When it comes to buying conservatories UK buyers are
definitely at a disadvantage. This is because no one seems
to be able to offer a standard definition of what and what
doesn't, constitute as a conservatory.
So, when looking at the market for conservatories UK
homeowners should first decide exactly what they want. Never
ring the company and ask as they will simply send round a
salesman who will try, and try, and try, boy will he try, to
sell you what his companies definition of a conservatory is!
Check out pictures by doing a search on Google images for
"conservatories UK." Grab as many brochures as you can and
read as much information as you can find. Everybody has
different uses for their conservatory so be sure and clear
of what yours is. You need to decide whether it will have a
wall to sill height or be full glass. What it will be made
of, how big, will it be a modern look or Victorian.
Your biggest decision will probably be how much you can
afford to spend. Get the best you can afford for a long
life. Yes prices vary wildly for conservatories but so does
the quality of materials used and the skills of the fitters.
Once you have fully made up your mind and only then, should
you start ringing around for quotes. Now when the salesman
turns up you can tell him exactly what it is you want and
the dealing can start from there. Don't be too heavy when
trying to knock the price down, all they will do is cut
corners somewhere down the line. Rather than try to get the
price way to far down, see if they can throw in a freebie
such as a new front or back door perhaps. A £400 door is
only costing them around £100 plus a few hours wages for the
lads to hang it and they will be at your home anyway doing
the conservatory. They will be much more prepared to bend
when it comes to deals such as this rather than knocking too
much cash off. Remember, the door would still cost you £400
if and when you come to replace it so both of you win in
this type of concession.
Don't go with the first offer, speak to a few first and make
sure you are getting the best deal but you must compare like
for like by sticking to the choices you made earlier. If a
price comes in ridiculously lower than the others, its more
than likely not for a quote for a conservatory built to the
spec's you gave them.
When it comes to signing the contract, get it checked. Tell
them they can collect it in a few days or better still, ask
for a copy of one at the first meeting. That way, if the
price is good and you want a second meeting you can check it
out before you ring them back. When it comes to
conservatories UK dealers are practically famous the world
over for their small print, so make sure before you sign.
Does it say how long it will take them to start after they
receive your deposit? Unless its off the shelf your
conservatory will have to made in the factory but you will
want to know what the waiting time is before handing over
your money. A 10% deposit is about the norm. Its best if you
can pay buy credit card as this gives you some protection if
things go wrong.
Getting any quotes in the home improvement sector, its
always best to get like for like so you can compare the
prices properly but this practice is absolutely essential
when looking at conservatories UK buyers beware!
