Let’s get one thing straight: In construction or renovation there really is no such thing as a simple, straightforward project. Whether we’re talking of a building that’s just being erected or one that is in use and you’re doing a window replacement project – it’s all the same: There are literally dozens of points where something could go wrong. So, the question is – how to prevent mistakes? How to avoid errors? How to make sure nobody goes ‘oops’ at one point or another, because this was forgotten, that was measured wrong, or something-or-other was not ordered at all? In this blog post we’ll go through the Fenbro seven-stage ordering process phase by phase and see what absolutely needs to be taken care of in order for our joint project to go smoothly, and what to do if you want or need to introduce changes.
So you want to get some new windows and doors?
If the answer is yes – you’ve come to the right place! Fenbro offers great quality Polish-made windows and doors at excellent prices – providing top-tier insulation, thermal protection, security and savings on energy bills. We will guide you through our process and see how best to prepare for your upcoming project.
Even if you believe you’ve got everything in hand, still some changes may be in order at any stage, at which point it could prove necessary to contact your sales specialist to introduce them. We’ll go through the process step by step.
Phase zero: Always plan ahead
There is no such thing as being overprepared for a construction project – it’s never wrong to check out one more product, take one more measurement or inspect one more corner – especially if it’s something that might possibly be new to you or maybe, just maybe, slightly overwhelming. So yeah, planning, planning and – we can’t stress this enough – planning.
Approaching a window replacement or door change – or first-time order – project, the most important things you need are measurements and the style you’d be looking for. For a new construction best to take your measurements from the plans or, if your construction is already under way, measure on site. If you are going to replace windows, it’s a bit different – you need to measure the openings. Any photos you take of the windows you are replacing will be beneficial for our cooperation, as well as drawings with measurements clearly marked.
Next up you’d need to decide on the materials and styles you’d be looking to have. Choose between aluminium, PVC or wooden windows, and the material for your future doors. Maybe go for steel, why don’t you? Also, feel free to browse the Fenbro website looking at styles, and write them down so as to indicate them to your specialist later. Take a look at window opening directions, any small spaces they will create, and go for maximum usability – remember, this is your time to order doors and windows!
Any changes at this point are easy, as these are just preliminaries, and keep in mind that the Fenbro sales representative will ask questions but also guide you through available options.
Phase one: Understanding your needs
This is the point when you contact us – any which way you choose. The more documentation you provide, the better – that way we will be able to help you as best we can. If you are unsure of something, uncertain about the material for your windows or new Polish door – indicate this. We will all be better off the more information we have, and it will be easier for us to aid you in providing you with the best products and services there are. And please tell us from the outset whether it’s a new project or are you going to replace windows.
If at any point after the initial confirmation of your data with our sales representative you feel you need or want to make changes, then it’s pretty easy at this point: Just contact them as soon as practicable stating clearly what you need altered – no sweat. It’s still early enough along the project for everything to be flexible.
We encourage you to provide us with documentation – your property plans, calculations, a visual representation from your architect. The more – the better.
Phase two: Preparing your personalised quote
Well, there you have it! You should get your quote from us just two or three business days after you provide us with your project measurements and details. Our quote repeats all the details that you provided us and indicates the products and solutions we offer according to what you gave. There are no hidden costs, there are no special components, no fancy weird posts that will make you want to scratch your head – everything will be stated clearly and transparently, and everything will be described in as much detail as possible.
This is more or less the best time to give your project one last hard long look. Study our offer thoroughly and think whether the provided options are satisfactory to you, the indicated solutions are what you need, the technical properties of the goods we offer will be what you want – and think of the styles, colours, opening schemes, all the minor details. Give yourself a day or two, defocus and come back to the plan again – at second or third glance, things sometimes look different.
If you want to introduce changes – contact your personal Fenbro representative and talk with them about what’s still not perfect. Maybe you’d prefer to switch joinery materials, maybe a different door opening scheme is in order. Maybe you feel double glazing will suffice instead of triple glazing. And what’s this fancy strip under the windowsill for? Your Fenbro specialist will consult with you and introduce changes as necessary, whereupon you’ll get an updated quote – plain and simple.
Phase three: Review of details and dimensions
If you feel you’re satisfied with the adjustments and tweaks, it may be time to have someone look at your construction site. In the UK, say, around London, and in Ireland, places like Cork, Galway or Roscommon, we can recommend teams in your area that will come round, take measurements and discuss the practicalities of the project and its results. And if we mean experts – they truly are! These people have done hundreds of window and door replacement projects and know what they’re talking about. It might even be possible for them to bring along product samples so you could actually see what you’d be getting, feel the materials and see the colours and textures live. Fenbro might not have showrooms, but we can recommend people who outdo them at a moment’s notice.
