Windows & Doors FAQ — South East Windows & Doors

Name: South East Windows & Doors
Address: 421 Westcott Venture Park, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0XB, GB
Telephone: 020 3633 0405

Question 1

What types of windows do you install?

Accepted Answer

We install uPVC, aluminium and flush casement windows in ten configurations — casement, tilt & turn, sliding sash, bay & bow, French casement, arched-head, Georgian-bar, fixed picture, corner-post and heritage steel-look. Every window is made to measure, so period elevations and new-build openings get the same fit and finish.

Question 2

Should I choose uPVC or aluminium windows?

Accepted Answer

uPVC gives the strong thermal performance and suits most suburban homes across the Home Counties. Aluminium delivers slimmer sightlines, larger single panes and a sharper contemporary look, and it carries a longer service life on exposed elevations. If you want the look of painted timber without the maintenance, flush casement in either material is the answer.

Question 3

Can you match windows in a conservation area or on a listed building?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our flush casement and sliding sash ranges are specified with authentic sightlines, ovolo profiles and traditional hardware, and we work regularly in Article 4 areas across inner London, St Albans, Berkhamsted and the Chilterns. We supply drawings, U-values and colour references for planning submissions.

Question 4

What U-value do your windows achieve in London and the Home Counties?

Accepted Answer

Our uPVC, aluminium and flush casement windows achieve whole-window U-values from 0.9 to 1.4 W/m²K. We specify energy-efficient glazing for homes across London, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire, and every quote states the exact whole-window figure for the units proposed.

Question 5

Do new windows have to have trickle vents?

Accepted Answer

Under Approved Document F, replacement windows must maintain at least the background ventilation of the frames being removed, which in practice means trickle vents on most jobs since June 2022. We fit them discreetly into the head of the frame and confirm the requirement at survey.

Question 6

Can you improve noise from a main road or flight path?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Laminated acoustic glazing with asymmetric pane thicknesses makes a measurable difference on busy frontages and under approach paths. We specify to a target dB reduction rather than a marketing claim, and explain what is realistically achievable for your property.

Question 7

Can I have different colours inside and out?

Accepted Answer

Dual colour is available across uPVC foils and aluminium powder coating across the range. White or light grey inside with anthracite outside is the most requested combination; aluminium is available in any RAL shade.

Question 8

Do you replace just the glass, or only whole windows?

Accepted Answer

We replace failed or misted sealed units in existing frames as well as fitting complete windows. If the frames and hardware are sound, a unit swap is often the sensible fix and we will tell you so.

Question 9

Which doors do you supply and fit?

Accepted Answer

Composite and aluminium front doors, back doors, French doors, patio and sliding doors, aluminium bifolds, pivot doors, stable doors and heritage steel-look doors. All are fitted with high-security multipoint hardware and energy-efficient glazing.

Question 10

How wide can aluminium bifold doors go?

Accepted Answer

We install bifolds up to 7m wide and 2.4m tall in 3, 4, 5 or 6-pane configurations, with an optional traffic door for everyday use. Structural openings, lintels and thresholds are checked at survey before anything is manufactured.

Question 11

Bifold or sliding doors — which is better?

Accepted Answer

Bifolds open the entire aperture, which suits garden-facing rooms used in summer. Sliding doors give larger uninterrupted glass and slimmer sightlines with fewer frames in the view, which suits year-round living space. For openings over about 5m, sliders usually look calmer.

Question 12

How secure are your front doors?

Accepted Answer

Every front door is fitted with a multipoint locking system, anti-snap, anti-bump and anti-drill cylinders and reinforced hinges, meeting PAS 24 security standards. Laminated glazing is available where a door has glass close to the handle.

Question 13

Do I need Building Regulations approval for a new front door?

Accepted Answer

A like-for-like replacement is covered by our CERTASS competent-person registration, so the compliance certificate is lodged for you. If the structural opening is changing, Building Control notification is needed and we handle the paperwork.

Question 14

Can you replace an old conservatory or patio door with a bifold?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes, provided the lintel and threshold can take the new set. Where the opening needs widening we coordinate the structural work, so you deal with one company rather than three.

Question 15

Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?

Accepted Answer

Most conservatories fall under permitted development provided they stay within volume, height and boundary limits. Listed buildings, conservation areas and properties with previous extensions usually need a full application — we advise at survey and can prepare the submission.

Question 16

Do garden rooms need planning permission?

Accepted Answer

Insulated garden rooms are normally permitted development when they stay under 2.5m to the eaves within 2m of a boundary and cover no more than half the garden. We flag anything that needs consent before you commit.

Question 17

Can a conservatory be used in winter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when it is specified properly. Insulated base and perimeter, thermally broken frames, a solid or high-performance roof and correctly sized heating turn a conservatory into a room you use in January, not just June.

Question 18

Which conservatory style suits my house?

Accepted Answer

Lean-to suits bungalows and low eaves; Victorian and Edwardian suit period frontages; gable-end gives the most internal height; P-shape works on wider rear elevations; an orangery reads as a masonry extension with a lantern roof.

Question 19

How long does a garden room take to build?

Accepted Answer

Typically two to four weeks on site once the base is cured, depending on size, glazing and internal finishes. Bases can be poured through autumn and winter so the room is ready for spring.

Question 20

Which areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We install across London, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire. Senior surveyors visit each county every week, and every project is surveyed, manufactured and fitted by our own teams rather than subcontractors.

