed.
Will you send me an invoice once the work is complete?
No, unless you are a business. For domestic customers (homeowners), the contract that you signed (and any subsequent agreed variations) is all we provide as request for payments.
What if I’m not happy about any of the work, do I still have to pay my balance?
We are a reputable company and will do everything in our power to rectify any issues as quickly as possible, following practical completion; so, there is no need to worry that you will pay us and then never see us again! Despite this, and under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, our contract makes provision for you to withhold a sum equivalent to the cost of resolving defects. If you wish to do so, this equates to 5% of the outstanding balance.
What happens after the job is complete and paid for?
There are post-contract formalities that we must complete. Within 4 weeks, we will write to you to confirm the balance payment, enclosing your warranty certificate.
When will I get my ASSURE AND DGCOS certificates?
We will register your installation electronically with both of these organisations. They will then forward your certificates to you under separate cover. These documents typically arrive within 6 weeks of the completion date. However, if you haven’t received them after 6 weeks, don’t hesitate to contact our installations department who will be happy to investigate and progress these for you.
Our latest reviews
Replacement windows and door
The team arrived promptly. Work was done efficiently and on time. They cleaned and tidied up after the job was completed. We are very pleased with the results and would highly recommend them
10 /10
Friendly
Very satisfactory work. Measurer and fitter very efficient, professional and friendly.
10 /10
Experienced
Highly experienced and skilled operatives. Prompt arrival and left the site clean and tidy. Courteous and respected the Government restrictions at all times. Have used this Company before for other conservatory work and would use again if required.
10 /10
Replacement Glazing
Very impressed with all aspects of contract during these difficult times. Fitters were fully compliant with covid rules. Will thoroughly recommend them
10 /10
Excellent
Excellent company. From first contact with their Sales, it has been easy going and painless. Fitters have done a fantastic job throughout, the quality of their workmanship is commendable. Would highly recommend this company to anyone.
10 /10
First class
The quality of the product and workmanship is of the highest quality. Well done Ideal Window Solutions Ltd. First class.
10 /10
Job was perfect
Everything about the two men who came was superb. They were punctual, friendly and experienced. Their workmanship was excellent. Their finished job was perfect. I would highly recommend them.
10 /10
Informative & professional
This is the second time we have used this firm. As before, they were informative and professional from start to finish. Prompt, tidy and thorough always.
10 /10
Would not go anywhere else
Brilliant. No fuss . No drama. Done in a couple of hours. Very pleased. Fourth door I have had fitted by this company. Would not go anywhere else. SFK. Alec lovely guy. Kind and respectful.
10 /10
