Pricing
WHAT IS A FAIR PRICE?
One of the hardest things to judge is if you are paying a fair price for your
conservatory.
The first tip is go out and get at least three different quotes - using exactly the same specification with each company. We can’t emphasise enough that
you must ensure you state exactly the same style, materials and size to each
company.
COMPARE THE RESULTS
Q They are all reasonably alike how do I choose?
A You can be sure that you have a good estimate of what the job should cost,
if they all come within a few hundred pounds.
The competition in the business is quite fierce, so most good companies look
to keep their prices pretty tight. You look as if you have picked reliable
suppliers, who know their business.
In this happy scenario you need to look at aspects such as the reputation
of the company, what kind of guarantee and after-sales service you can expect,
or was there one company you felt happier with than the others?
ONE QUOTE IS MUCH LOWER IS THIS A GOOD INDICATION OF A BARGAIN?
Sadly the answer to that question is probably no.
Are you sure that every company was given exactly the same brief?
If so, there are several things to consider and ask when you go back and query
the price.
DON’T just accept it because it is low. There is every possibility that
something hasn’t been costed in. If that is the case you might end up
paying much more than you expect when lots of extras are added in! So it’s
always better to be safe than sorry.
Because building a conservatory is a complex business there are several things
that should be considered when you verify a quote. Although not a definitive
list, this might help you:
• Has the company costed for everything, or is it expecting you to arrange
some aspects yourself, such as the base-laying or electrical work?
• Has the company grasped the complexity of the job? If the company
is relatively new - it might not have the experience to appreciate all aspects
of what is needed.
• Does the supplier use cheap labour, rather than qualified or experienced
installers?
• Are the materials quoted like-for-like?
1. You want good quality materials. In the case of PVCu that means reinforced wall and roof units, not just window units that do not have the strength for
the job.
2. What kind of glass has been specified. Is it toughened? Does the roof glass
have a coating to alleviate the effects of the sun’s rays?
3. If the roof is polycarbonate what thickness has been specified? It could
be 10mm, 16mm or 25mm - that’s quite a variation.
4. Has the company quoted for the right type of roof? Did you state whether
you wanted glass or polycarbonate. The latter is much cheaper and easier to
install, and it doesn’t have the same weight implications for the walls
as glass does.
• How many vents in the walls and roof have been included in the price?
• Have PVCu sections been manufacture separately and then coupled together
using special structural mullions to give added strength? Some frames are just
larger units ‘split’ by inserting vertical posts to look as if
they are separate - which isn’t so good.
• How comprehensive is the guarantee? Many long-established companies
offer worthwhile guarantees. A business that has been recently established
might not be able to offer the same standard, or back it with the kind of long-term
commitment that you hope a company that has been around decades can. Ask how
the company guarantees its guarantee.
• Are you paying for a good service from a company that has a staff
of trained people to help with every aspect, including the survey, planning
permission (if needed), design, installation and after sales service. It all
affects the cost.
You have to judge for yourself. But you must be sure exactly what you are
getting before you sign a contract - you are about to invest a goodly sum of
money, make sure you know what you are getting for it.
I DON’T REALLY NEED A WRITTEN QUOTE AT THE MOMENT - JUST SOME
IDEA OF THE COST
Oh, dear. It is nice to have an idea of what something will cost as you explore
the idea of adding a conservatory to your home. But do beware!
Do you ever watch property development programmes on TV? How often do they
overspend because they have badly underestimated what was needed?
To gain a basic idea you can look at internet sites, or go to conservatory
showrooms. But it will be basic - there are so many things to consider, just
look at our section on One Quote is Lower Than Another to see what we mean.
There is a Price Guide attached to this website which can help you - but help
is the operative word it is not a quote or a guarantee that this will be the
cost. A glimpse at the Extra Costs page will also help.
For an accurate picture you need to decide exactly what you want and get an
expert to price it up.
There is always the type of company who will deliberately underestimate if
you ask for a ‘little idea of what it will cost’ they hope you
will come back. But if you do, expect the real price to rocket.
Going to someone with a vague idea could, of course, also mean an overestimate
from a company that is being more cautious. Probably better to go back to this
one for a more detailed estimate.
When you are looking at a conservatory just bear in mind exactly what is entailed,
such as getting the site ready, laying foundations, types of materials, styles,
size… you see! “Just run me up a few figures of a fag packet” will
probably be little or no good at all.
GO ABOUT IT SENSIBLY
Sit yourself down and look at the pages on this website to give you good sound
advice on what you need to consider.
Having a conservatory is great - but what do you need it for? Perhaps the
use will affect the size, as much as the amount of space available to build
on.
Consider styles, and materials, and that includes complementing what is already
on the exterior of your house.
If the price is more than you had expected, take a look at financing deals.
But again, don’t just look at one, go for several and understand exactly
what you are paying, over what period and what that is really costing you.
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