Question 21

Do you work across all London boroughs?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every London postcode inside and just outside the M25, from Chelsea, Kensington and Hampstead through Islington, Richmond, Wimbledon, Ealing, Enfield and Bromley. We are used to parking restrictions, leasehold consent and managing-agent approvals.

Question 22

Do you cover Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire?

Accepted Answer

Yes. St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Berkhamsted, Luton, Bedford, Northampton, Kettering, Oxford, Banbury and the towns and villages around them are all regular work for us.

Question 23

My postcode isn't listed — can you still help?

Accepted Answer

Very likely. Call 020 3633 0405 or message us on WhatsApp with your postcode and we will confirm within the hour during opening times. We do travel further for larger projects.

Question 24

Where are you based?

Accepted Answer

South East Windows & Doors operates from 421 Westcott Venture Park, Westcott, Aylesbury, HP18 0XB, which puts our crews within easy reach of London and the surrounding counties.

Question 25

When can I book a home survey?

Accepted Answer

Surveys run seven days a week, Monday to Sunday, 8am to 7pm — including Sundays. Choose a slot on any quote form and you will get written confirmation with a reference number straight away.

Question 26

Is the survey really free, and is there any obligation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, free and no obligation. A senior surveyor attends — not a commission-led salesperson — so there is no pressure selling and no discount that expires at the door.

Question 27

What happens at the survey?

Accepted Answer

We laser-measure every aperture, check lintels, reveals and cavity closers, photograph the elevation and confirm glazing, hardware and colour. Manufacture only starts once you approve the survey drawings, so what is fitted matches what was quoted.

Question 28

How quickly do I get a written quote?

Accepted Answer

A fixed written quotation follows within 48 hours of the survey. It itemises frames, glass, hardware, fitting and making good so you can compare it properly against other quotes.

Question 29

Can I get a quote without a home visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upload your existing quote, drawings or photos through the contact form and we will review them and respond by email, or send them over on WhatsApp. A survey is still needed before manufacture.

Question 30

Can I message you on WhatsApp?

Accepted Answer

Yes — 07851 636957 reaches our team directly during opening hours, and it is the fastest way to send photos of the windows or doors you want replaced.

Question 31

What are your lead times?

Accepted Answer

uPVC windows are typically 3–5 weeks from approved survey; aluminium windows and doors 5–8 weeks; conservatories and garden rooms are programmed individually. Your quote states the lead time for the products specified.

Question 32

How long does installation take?

Accepted Answer

A single window or door is usually half a day. A full house of windows takes two to four days. Bifolds and sliders are typically one to two days, and conservatories and garden rooms run to a written programme.

Question 33

Do you take a deposit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a deposit is taken to place the order into manufacture, with the balance due on completion. Terms are stated on the quotation before you commit — nothing is charged before you sign.

Question 34

Can I have just one window or door replaced?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Single-window, single-door and single-room jobs are welcome, and the finish is identical to a whole-house project.

Question 35

Do you offer finance?

Accepted Answer

Payment options vary by project size. Ask your surveyor at the visit and we will set out exactly what is available for your quote, with no pressure to take it.

Question 36

What guarantee do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Every installation carries a 10-year workmanship guarantee, backed independently through an insurance-backed guarantee scheme so it stands even in the unlikely event we ceased trading. Manufacturer warranties on frames, glass and hardware sit on top.

Question 37

Are you accredited?

Accepted Answer

South East Windows & Doors is CERTASS registered, which means we self-certify Building Regulations compliance and your certificate is issued and lodged automatically after installation. We also carry a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee.

Question 38

Will I get a compliance certificate for selling my home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A CERTASS certificate is lodged after every window and door installation, which is what a buyer's solicitor asks for on post-2002 glazing work. Keep it with your conveyancing pack.

Question 39

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

We carry full public liability and employer's liability insurance, and every installer is directly employed by us rather than subcontracted. Certificates are available on request before work starts.

Question 40

Do you handle planning and building control?

Accepted Answer

Window and door replacements are self-certified under our CERTASS registration. For garden rooms, conservatories and extensions we prepare planning drawings and building control applications where needed, at no extra charge.

Question 41

Will the installation be messy?

Accepted Answer

Our installers dust-sheet floors, protect furniture, make good plaster around reveals and clear all waste at the end of each day. Old frames and glass are separated and recycled rather than sent to landfill.

Question 42

Do I need to be home during installation?

Accepted Answer

Someone should be there at the start and end of each day, but you do not need to supervise. Crews work quietly and will keep the property secure and weather-tight overnight on multi-day jobs.

Question 43

What if something needs adjusting after fitting?

Accepted Answer

Call us and we will come back. Hardware settles slightly in the first few months, so adjustments in year one are free, and we offer a courtesy inspection twelve months after completion.

Question 44

How do I look after uPVC and aluminium frames?

Accepted Answer

Warm soapy water on frames and seals twice a year, plus a light lubrication of hinges and locks, is all that is required. Never use solvent cleaners or abrasive pads on foiled or powder-coated finishes.

Question 45

What if a sealed unit mists up later?

Accepted Answer

Misting means the unit seal has failed and it is covered by the guarantee for the warranted period. Send us a photo on WhatsApp and we will arrange measurement and replacement.

Question 46

Can I see examples of your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our gallery and case studies show completed installations across London and the Home Counties, with the products and finishes used on each project.

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