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All jobs over $12,000.00 (including GST) require a
certificate of insurance under New South Wales Government Legislation. Even if your job is
under $12,000.00 you should ask the contractor if they have been approved with an insurer for
H.O.W Insurance. Insurance companies have strict financial controls for issuing of H.O.W
Insurance and if a contractor is not eligible for insurance this may be an indication of their
financial position.
Windowline provides
job specific insurance for all jobs
over $12,000.
Some replacement window companies only offer products from
a single manufacturer. Companies with limited access to product will often make
"recommendations" based on what they have available, rather than what's suitable for
your home.
At Windowline,
we are not aligned with a single manufacturer,
but rather deal with all leading manufacturers...
which allows us to make recommendations
based on your requirements, rather
than a limited product range. It's
impossible for any one manufacturer
to offer a range of products to suit
all applications.
Window manufacturing and window installation are two
completely different areas.
At Windowline,
we do not manufacture but source our
requirements from Australia's leading
window manufacturers, including Trend
Windows, G James Glass and Aluminium&
fabricators of Vantage Aluminium Joinery.
Some companies are involved in all types of home
improvement activity including siding, guttering & balustrading. Because these companies
are trying to cover so many areas, they often lack the expertise acquired when you just
specialise in one thing.
We are proud
to say at Windowline that we only
install replacement windows and doors
of the highest quality
Using a standard size frame will usually cost less, but the
finished job will suffer, as current standard windows sizes just don't fit older homes. In
order to get a quality finish, it's essential to have the new frames custom-made..
Don't let someone
talk you into using standard sizes
as a way of saving a few dollars.
Once you have placed an order with
Windowline, you will be contacted
by one of our check measures The check-measurer's
job is to calculate the exact sizes
needed for your custom made replacement
frames. Every window and door we use
at Windowline is made to measure by
one of our quality suppliers.
In some organisations there is no one to carry out this
vital role or it's left up to the sales representatives.
At Windowline,
we have a dedicated site supervisor
as part of the production team. It's
the site supervisor's job to make
sure your job is carried out to the
exacting standards we expect from
our installers.
You should check to see how thing are handled once you have
placed an order. Is there a set procedure in place, and whom do you talk to if you need
information regarding your job.
Once you have
placed an order with Windowline, we
send you a confirmation letter detailing
exactly how we will be handling your
project. We also provide the details
of company personnel who will be available
to answer any questions you have in
relation to your project. Once your
quote has been converted to a job,
the responsibility for planning and
installation passes to our dedicated
team in the production department.
Their role is to handle all aspects
of the installation process, and of
course the sales representative is
also available should you or production
need clarification regarding any part
of the specification.
Guarantees offered by other campanies generally vary from
One Year to Three.
We offer a Lifetime Guarantee on all residential
projects (excluding front entry doors on unit blocks). We believe our guarantee to be the best
you'll find anywhere in Australia.
Most companies offer a seven-year guarantee with a limited
three-year guarantee on moving parts.
We are so confident
of the superior quality of the products
we provide that we offer a Lifetime
guarantee on all residential aluminium
window & door products. That's
double the industry standard.
This is a fair question to ask any contractor. You hear so
many horror stories about the building industry these days and I'm sure you don't want to be a
victim in one of them.
At Windowline
we have an impeccable score card in
this area. Your satisfaction is our
primary aim as the foundation of our
company is referrals from existing
customer, just like you.
The AWA is the peak industry body for the window industry,
and all member companies are bound to the association's code of ethics & conduct. But not
all companies are members!
Windowline is
a member of the AWA and we only purchase
products from suppliers who are also
members. Fabricator members of the
AWA must have all their products tested
for compliance with AS 2047 the Australian
standard for windows and doors. In
addition to product testing, fabricator
members must also participate in the
association's third party audit program.
Most companies will tell you what is included, but make
sure you have a clear understanding of what hasn't been allowed for.
In dealing with
Windowline, you know exactly what's
included, so there are no unexpected
surprises. Our contract spells out
the full extent of work and any exclusions
in plain English.