If you arrange a meeting with a team we’d recommend, feel free to also ask them questions about your project – and don’t be surprised if they explain everything or even ask questions back. After all, you are our customer and your order – including your new Polish door – are important to us. So if anything turns up that might mean the offer would need to be updated – note it, consider it, and report it back to your sales specialist, who will update your quote accordingly.
Phase four: Securing your order
Phase four is one of the most important milestones of our project. This is when your contract is drawn up according to what we’ve agreed and settled on – all the commercial, construction and legal details are there. Once you get it, review it, and if you have questions – the best thing to do is to get back to your Fenbro sales specialist by e-mail or phone to discuss them. If the matter is more complicated it’s best to write – and if it’s just a minor item then a phone call will most likely be sufficient. Consider issues such as deadlines, transport, warranty.
This phase is the absolute last practicable juncture at which changes to the project can be introduced – in the same manner as through all the others. However, if you feel everything is ripe for ordering – then just confirm our offer and sign the documentation so the project can be kicked into high gear.
Phase five: Creating a time plan
At this point we will draw up a project schedule for you that will include production start, end, loading, despatch and delivery. You’ll be updated at every step with details so that you can arrange things on your end as best as possible – including preparing your site and getting ready for the big events ahead. Your appointed sales specialist will stay in touch with you throughout so that you’re not in the dark, but in any case you shouldn’t worry about anything.
Phase six: Production and updates
At this time your goods are being manufactured. Skilled Polish professionals will be using their finest workmanship to craft the products you desire to have in your home. Throughout the process your sales specialist from Fenbro will keep in touch with you to provide you with pertinent details, and you’ll have access to all the data concerning the project.
Phase seven: Delivery
As soon as all the goods are manufactured, the last project phase begins – delivery, and – if you’ve opted for it – installation services rendered by a team of our recommendation. We adhere to our time plans, and in any case you will be notified ahead of time when your goods are despatched and when delivery is estimated. Our aim is to always be on time – for customer satisfaction, of course, but also for planning purposes.
Remember to prepare the site for the incoming goods and the structure for installation: Provide plenty of space around the spots where the new Polish windows are to be installed. If you are refurbishing, make sure to protect your furniture and any other goods. Also, as per agreement, remember that a minor load will be unloaded by the driver on site using his tail lift – however, for larger items on big pallets you need to take care of unloading yourself.
If you’ve opted for installation by a team we have contacted you with, then they will take care of the products, install them and clean up the site after the work. Should anything come up, remember that your goods are under warranty – if there is something that doesn’t match the agreed specs, the warranty will cover it. Other than that, your goods are custom-made to match your needs in every detail.
So there you have it
And that’s the way a project rolls. We endeavoured to describe the intricacies of planning and looking for anything that might be of importance that anyone might have forgotten. We’re only human, but it’s the humans that do the best window and door projects – don’t you think?
In any case, if you find that you need any more information, contact our sales reps any way you like – on Facebook, Whatsapp, by e-mail, phone, use our Fenbro contact form or try our website chat (it’s better than you might think!). We’ll respond in English, explain everything calmly, and make sure you get the best service there is – above and beyond, until the successful conclusion.
Frequently asked questions
How should I best prepare for my window and door project?
We recommend studying the Fenbro website for hints, inspiration or trends, take measurements and see what you would like to have in terms of materials or insulation properties. If you are unsure about anything, your Fenbro sales representative will advise you comprehensively.
What if I want something that I don’t see on your site?
The best solution is to just state what you would need, and maybe we’d be able to pull some strings and fulfill your heart’s desires – just ask! Polish windows are a versatile affair.
I have concerns as to the warranty, will it be sufficient?
The standard warranty is three years, but you can opt for a more comprehensive and longer package if you feel such a need. Keep in mind, warranty issues related to installation are settled directly with the installation team without the participation of Fenbro.
What’s this bit about unloading large items by myself?
If your order would include large pieces like sliding doors then it’s up to you to arrange a crane of some kind to unload them safely, with Fenbro absolved from the commensurate risks of unloading.
What if I wake up in the middle of the night worrying about something related to the project?
Definitely contact us then, but if you’re a person who rather calls than writes – do it in the morning!
