Double glazing is an expensive investment, but problems are less likely if you choose the right firm. If you return home and a window has been broken. Finding the right firm for your specific needs some consideration. Location may be a key factor. Depending on location, you may want to use a Cheltenham glazing company, such as https://actdirect.co.uk/services/emergency-glazing-cheltenham/ .This means a professional company that has been in business for at least ten years and has plenty of reviews from satisfied customers. However, as a consumer, you have certain rights upon which you can rely.
What are My Rights?
They depend upon the type of windows purchased and how you entered into the contract. Citizens Advice is a good source of further information.
Custom-made Windows
Choosing this option means you have no automatic right to cancel the order. However, the trader may include this right in the contract, in which case you have a contractual right to cancel.
An On-premises Contract
This refers to a contract entered in either of two situations. The first is where the contract is agreed at the trader’s office. The second arises when the trader discusses the options with a customer at the customer’s home and, at a later date or time, the customer agrees to enter it. As the customer in either of these situations, you have no automatic right to cancel the contract. Again, as with custom-made windows, the trader may include a cooling-off period in the contract.
An Off-premises Contract
This is where you enter into a contract away from the trader’s premises. Provided you have not already discussed the contract with the trader at your home (as per an on-premises contract, as discussed above), you benefit from the protection of the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. This means you have a minimum period of 14 days to change your mind and cancel the contract.
What Happens if You Exercise Your Right to Cancel the Contract?
Any financing agreement you have made, either with the double glazing company or that they have arranged for you, comes to an automatic end.
Where do These Rules Apply?
These rules govern purchases within the UK. Anyone buying double glazing or French doors in Dublin or elsewhere in the Republic of Ireland should check their local protections.
Anything Else?
Check you have information about the relevant terms of the contract before you sign. For an off-premises contract, this must be given to you in paper form.
