Independent double glazing companies

You've got a few options when it comes to where to buy double glazing and get it installed.

There are three national names many people will recognise, Everest, Safestyle and Anglian. They trade as separate brands but are owned by the same parent company Anglian Home Improvements (ASHI Group Ltd).

Otherwise, the market consists of smaller brands who may cover an entire region such as the South West, or just a specific local area. 

Choosing an independent means you'll need to do your research in picking a reputable and reliable company, and avoid the pitfalls that can be associated with using small traders. 

However, there are many advantages to using an independent company. Read on to find out why, and how our Which? Trusted Trader service can direct you to a reputable trader that has passed our extensive assesment, ensuring you'll get proper installed double glazing.

For more advice on choosing the double glazing itself, head to our guide to types of double glazing.

Choosing a double glazing installer near you

If you’re keen to employ someone local to design and install your double-glazed windows and doors, rather than opting for a national chain, use our Which? Trusted Traders search tool below to find reliable traders near you. 

Every Which? Trusted Trader is independently vetted so you can be confident in their service. 

You don’t need to be a Which? member to contact traders using the service.

Before a double glazing company can use our logo, we carry out extensive checks, including:

• An inspection of previous work by an industry specialist. 
• Requesting customer reviews and checking their reviews on other platforms.
• A background check, including checking data in the public domain such as court cases or concerning posts on social media. Compliance and monitoring is ongoing and does not stop once a trader is endorsed.
• Rules and eligibility criteria for all traders that may be especially relevant to the double glazing sector: we will not endorse a business where the directors have a history of dissolving companies, or where they have had a company go into insolvent liquidation, or have a CCJ (county court judgement for debt). 
• A face-to-face assessment with one of our trading standards-trained assessors

In addition to these checks, we expect traders to meet the following standards:

• Agree to our code of conduct and vulnerable consumer policy, plus specialist 'What is expected of you' documents to ensure high standards. This means giving customers fair and appropriate contracts, and not cold calling for sales. 
• Consumers who use a Which? Trusted Trader glazer can raise a complaint with us. We may then provide an inspection of the work, if appropriate, and have the benefit of a Relationship Advisor to assist them in resolving the dispute with the trader, and if this is not possible, to provide access to independent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) via the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. If the consumer accepts the award at ADR, it is binding on the trader under the TT Code of Conduct.
• We require our English and Welsh window companies to be certified by a competent person scheme such as FENSA or CERTASS. This doesn’t apply to Scotland, where building regulations are different.
• We also ensure that consumers have access to an IBG (insurance backed guarantee) which most do through FENSA or CERTASS. This steps in if the company goes bust. As this sector has a reputations for situations in which businesses would dissolve a business and restart under a new name to avoid having to put consumer redress in place, we go through company history searches to ensure businesses we assess do not have a history of flipping between limited companies.

Our comprehensive assessment helps to protect you against rogue traders. All our assessors are ex-Trading Standards employees, so have years of experience in spotting reputable traders and discounting the dodgy ones.

Take the stress out of finding a recommended trader in your area by visiting Which? Trusted Traders.

Why choose an independent double glazing company?

We spoke to a range of Which? Trusted Trader double glazing companies to find out what local independents can offer customers, and asked for any tips they had for finding a good installer.

They all have at least 10 years experience installing double glazing, while one has been in the industry for over 45 years.

‘At a basic level most new windows these days are very similar, so it is very important to make sure you choose the right installer. Check their website and reviews. Visit the showroom. Make sure you are comfortable with who you are letting in to your home. The cheapest quote may seem great at the time, however if the company doesn't do a great job of installation and is nowhere to be seen should an issue arise down the line, then that £100 or so saving on their quote can add up to much more in rectifying faults. Peace of mind has a value too, and knowing that your installer will be around to put right anything that may go wrong is worth a little extra investment.’ Phil Brown, from Salop Glass & Glazing.

‘Not all double glazing companies operate in the same way. At one end of the market there are very small installers who may offer lower prices but do not always have the support structure to stand behind long term guarantees. At the other end there are large national companies focused on volume sales. Many homeowners find a well established local company offers the best balance of quality, accountability and aftercare.’ Nick Trevenna, of Mike Martin Window Systems. 

'Double glazing is a long-term investment, so homeowners should take time to choose an experienced and reputable installer rather than focusing purely on price. It’s important to ensure the installation complies with current Building Regulations, particularly regarding ventilation and safety glazing, and that the installer can provide certification once the work is complete. Customers should also check what guarantees are provided for the frames, glass and hardware, and confirm what aftercare service is available should any issues arise. A clear written quotation, product specifications and a realistic installation timescale should always be provided before proceeding.’ Jack Warren, of Glazerite Lichfield.

‘Choose experience and reputation over the cheapest quote - good installation and trusted local expertise make all the difference.’ Tommy Rose from Barnet Window Company.

We'd recommend that you look for the following qualities in a trader:

• They are not pushy or intimidating and don't use pressure tactics
• They have a good reputation
• They come recommended by a trusted friend, family member or neighbour
• You've seen impressive examples of their work elsewhere
• Their business is well established and has a decent financial history
• They've provided you with a realistic, itemised quote.

For more about double glazing costs, visit our page on double glazing pricing.