Double Glazing can be a wise long-term investment, we have compiled 32 insider tips and secrets to help you get the very best out of your investment.

1. If you can't afford to replace all your windows, choose the rooms that cost you the most money to heat.
2. Be aware that Double-glazed windows come in a variety of sizes and styles, this may affect the overall price dramatically.
3. Check for any planning restrictions on your house due to age and location.
4. Sometimes planning permission may be required, especially in areas of conservation and listed buildings.
5. Having an advert in the Yellow Pages does NOT mean the company is reputable.
6. Being the biggest advertiser does not mean they are the best choice.
7. Speak to friends and contacts and ask for recommendations.
8. Remember, companies in Britain can be closed and then re-open under a different name, so be careful.
9. 10% is the usual deposit.
10. Larger deposits may be required for unique jobs that include unique materials such as a unique timber.
11. Pay in stages as the work is completed.
12. Withhold the final payment until the work is 100% completed to your satisfaction.
13. Do not go for the cheapest quote.
14. Haggling to low may cause the less professional suppliers to sell you short later down the line.
15. Get the best that your budget can afford.
16. Ask the supplier how long the delivery will be
17. Get the delivery date fixed into the contract
18. Also ask for an estimated completion date once they are on-site.
19. Always pay deposits by credit card, as this will afford you some level of protection under the Consumer Credit Act.
20. If possible, pay with credit card for the entire project, this will give you a 30 day period to make any claims.
21. Double check any contracts before you sign.
22. Be sure of what you want BEFORE you speak to the salesman.
23. Be specific in your dealings with the sales person. A specific requirement and a specific quote is the only way to avoid problems later on.
24. Ask if your chosen double glazing installer is a member of the Glass and Glazing Federation.
25. Check for FENSA accreditation and make sure that all products carry the safety standard kite mark.
26. Find out how long they have been in business.
27. Check with Companies House to verify.
28. Ask them what guarantees they offer.
29. Are they insurance backed, lifetime or limited, are they transferable?
30. Ask which quality standards they use/are associated with.
31. Ask about public liability insurance.
32. Will the fitters and the company be covered if something should go wrong?

If you follow all of the above, you should have a safe and pleasant Double Glazing experience, also, at the end of the research process, use the double glazing company checklist below for extra peace of mind:

Ask yourself: Has the Double Glazing Company given:
1. Full and honest information.
2. Samples
3. Installations locally to look at
4. Recommendations.
5. The small print
6. Acceptable levels of deposits and payment terms
7. Full drawings and specification (if you don't have them prepared first).
8. Time to think!