5 Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask Before Ordering Timber Windows Or Doors
If you’re investing in new timber windows or doors, getting multiple quotes from joinery companies is always the recommended place to start. But once those quotes arrive, many homeowners focus on the overall price without really knowing what’s behind each quote.
On paper, two quotes can look similar. The window or door styles might match, and the dimensions might be identical. Both suppliers may even promise excellent craftsmanship and high-quality materials. So why are the prices so different?
At NMJoinery, we’ve seen first-hand how products that appear similar on paper can deliver very different results. In some cases, we’ve even been asked to inspect or replace windows and doors that were the cheaper option on paper, but completely failed to deliver the quality, longevity, or performance the homeowner expected.
Whichever joinery company you choose, we recommend you always ask these five questions before committing to working with them.
1. What timber are you using – and why?
This is possibly one of the most important questions you should ask. Not all timber is the same, and the type used for your windows or doors can make a big difference to how they perform over time. Stability, durability, maintenance requirements, and lifespan are all heavily influenced by the type of timber used.
One of the biggest causes of problems in timber products is movement. Because timber absorbs moisture, then dries out, it expands and contracts. This kind of movement can lead to paint failure, draughts, warping, and a shorter lifespan. These issues are among the reasons why we often specify Accoya®.
But even when Accoya is specified, it’s always worth asking a few follow-up questions. Where has the timber been sourced from? Can they prove Accoya is actually being used? Is it an A1-A2 grade or a lower graded A3-A4? A reputable joinery company should be able to explain exactly why they’ve chosen a particular timber and how it benefits your home.
2. How is the paint finish applied?
While the timber itself might be one of the most important aspects of your project, it might be easy to forget about another component that can lengthen its lifespan, and that’s the paint system.
A high-quality paint coating does a lot more than just provide this season’s colour trend. It protects the timber from moisture, UV exposure, and weathering. And it’s the quality of the finish that can affect how often future maintenance is needed and how well your window or door stands the test of time. Two items could look the same on installation day, but five years later, one could look a lot worse for wear while the other still looks as good as new.
Is the finish applied in a controlled factory environment? What coating system has been specified? And is coating thickness monitored throughout the process? A quality joiner should be able to explain their finishing process clearly and confidently.
3. What’s the glazing specification?
Having ‘double glazing’ for your windows and doors sounds straightforward and is probably something you might not pay too much attention to in a quote. But there are dozens of glazing combinations to choose from. And you might need to pay particular attention if you want glazing options for a listed property or in a conservation area.
The glass units work really hard to provide the thermal performance, acoustic insulation, solar gain, and whole-house efficiency you need in your home. Asking questions about slimline or vacuum glass, U-value, gas fills, spacer bars, glass thicknesses, and specialist coatings can give you a better idea of how the window will perform.
Some companies might try to reduce costs by adjusting glazing specifications that aren’t immediately obvious. That’s why it’s important to understand exactly what’s being supplied. Well-specified glazing can reduce heat loss, minimise external noise, and improve comfort, adding to the overall performance of your home.
4. What about hardware and finishing details?
Ironmongery is another feature that often gets overlooked during the quote stage. Handles, hinges, locks, levers, stays, and fittings all add to the window and door’s functionality, performance, and finish. But products can look similar, yet vary in quality and long-term durability.
For all our high-quality timber windows and doors, NMJoinery carefully selects premium window hardware to complement the building and window style. That might mean traditional ironmongery for period properties, or more contemporary finishes for modern homes. Even small decisions, like the shape of a handle or the finish of a hinge, can make a difference once everything’s installed.
It’s also worth asking how consistent the finish will be across all ironmongery. Cheap or mixed-spec hardware will often differ in tone, texture, or operation over time, and will become more noticeable over the years. And how about security? Are locks and hardware PAS24-certified? Do they comply with Part Q building regs? Check and test their knowledge for your security.
Good joinery companies will be able to show you exactly which window and door hardware is being used, explain why it’s been chosen, and, ideally, show you exact samples so you can see and feel the quality for yourself.
5. Can you explain why your product is better?
This might be the most important question of all. A good joinery company shouldn’t just give you a quote. They should be able to explain exactly why they’ve selected certain materials, systems, and specifications.
They should be able to discuss and explain everything with you in clear, straightforward language, from timber choices, glazing performance, and paint systems to warranties, installation methods, and maintenance requirements. If any struggle to answer detailed questions about their own products or processes, it’s worth asking why.
The best joinery companies are usually the ones that are happy to explain every detail because they understand exactly what they’re supplying and why it matters – a bit like us here at NMJoinery.
Why NMJoinery welcomes these questions – and more
Over the years, we’ve seen examples of poorly specified products, inadequate installations, and corners being cut in areas that aren’t immediately visible to the customer. We’ve also helped homeowners with underperforming installations and, in some cases, replaced products that haven’t delivered what was originally promised.
At NMJoinery, we always encourage homeowners to ask us detailed questions before making a big investment like new windows or doors. That’s why transparency is important to us – because it matters to our customers.
Every timber product we produce is designed around long-term performance, using carefully selected materials, high-quality coatings, advanced glazing specifications, and proven hardware systems. Just as importantly, we’re always happy to explain exactly why we’ve chosen them.
Choosing timber windows and doors isn’t just about price, it’s about making sure every detail is right. So if a supplier can confidently answer all five of these questions (like we can), you’re probably talking to the right people.
If you’re comparing timber window or door quotes, it’s worth asking the right questions before you make a decision. So, if you’d like help understanding the answers or want clarity on how different quotes and specifications compare, ask us. Contact NMJoinery today on 01822 615 010, email us at hello@nmjoinery.com, or send us a message, and we’ll talk you through it.