How to choose a supplier
You may opt to choose your supplier after deciding what style and type of conservatory you want. Alternatively you may pick the supplier first and rely on him to guide you through the available options.
Whichever way you choose, always get quotes from at least three potential suppliers, you can visit the Quotatis website (www.anytrades.co.uk) to get FREE quotes. Personal recommendation can be one of the most reliable ways to choose a supplier but you might also want to try a national ‘household name’ or a smaller regional specialist.
Any potential supplier must be able to clearly explain how the site will be prepared and how the conservatory will be constructed as well as providing details about the construction’s strength and durability. You will need reassurances regarding workmanship and continuity as most companies use subcontractors who are only interested in their aspect of the job. You need to be confident that the conservatory company’s installation manager will visit site regularly and project manage the tradesmen.
Check for training and competency certificates awarded by the company’s manufacturers and suppliers and also scrutinise guarantees and warranties offered.
Before making your decision:
- Check out some completed installations
- Talk to previous customers to find out if the builders were efficient, prompt, tidy, etc. and if there were any major delays
- Try to meet the builders who will be doing the work – you will be in close proximity throughout the build period so you want to be sure you can get on with them
- Visit the company’s showroom where you can view the different styles available
- Check whether there is a computerised bespoke design service so you can see how the finished building will look.
In order to make an informed purchasing decision based on hard facts rather than salesman’s patter, find out as much as you can about construction materials and glazing options, etc. – you’ll find plenty of information in this book but for further details visit some of the websites listed in the Appendix.
Be guided by the advice above but also follow your instincts. Is this a company you feel good about? Does it inspire confidence? Gut feeling counts in such purchasing situations. Above all, though, don’t be rushed into making a decision before you are ready to do so. Certainly don’t be taken in by those ‘sign up today and I can knock X% off the price, guv’ exhortations. In fact, if you find yourself on the end of such sales patter our advice is to walk away!