Window Contractors Liverpool

All window installations in England and Wales must comply with Building Regulations. To make the most of your new windows look for the Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo or the BFRC energy label; the most energy efficient windows are those rated A.

If you are planning to do the work yourself you will need building control approval from your local authority, which must be applied for before you start work. You will need to ensure that:

• There are adequate means of escape in case of fire from all rooms in your property (if this is not the case a fire safety window must be installed).
• Safety glass must be used in areas that are sensitive to collision.
• Adequate insulation levels must be achieved.
• Suitable support must be in place above the new window.

It is worth noting that to comply with the 1985 housing act, all rooms that you inhabit, must have glazing proportionate to at least 1/10th of the floor area of the room. This is to give natural light. To provide natural ventilation you must have an openable window of at least 1/20th the floor area of the room.

If you are dealing with a company make sure they are regulated by FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme) or the Glass and Glazing Federation. This counts for more than any of the other 'memberships' that may be quoted to you as it monitors all members and has standards of good practice. That being said a local one-man-band may be able to offer you as good a service, but a good idea is to get recommendations from friends and family who have used that person before, so that you know what you are getting.

If your home is a listed building or in a conservation area there may be restrictions on the type of window you can install. Check this out before you begin work.

The best companies are not always the biggest companies or the ones with the most advertising. Beware of salesmen who have artificially increased prices who can offer you amazing discounts if you sign up 'now'. Ensure you know what you need and what you are getting before you sign anything.