Frequently Asked Questions
About the Company
How can I be sure that Executive Windows are a reputable company?
Executive Windows have been in business for over 23 years. We have a showroom in Petersfield and a factory and showroom in Farlington, Portsmouth. Our trained staff will arrive in company vans with company livery. When the work is completed Executive Windows fitters will ensure that you are happy with work before they ask you to sign a satisfaction note and then and only then, do you make your final payment to Executive Windows. For your convenience we accept most debit and credit cards, cheques or payment by bank transfer or online banking.
What makes Executive Windows different from any other double-glazing installer?
First and foremost we have been around for a long time, since 1988. When you come to Executive Windows you find an established company with a wealth of experience.
Secondly we manufacture our own windows, doors and conservatories in our own factory in Farlington, Portsmouth.
Third, from your original enquiry, through our survey, quotation, manufacturing, supply and installation you will only deal with Executive Windows' own staff. No commission based sales person, no contract fitters, no anonymous and remote call-centre, no 0845 phone numbers - just Executive Windows own staff, directly, on our main phone number 02392 613316, or through our Petersfield showroom, 01730 269294, or by email, to us, at
sales@executivewindows.com. And, of course, you are welcome to visit our factory, by appointment, at anytime.
How much do you charge for a survey and quotation?
Nothing. A member of Executive Windows staff will make an appointment at a time that suits you and your partner. We do not employ freelance sales staff. Our surveyor (who is also a qualified fitter) will come and discuss your requirements, take any necessary photographs and then leave to create your dream project and a fully detailed quotation. Within 48 hours, our sales team will post or email you your quotation for you to discuss with your partner at your leisure. Executive Windows do not employ high-pressure salesmen who sit themselves in your lounge, call their manager to try and obtain a "special discount" and will not leave until you sign the order. Only after you have had time to examine our quotation at your leisure and if you are happy with it (and why shouldn't you be) all you need to do is call us to accept it and make your initial payment, by cheque, BACS, debit card or if you want total peace of mind, pay by credit card, thus protecting your deposit. Alternatively we can offer you Deposit Guarantee Insurance from an independent supplier. Further staged payments will become due as the installation progresses. If for some strange reason you do not accept our quotation there is no survey fee and you are under no further obligation.
Can I see reviews from satisfied customers?
Yes, of course, Executive Windows have hundreds of them. There are letters and emails on the wall in both our Petersfield and Farlington showrooms and we have albums full of letters from customers who are happy with our products and service. You can also click on Customer Comments on the menu at the top of this screen to see just a few comments. When we have completed your windows or conservatory we hope we will receive a letter from you to add to the many recommendations we receive.
What if I have a complaint?
Complaints are very rare, but call or email either of the showrooms or if you would prefer to go straight to the top, call David Parratt (Managing Director and Owner) on 07768 894213 or email dave@executivewindows.com. 90% of our business comes from recommendations so we sort out complaints quickly.
What if I have a problem after a few months/years?
The Executive Windows comprehensive ten year guarantee covers just about everything, there is occasionally a small adjustment required after a settling period, you simply need to call or email either of our showrooms for a fast response. Executive Windows aim to fix the problem as soon as is possible.
General product questions
Return to Top
What about maintenance?
By fitting PVCu windows, guttering, cladding, soffits or a composite door you will almost eradicate maintenance. No more painting window and door frames. No more painting down pipes and gutters. No more rotting soffits and cladding. Executive Windows will make some helpful suggestions about on going maintenance on our useful guide sheet but basically it is, keep it all clean, free from dirt and grit and occasionally oil the hinges and locks. We do supply you with a maintenance guide after your products have been fitted.
How long is your guarantee?
All works undertaken by Executive Windows are guaranteed for up to 10 years. Some door and window components, locks, hinges, furniture, carry shorter, manufacturer guarantees. The Executive Windows Guarantee is in addition too, and does not affect, your statuary rights.
Will there be a mess?
Whilst we take every care to keep the work site neat and tidy whilst we are installing your doors, windows or conservatory inevitably there will be some mess. Your home is fully protected with dust sheets, even your precious plants are covered up! When we are finished, we clean with an industrial vacuum cleaner, remove all the waste (we re-cycle most of it) and tidy up your home, moving back furniture if required. Executive Windows supply any necessary skips and clear the site completely; wherever possible we clear the rubbish daily into our own vans. Executive Windows staff will not leave your property until we are sure you are satisfied.
Is my deposit safe?
Executive Windows have been in business for over 23 years. We offer all our customers an insurance backed deposit guarantee for a small fee. However we recommend that you actually pay your deposit by credit card as this then gives you the protection offered by the credit card companies at NO EXTRA COST.
How can I pay for my work?
Executive Windows accept all forms of payment. Cash, cheques, building society cheques, bank transfers, debit cards and credit cards. We prefer deposits to be paid by credit card and the balance to be paid by cheque or bank transfer direct to our account. We can accept most debit cards. We make an additional charge for interim payment or balances paid by credit cards. We do not make an extra charge for deposits paid by credit card as this is the most cost effective way of obtaining a guarantee for your deposit.
Return to Top
I have lost my FENSA certificate, what can I do?
