new aluminium windows without the problems !
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The on site survey is the most important part of having aluminium windows and doors replaced. Don't make these mistakes !TRANSCRIPT
Onsite Survey for Aluminium Windows: What, Why, When and Who?By Frank TateAugust 23, 2013
The On-Site Survey for aluminium windows is an essential part of your project, vital to make sure that
you get the right product for your needs and that installation goes as smoothly as possible.
It involves a professional Surveyor visiting your property or your project and reviewing and double-
checking the measurements, product options and even the location and its surroundings – keeping an
eye out for any issues that could occur during installation or even during the future operation of your
windows and doors.
When is an On-Site Survey carried out?Customers often ask us to visit their property for a survey at a very early stage in the buying process –
and in rare circumstances this is a sensible option and we arrange the survey accordingly. However, in
the vast majority of cases a survey is not required until the price for the windows and doors has been
agreed and we have received the signed order from the customer.
This is because clients usually decide to begin their search for their new windows fairly early in the build
stage and at that time there is often nothing to physically measure – the building has either not started
at all or is just getting off the ground.
So how can the quote be given before a survey?You may wonder how we can quote so reliably before surveying the project. This is simply because we
trust our highly trained staff to provide accurate quotations based on architect drawings or window
schedules – as well as from in-depth conversations with the customer to understand their exact needs
and what they want to achieve from their project.
Among the many things discussed before a quotation is drawn up are topics like “U-Values” to ensure
that the project complies with the latest building regulations. And perhaps the location of the project or
its proximity to the coast means that it requires a special marine grade paint to fight off the elements of
the sea. Or perhaps there are special wind load pressures to meet. Thanks to the experience of our
staff, this can all be taken into account without the need of an extra site survey – which reduces the
cost and duration of the project.
A great surveyor is essentialAround 75% of our projects are installed by our own team and so a full site survey comes as part of the
job. And one thing we have learned over the years is the importance of having a great surveyor. Our
Chief Surveyor Jonny Hunt has been with us right from the start, carrying out our surveys impeccably
for the last 15 years. In fact he is a childhood friend and so we know him inside out! (Just as he knows
his craft inside out.)
Sometimes, architects’ drawings are misread and perhaps a lintel or Catnic is sited differently than
intended. The homeowner then needs to make a call on what they think is best to keep the project on
course and in budget. This is where Jonny’s experience is invaluable, because he can help the
customer in making the best choice in respect of the glazing specification or build amendment.
Communication and documentationWhatever the decision of the customer regarding any quote amendment Jonny’s job as surveyor is to
ensure that if anything gets changed from the original quotation that everyone involved knows about it
in great detail! History tells us that if it is accurately documented and agreed by all concerned this is by
far the best method for reducing stress and extra costs at a later date.
The old adage of “measure twice, cut once” is a wisdom you’d be best to remember in any building
project…
If you have any questions about the onsite survey for aluminium windows, please leave a
comment below or click here and we’ll ask Jonny to provide the expert answer for you!