Here at Abbey Windows, we’ve been carrying out high quality home improvement projects in and around Reading since 1986. We pride ourselves on ensuring that our valued customers are kept informed about all developments throughout the process, so you can have total peace of mind.
That’s why we’ve put together some of the points on structural supports. There is lots of information about these online, from various sources and regulatory bodies, so it can be a little confusing. To help, we’ve collated and simplified this for Abbey Windows’ customers. If you have any questions, you’re always welcome to call our team on 0118 956 6866.
You Can Rely On Us
We know what it takes to get a home improvement project completed the right way. For almost 40 years, we’ve worked with homeowners like you across Reading and nearby areas. Take a look at some of our projects, testimonials and online reviews, so you don’t just have to take our word for it.
What’s more, we’ve been one of the original members of FENSA – the government approved body for the self-certification of replacement windows and doors – since 2002. As long-standing members of FENSA, you can rest assured that any recommendations we make will have your best interests at heart, so you really can count on us.
The Right Investment
Structural supports are an important part of many home improvement projects, meaning they’re carried out more safely and efficiently. The most important thing is to make sure that you and your family are safe during and after your renovations. Family is the biggest and best investment in your life, after all.
The second most important, though, is likely to be your home. So you want to make sure it’s well looked after during any improvements. That’s why we’ll carry out every diligence check that we can – not only that we ‘need to’ – to ensure we fully comply with all guidelines and regulations.
If structural supports are required, and are the right move for your project, we will recommend them as part of our commitment and care to you, your family and your home.
The Cost of Structural Supports
Will structural supports make a project more costly? Yes – around £250 to £500 per window, in order to complete the works in line with UK Building Regulations. There’s no way to avoid this, and no reason to want to. Our team will comprehensively explain this to you at the commencement of the project. We’ll also let you know how we will work to reduce these expenses however we can – and how investing in this at the beginning will save you thousands in the long run by avoiding any unnecessary work.
The value of structural supports is that you are complying with Building Regulations. If you’re spending money on a project, you want to make sure that it’s done right. We’ve heard horror stories from other companies where they haven’t fulfilled their duty of care to make these recommendations to their customers, and all of us here at Abbey Windows can’t understand why. We’re here to work with you and help you, so we’ll do that for all elements of the installation.
3 Reasons Why You Must Comply with Building Regulations
Building Regulations’ compliance is key for the success completion of a project. Here’s 3 of the reasons why we at Abbey Windows want to tell our customers all about it.
Your Family
The safety of your family is the most important thing to you – we understand that. Some companies will spread and reinforce what is frankly a myth that reinforced uPVC windows are load bearing. This is not true. Though they are reinforced because of their size, there is no strictly ‘load bearing’ window or door on the market. We, Building Control Organisations or RICS surveyors will let you know what you need to keep your family safe and well.
Your Investment
When investing your money into anything at all, be it home improvements or otherwise, you want to be sure that they are being carried out correctly – particularly if you will want to sell your home in future. Any failure to do this could lead to a potential sale falling through, making what is one of the most stressful times of your life even more so.
The £250 to £500 cost mentioned above could increase five- or ten-fold in the future if these become remedial works. It’s your responsibility as a homeowner to make sure works are carried out correctly. Let us help you to make the right investment.
Your Peace of Mind
If you know that your home is safe, secure and any and all works have been carried out correctly, that’s a huge weight off your shoulders. Any newly improved home should allow you to relax in total peace of mind. The last thing you want is to one day worry that you missed something pivotal when you got that cheap quote from an unreliable contractor.
Never mind the weight on your shoulders – the weight on your window frames from the area above is enough to cause problems. It’s been the law for almost a decade that structural supports need to be in place if they aren’t already. If you don’t have this, you’ll soon notice cracking above the window (also known as ‘grinning’). Take a look at your street – you may notice other properties have this. You don’t want the same problem – it’s unnecessary and unwanted, and easily preventable.
Expert Home Improvement Works & Advice
If you’re thinking of working with another company that hasn’t told you about structural supports or advised them for your project – ask yourself why haven’t they? Here at Abbey Windows, we’ll only recommend what is lawfully required to protect your investment. Structural supports are there as a requirement. We have no interest in up-selling or advising you of something you don’t need. We’re only here to help.
Other companies might recommend structural supports later in the process as a hidden cost, so while the initial quote might look cheap, that won’t be the case further down the line. Or worse still, some companies might not give you this information at all, meaning in a few years your windows will be grinning – and you certainly won’t be.
Choose Abbey Windows for your next home improvement project. Save time and money, and avoid any unnecessary expenses, by working with a trusted local company that puts you, your family, your investment and your home first. Get the finest quality work at the highest possible standards.
For more information, take a look at the Planning Portal’s Building Regulations Guide, or get in touch with our team today.