You should ask for and be able to get references of jobs of
a similar type of work. The best way to see the difference between contractors is to look at
jobs that are complete and judge for yourself.
Our representatives
will happily arrange for you to talk
to one of our many satisfied customers.
DO ask questions and have the contractor explain details in
terms you understand, until you feel comfortable that you know how they plan to install the
products. The details of how many products are installed can be the difference in price and
quality that you want.
Our sales representatives
will customise the installation detail
to suit your needs and the construction
of your home.
In addition to Home Owners Warranty Insurance, companies
should also have Workers Compensation and Public liability Insurance cover in place. Certificates
of currency should be available on request to substantiate insurance cover.
Windowline has
all necessary insurance in place,
and in addition to public liability
insurance, we also carry products
liability insurance. Strict internal
controls also ensure that our installers
have all necessary insurance.
There are two issues, first the length of time to have the
frames delivered to site and the second is the duration of the job. If someone tells you they
can do the job in a short period of time, question how that's possible. You may find they have
no other work or even worse, are planning to use standard size frames.
Depending on
the product, our delivery time is
usually around 6 weeks from the time
we receive your contract and deposit.
We start work as soon as the frames
are delivered and work through until
the job is finished. We'll never start
more than we can finish in a day so
you never have to worry about having
a hole in your wall overnight. Whatever
existing frames we remove, we absolutely
guarantee to have the new frames installed
in the same way.
When the job is basically finished, there should be a
process in place to look over the finished installation and record any areas of concern you
may have. If there are any outstanding items, there should be a process in place to get the
job to 100% complete.
At Windowline,
we provide you with a completion check
list and customer feedback sheet for
use at the end of your job. At the
completion of your job we ask you
to note any areas that you feel need
attention and ask for your comments
on the overall customer service that
you've received in your dealing with
our company. The completion checklist
can be given to our installer or sent
to the office in the reply paid envelope
provided. Your feedback sheet is in
addition to a completion checklist
that all our installers complete at
the end of every project. The installer
feedback sheet is sent to the production
department on completion of the installation
and deals with issues like missing
screens etc.
Department of fair trading records show that a very high
percentage of new building businesses fail within the first five years of trading.
Windowline has
been trading successfully since 1989.
Members of our management team have
been in the replacement window business
for over twenty-five years. There's
no substitute for experience.
Does the company have sufficient resources to carry out
your project professionally and with the level of service you want?
At Windowline,
we are small enough to care, but large
enough to undertake just about any
size project, while providing exemplary
customer service.
Occupational health and Safety is a big issue these days.
All companies should comply with OH&S requirements and have safe work procedures in place
to protect their workers and your family.
We have a documented
safe work system in place that complies
with current OH&S requirements.
All Windowline personnel have been
indoctrinated into our safe work system.
Daily risk assessments are carried
out to ensure your safety.
Some companies do not have sufficient work to maintain a
permanent team of installers and will have to use outside contractors.
Because of the
volume of work we undertake we are
able to maintain a permanent team
of expert installers and as we only
install replacement windows and doors
our installers have extensive experience
in all replacement window installation
situations. Any new installers are
vetted and undergo thorough training
in the Windowline system.
All building work generates some disruption and dust,
however a little care on the part of the installer can make all the difference.
Our installers
take care to minimise the disruption
caused during the installation process.
Drop sheets are used throughout the
job and all rubbish is removed on
completion of the job.
Some companies may be offering a seemingly low price, but
remember the lowest price is not always the best value for money. A good price is one where
you are receiving quality products, expert installation and a strong Guarantee.
At Windowline,
we decided a long time ago that we
would much rather explain price than
have to make excuses about quality.
Noise levels are becoming a major issue and the selection
of correct framing systems can have a significant impact on the reduction of noise inside your
home. Many companies are producing windows and doors that have not been tested for acoustic
performance and their installation may have little or no effect on the reduction of noise
levels.
At Windowline we deal with fabricators who have
tested their frames for acoustic performance. Many different framing and glazing options are
available for reducing noise transmission.
Remember... ask any contractor you're thinking of using
these questions BEFORE you sign anything!
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