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After the house purchase you may need double glazing.

Purchasing Replacement windows.

If you decide that you need replacement windows, remember there are many firms offering discounts and special offers, not many firms sell at full price.
When choosing suitable products, a good tip is to try and contact a local firm that has been in business for a few years and has a reputation to keep up.
Whoever you choose to measure, remember the salesman is working on commision, he will try his hardest to sell, offering fantastic deals if you purchase on the day.
Always get at least three quotes, choose the best value option which may not be the cheapest.
When making your choice, consider low E glass, this is a special glass with improved insulation qualities.
Most window companies fit multipoint espagnolette locking systems, but may also offer higher security locks at additional cost.
Replacing old and rotten windows with double glazed replacement windows, can be worthwhile, although new windows will not add much to the value of your home, they will make it more comfortable, lower your heating bill and can make your house easier to sell.

UPVC. Types.

One of the cheapest and most popular double glazed window is UPVC. Basically a plastic material reinforced with metal, the best types are glazed from the inside to deter burglars. Usually made with a white finish but most other colours are available. Plastic is a good insulator; condensation should not be a problem.
Plastic frames will need no maintenance other than cleaning, but locks and fittings should be lightly oiled every six months
Windows can be supplied with hardwood frames or fitted straight into window aperture and screwed into the brickwork.
If hardwood frames are fitted, maintenance will be required.
One disadvantage, planners do not usually accept UPVC. Windows as replacements in listed buildings.

Aluminium type.

Aluminium is more expensive than plastic, but gives a more rigid feel to windows.
Another advantage with aluminium type, they can be made in slimmer sections making a better looking window, if you are concerned about how your property looks
Aluminium type can be made in different colours or just left plain, white powder coated could be the best option.
They can be supplied with hardwood frames or screwed straight into brickwork.
Aluminium although making a stronger window does have a problem; the metal can transmit cold to the inside through the frames, causing problem with condensation. To help alleviate this a thermal break of insulating material is used between inner and outer frames during manufacture.
Some types have insulating cladding incorparated, this can be just as effective.
Aluminium windows are used in commercial premises, where strength is required.

Wooden type.

Wooden windows are the cheapest options, can be manufactured in a variety of styles.
Hardwood types with double glazed units are probaly the best, although cheaper softwood is available, will have a shorter life even if regularly painted.
Advantages of wooden windows: Wood is a good insulator and condensation should never be a problem. Wooden windows can be made in any style to suit property.
Disadvantages: although hardwood will have a long life it will still need to be treated on a regular basis to preserve.
If you live in a listed building you may have sash windows, when replacing the planners will insist that a similar type is installed, a specialist joinery firm will be able to supply and fit. When in good condition sash windows are excellent, but will need maintenance.
Your local builder will be able to supply and fit wooden windows.

Moving in to your new property.

Before or even after moving in a lot of things will need attention, the surveyor will have made recommendations in his report, such as damprofing rewiring or he may have found a structural fault or even trouble with the roof.
All of these things are easily put right by your local builder, but you will have to get your chequebook out, make sure you have budgeted correctly.

1. Later on you may want the kitchen replaced or the central heating upgraded, once you have had central heating it is very difficult to live in your house without it.

Another item well worth having done, that is if it hasn�t been done already is insulation, at least 150 mm in the roof space and cavity wall insulation is cost effective.
Good insulation will reduce your heating bills considerably and will add value to your home.

2. You may also want to have the interior decorated and flooring replaced, all this is easier when the property is empty, but an empty house is a magnet for thieves, and you may have to compromise.
If you are purchasing a property to refurbish, to sell again at a profit certain items will add value, others may not.

3. Increase the value most with an extension (extra bedroom or living space) or updating the kitchen or bathroom, or even adding a garage, if you have the space will increase
Value most.
Budget around 10 to 20 thousand pounds for extra items to get your new house in fine fettle.

4. Newly built houses tend to make the most profit, we made over 50 thousand on our last house but it is now worth three times that. The housing market tend to rise and fall we are in a rising market at the moment, but if interest rates rise, this will have an effect on house prices. One last point if you sell a house or property that is not your main residence, that is you haven’t lived in it for at least 12 months, capital gains tax will be payable by you, (your main residence is exempt)

Avoiding the rip-off.

Cowboys can present an image of cheerfulness, compentacy and confidence all are masters in relieving you of your money.

Never allow yourself to be conned into having unnecessary roof repairs carried out by persons who knock on your door to tell you about a loose tile.

Another caller to watch out for is person who calls to tell you that due to overestimating tarmac quantity for local roadwork, he is able to replace your drive cheaply. Do not be taken in by this, you will find a large bill and possibly threats if you refuse to pay on completion for a poor job.

Contacting.
No tradesman worth his salt will knock on your door asking for work. Skilled workers are always in demand; they will get their work by personal recommendation.
Remember when you want a job done, ask a busy person.

Most people have been contacted by telephone salespersons, particularly double glazing companies, offering stupendous offers, while they are working in the area. Don�t be taken in by this, if you require double-glazing, ask friends or neighbours for their experiences.
Always choose a local company if one is available, as they will be close at hand to handle your complaints.

Choosing a builder can be more difficult, A good place to start would be to ask the Architect for his builder recommendation, ask to see previous work that builder has completed. Check with the house owners to see if they are satisfied with the job.
Always get at least three estimates; the lowest may not always be the best, and highest may not be the worst.
Some builders overprice difficult jobs they do not want; sometimes they will underprice job because they have spare time on a contract nearby.