Frequently Asked Questions

THE BUYING PROCESS

CHOOSE A PRODUCT
ASK FOR A QUOTE
REQUEST A HOME SURVEY
PAY 40% DEPOSIT
RECIEVE THE PRODUCT
PAY THE BALANCE

What is the difference between a carpenter and a joiner?

A joiner is a trained craftsman who makes or joins the wood, usually in a workshop, where the heavy machinery involved.  A carpenter constructs the timber on site, uses small, light tools and it means that he is much more flexible and is able to work almost anywhere. Carpentry and joinery should be categorised under two different trades; however, there is a lot of overlap in their extremely high skilled work. Here at A1 Bespoke joinery ltd we employ both joiners and carpenters and therefore have a range of specialisms to suit all of your needs.

Do your windows and doors meet FENSA requirements?

Yes. We are regulated by FENSA.

Are you insured?

Yes we have valid Public Liability Insurance for your peace of mind.

Are my deposit & guarantee insured?

Yes. Our company is a member of HIP (Home Improvement Protection) and it means that your deposit and guarantee are insured. You will be issued with a policy directly from HIP and it is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)

Are your new double glazed sash windows and doors fully compliant with the building regulations?

Yes. Our complete new windows and doors comply with building regulations. New windows and doors fitted into their existing frames do not have to comply as this type of work is classed as refurbishment

Do you offer different types of glass?

We offer many types of glass to meet your requirements: ordinary double-glazing, acoustic units, slim line double glazed units, coloured glass, laminated glass, gas-filled units, stained panels, acid etched panels and many more.

What type of wood do you use? Is it from sustainable sources?

We use a variety of timbers. All are FSC certified. We do manufacture doors, windows and staircases out of a wide selection of wood. If you have a preferred timber choice please talk to us. We carefully select reputable wood suppliers who take their environmental responsibilities seriously, endeavouring to source wood either from independently certified sustainable forests or from those who have been independently verified to be traceable.

Can you match the style of my windows?

Yes. We are able to match and replicate the existing features of period sash windows and doors and any architraves.

How much do you charge for your services?

This varies according to the size of the job and client requirements. After we have carried out an onsite survey and consultation, we will provide you with a quote. This is free of charge. You are under no obligation to contract us but feel free to compare our prices with other service providers. We have made every effort to ensure our prices are fair and competitive in the current market. The quotes are only valid for three months due to fluctuations in the cost of materials. If you decide to contract us after the quote expires, we will need to provide an updated quote.

My budget is small. Can you help me?

This depends on the kind of work you need done and the materials needed. During consultation we will discuss prices and if the quote comes in over your budget, we can discuss which areas to compromise. Once the project has begun, we hold to the prices in your quote with no unexpected, extra costs. If you order additional work, a separate quote and invoice will be issued for this.

Should I expect any hidden extra charges once work has begun?

No, we will assess the workload and your requirements, then price the job accordingly. The price we quote you in our final quote prior to starting the work will be the total you will be asked to pay. Only if you make changes that involve extra materials or additional labour would there be any extras incurred, but we will discuss this with you whilst going through the alterations needed so you are completely aware. For small changes or alterations that we can get over without too much of a problem, we will happily cover it without charging you extra

Do you require a deposit? If so, how much?

We require a minimum deposit of 40% at the beginning of every work assignment. The deposit covers the cost of materials. The figure may be higher if there are materials that need to be specially ordered, which we will discuss with you as necessary. The deposit also serves as a firm commitment for work to proceed, allowing us to schedule your project into our calendar and give you an expected date of completion. Once work has been completed, we require the remaining balance to be paid immediately. We do make sure that the customer is fully satisfied before we take the last payment.

Can I make changes to my order or cancel it?

Because the work we do is tailored to fit customer specifications, we do not accept cancellations once work has begun. At this stage changes are also not allowed as this interferes with the billing. If it is additional work that you want done, then we will supply you with a new quote for the extra work, separate from the on-going project.

How long will it take to manufacture?

This depends on the items you require. If they are made to order or you would like quite a few items then it could be between 3-6 weeks. It also depends on our work load, but we will keep you informed and will give you a time frame once we have spoken to you.

Will the work be dusty or messy?

Most of the work will be carried out in the workshop. When it comes to fitting, a small amount of disruption due to noise, dust and opening to the items is unavoidable. However, great care is taken to ensure disruption is always kept to a minimum.

Will my property be secure whilst the works is taking place?

Yes. At the end of all day, all windows / doors are left either completed or fully secure.

Will I need scaffolding erected during the works?

Generally, most installations / refurbishment works do not require Scaffolding as all works can be done from inside of the property.

Is there a guarantee on your work and how long does it last?

Our installations are provided with a 10 year insurance backed warranty.

Materials and construction: 10-year warranty against distortion, decay or malfunction of all timber windows and doors, providing they are regularly maintained and thoroughly repainted every 5 years.
Glass and glazing: 5 year warranty against discoloration or unit failure.

This entitles you for repairs and applies only to new work. Should there be damage to the items during this time, please call us and we will send someone to inspect and carried out repairs free of charge, assuming the damage was not a result from misuse. Repair work does not come with a guarantee.

I am interested in your services. Do you work in my area?

We are based in North London and serve the area and its surrounding suburbs. If you are not sure that you are within our region, you can call us and confirm whether we can visit your location.

How can I contact you?

If you would like to see us in person then you can come to our workshop in Highgate, North London N6. If this is not possible, then you can call on 020 353839 84 or 079 504790 01. Alternatively, you can always email us at
a1bespokejoinery@gmail.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.

ENQUIRIES

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187-189  Archway Road Highgate London N6 5BN
Registered in England and Wales No: 8224080
VAT Registration No: 165 0953 02

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