The first thing to consider is the style and type of door you need, as this makes a big difference. The second consideration is whether it will be sited in an area that needs extra protection such as a conservatory or external wall.
The most expensive doors are not always the best value for money because they may have additional features which you don’t need such as security glass, double glazing, locking mechanism or an insulated core.
A good way to check on cost is to ask local builders about costs for different types of doors from reputable manufacturers. You can find out which brands offer the best value by looking at Internet sites selling second hand and new doors and asking them how much their customers paid for the products.
You could also try and get duplicate quotes from companies listed in the free business guides found in local newspapers as they will generally offer good value for money. They may be able to offer further discounts if you are prepared to wait a short while or pay cash. Discounts of up to 20 per cent can usually be gained by calling an installer directly rather than buying through an Internet site.
Some businesses do not like displaying prices on their websites however, so don’t forget that one of your best sources is word of mouth where friends and family can tell you about good or bad experiences with certain door providers. You could also take time out to find reviews online concerning products sold by different companies, these particularly helpful when it comes to problems relating to durability, security, structure and appearance.
To help you get the best value for money from your door, here are some tips: – Find out what materials and quality of workmanship is required by checking with friends or people who have experienced problems with poor-quality doors. This will ensure that you know exactly what to look for in a door and where the weak points can be. You can then select the most appropriate door for your needs. Be aware that high quality doors do not necessarily require expensive locking systems; it could be enough to spend a little extra on good hinges to avoid burglars being able to cut through the lock fasteners relatively easily.
– Always check all information concerning guarantees, pay special attention to how external wall protection works if internal protection is offered, and check the guarantee for locking mechanisms.
– Beware of discounts that could end up costing more once the initial price has been discounted – such as those offered in cash, or when pinning your hopes on deals that are too good to be true. Some companies will give a discount if you pay with an overseas credit card or offer a quick installation – these can actually be extremely expensive routes to go down because there will be hidden extras attached to them. Make sure estimates include all costs and are not open to room for profit-spinning extras once work has begun.
– You can save money by buying from a reputable company, so don’t be blinded by cheap deals. Just because you are getting a good deal on your door does not mean the quality is inferior. There is no point in buying an expensive door if it will only need replacing after a few months because of poor quality or materials used to construct it. Make sure you have all the facts before making any decision; check Internet sites selling second hand doors as they may provide cheaper options than builders merchants and large hardware stores and this could make all the difference between a couple of hundred pounds being saved or lost.
Remember that even though some companies offer lifetime the expenses associated with fitting your door including labour if you decide not to do it yourself. If you decide to fit it yourself, there should also be no additional charge for drilling holes into walls unless they have been made specifically for new doors.
All charges should be made clear at the outset, so you know exactly where you stand.
– Take your time to shop around for a door and spend as much money as necessary on a good product. A cheap door could end up costing far more in the long run through repair work or replacement costs and is no bargain if it does not provide adequate security. Bear in mind however that many doors are affected by extremes of temperature, especially older homes with poor insulation – these may need attention before they will last any length of time.
Check whether new doors conform with British Standards if applicable; this means customer’s can benefit from insurance claims relating to faulty products. People who have had problems with poorly fitting doors, or the wrong size being installed, can also contact their local Trading Standards Department for help and advice.
It is well worth avoiding problems by making sure all the necessary details are agreed before you commit to any specific product.