When our work is complete we register all windows with FENSA. They then send your certificate direct to you a few weeks after the work is complete. You should keep the FENSA certificate safe as you will need it should you ever decide to sell your house. Executive Windows cannot supply FENSA certificates. These can only be obtained direct from FENSA. Their web site is www.fensa.co.uk. There is a small charge for replacement certificates.
I keep getting mail from Executive Windows, what can I do to stop it?
We like to keep our customers aware of the work we do and to remind them that we are still here. Much of our work comes from recommendation and from customers having additional work to their homes. If you would like to be removed from our mailing list please call or email us and we will mark your file as NO MAIL.
Conservatories
Who does the groundwork, bricklaying, the electrics, heating, lighting and take the rubbish away?
Executive Windows & Conservatories supply the complete package with our own experienced tradesmen. Executive Windows take care of everything, nothing is sub-contracted, and it is all covered by our comprehensive guarantee
How much does a conservatory cost?
Everyone's idea of their conservatory is different. Here at Executive Windows every door, every window, every conservatory is made to order to meet the customers specific needs. There is no such thing as a standard door, window or conservatory so everything must be measured and quoted accordingly.
How long will it take to build my conservatory?
Once Executive Windows have surveyed your property, taken photographs and presented you with a detailed quotation and a photograph of your property with your conservatory superimposed and you have accepted the quotation it will take about 3-4 weeks, dependent on our work load and the weather!
Do I need planning permission?
Subject to local planning conditions and the finished size of your conservatory, in most cases there is no need to apply for planning permission. When Executive Windows make a survey, and as part of our quotation, we will advise you about planning and building regulations.
Doors
Return to Top
What is the difference between a composite door and a PVCu door?
A composite door is certainly more substantial then a PVCu door. It is a solid door with a GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) wood effect outer skin. It fits flush in the frame similar to an ordinary wooden door and therefore has little or no step. Composite doors are available in seven colours. A PVCu door has a more substantial door frame into which the door fits and overlaps slightly on the inside to ensure a draught proof seal, these doors have more scope on the manufacturing sizes. All Executive Windows doors come with a
ten year guarantee.
Windows
Do windows and door frames have to be white?
No. Executive Windows frames and doors are available in variety of colours. Plus you can have wood grain on the outside and smooth white on the inside if you want.
Can you supply replacement sealed units?
Yes, and quickly too. If we supplied the units originally, even if they are out of guarantee, we will still have the details of your windows and we can make replacement units from those details and have them fitted in a few days. Alternatively a member of our staff will call to your property, take the necessary measurements and give you a quotation.
My house if very old, can I fit PVCu windows?
Some old houses have preservation orders, some houses are in conservation areas and therefore there are certain rules that you must keep to when replacing doors and windows. However Executive Windows have many different types and styles of windows frames and can usually manufacture something very similar to your old windows so that the look of your house does not change too drastically.
Can you supply arched windows?
Yes. Executive Windows can supply arches, round windows, curved windows, bow windows, bay windows, triangular. All is possible. There is a section of this web site that illustrates some of the shapes we have created.
Return to Top
What are the advantages of Executive replacement windows over pre-made, standard-size windows stocked at the big DIY sheds?
Because Executive windows are made to fit perfectly, they provide the best energy efficiency (which saves energy costs) and install much more easily and with very little mess. Also, because of the myriad of options available that affect appearance and efficiency, custom windows allow consumers to design exactly the windows they need or want. Standard windows typically cost less in the beginning, but other expenses and factors-like additional labour and the disruption to the home-far outweigh the original savings. Installing stock windows requires that you add brick or siding to the exterior, and drywall or other materials to the interior. In addition, custom-made windows allow you to choose the best solution to the problems you want to solve by replacing windows.
Do replacement windows really pay for themselves or is that just a sales gimmick?
It's true, if you select high-quality, energy-efficient Executive windows. Savings will vary, but expertly engineered and well-built windows lower home energy consumption. With PVC-U windows, maintenance is also virtually eliminated. No need to scrape and paint windows. These energy and maintenance savings will allow you to recoup your window investment over time.
Aren't beautiful plastic windows an oxymoron?
Years ago that may have been true. However, today - with the options available and with advances in window design technology-quality PVC-U windows are both beautiful and unique. For example, home owners can choose from sculptured or sleek window styles; white, coloured or woodgrain vinyl finishes; beveled, leaded, etched or stained glass. And these are just a few of the options available.
There are still old fashioned, low-end PVC-U windows available, but the new designs are beautiful, maintenance-free and energy efficient.
How do replacement Executive windows differ from older windows in terms of cleaning?
Many high-quality windows are actually engineered to make cleaning easier. For example, vertical sliding or double-hung windows with the latest internal constant force balance system allow a home owner to easily maneuver the sashes up and down. They tilt in-and lock securely in place-for safe, easy cleaning. Quite a difference from old wood windows that stick and are difficult to move up and down. Casement windows have "clean" hinges so that the outside surface of upstairs windows can be cleaned from inside the home - no more need for ladders.
Will new windows eliminate condensation?
Actually, no. Condensation is moisture vapor suspended in the air, and that's something no one can guarantee to eliminate. However, high-quality Executive windows incorporating warm-edge technology glazing systems will help to reduce condensation because they're much less thermally conductive than other window types. They can help keep the temperature of the window warmer-minimizing the hot and cold differences that turn moisture into condensation.
Return to Top