"James" wrote in message
...
Hi

We are definately looking to buy a uPVC large sliding patio door to
replace
our lounge window which is over 9' wide.
We were considering getting the door made to the exact size of the
existing
window opening so it would be an easier job to fit (a family member
handyman
will be fitting it), but most websites weve looked on only do standard
sizes
with the biggest around 8'. Thats fine though because weve decided 8'
would
look a lot better and not be too big.

Questions:
1. Does anyone know a company that makes attractive looking sliding patio
doors which have good security and condensation proof etc all mod cons and
can deliver?

2. It would be great if the company fitted the door free or for small
extra
cost but going for the smaller size means there will be some brickwork to
do
and matched up on both sides, or on just one side maybe. When you hear
'free
fitting' do they mean only if its replacement (same size)?

Also we are considering getting some french doors to replace a window on
another part of our house and we have even toyed with the idea of
replacing
all our windows with upvc (existing are old ali and some are softwood) but
as we plan to sell up oneday in the next few years, it may pay just to do
the 2 doors and leave existing windows as the future buyer may not like
upvc
anyway. Whats the general opinion on that? Would replacing all windows be
a
massive cost we wouldnt need to spend (we can put up with our existing),
or
would the value of the property increase with a nice style of upvc
throughout?

Many thanks for any help or advice

Jayne and James


A lot may depend upon the character of the house and the local
neighbourhood.

We have the dubious pleasure of possessing a house where previous
owners/renovators had replaced the two sash feature windows (that would have
had cathedral glass panes at the top of the top sash) with bog standard uPVC
double glazed. That definitely has a hit on the value of the house, perhaps
only a couple of thousand though.

We would like to replace with windows more in keeping with the street, but
that will truly cost an arm and a leg. We could have done it a lot more
cheaply 3 years ago, but Part L regs have knocked that on the head.

So, consider any effect on value carefully, and don't assume that the only
adjustment to value is upwards....

For the patio door a lot will depend upon how nice you want it, and how much
you want to spend. We have Monarch Monaframe coated aluminium french doors
in the dining room, and they really are lovely fittings, but they're not
cheap. When we replace the patio door in the kitchen with opening french
doors these will be the first things that we look at.

Finally, if you replacing the thing yourself, don't forget that you will
need a building regs certificate, I think that costs in the order of £100.
That will be important when you come to sell the place.


--
Richard Sampson

email me at
richard at olifant d-ot co do-t uk