Everyone knows that when building or renovating a house you want to make sure that you choose the right products. This can save you a lot of hassle in the long run, and minimise the risk of something going wrong at a later date.

Selecting your windows and doors carefully should be one of your key considerations. Most homeowners go straight for double glazed systems. These are very energy efficient and maintenance free.

It is crucial to choose the right supplier, as you probably don’t want to go through the same process again in the next few years.

Here are 6 important thoughts worth considering:

1. Treat your glazing supplier like any other company you are planning to do business with. Do your research and check their online reviews. Visit there Google Plus, Facebook or Houzz Pages and try to get a feel for what they are like as a company.
2. If a company you are considering has a showroom, make sure that you pay them a visit. This will give you a chance to meet a technical advisor, who can introduce various glazing options to you. They can provide you with all the pros and cons of the products and advice you on the best solution for your circumstances.
   And, the most important thing is that you will be able to see everything, check colour options in person, experience different finishes and just get an all-around feel for the glass. The experience will definitely help with your decision process.
3. Make sure that the double glazing company you specify provides you with a clear quotation for the products and all the labour costs that come with them: design, site survey, project management, delivery and installation. Some companies will quote you for the price of the products only, which on paper will inevitably look more appealing than a complete quotation. Having a clear description and understanding of the works to be undertaken will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road.
4. Ask about thermal performance. The basic rule is that the lower the U- value (it is usually between 1.5 – 2.0), the higher the performance you can achieve. Make sure that the value given to you refers to the whole unit (frame, spacer, glass) not just one piece. You can be sure that any products from a FENSA registered company will meet building regulations.
5. Check whether they have a dedicated surveying team. (The surveyor should visit the site prior to the commencement of the manufacturing process).
6. Find out who will be fitting your systems. It is definitely worth finding out if they have their own in-house installation team or whether they are planning to subcontract your project. A double glazing company who provide their own fitters are responsible for making sure that they are well qualified and dedicated and as such are more likely to complete a professional job.

All of this should give you a good platform from where you can start your double glazing supplier research. The further along the process you move the more questions you are bound to be asking and so the more questions you need to be asking of your supplier.

Good luck and all the best with your project!