The Sash Window Workshop Arvostelua 201

After seeing 5 companies that specialise in sash window manufacture and fitting in London I opted for TSWW.

I'm not a window geek, my focus is intolerantly on cost and quality. I understand joinery, building and project management. I've been developing properties for 20 years, always on a budget always with a focus on finish and durability.

This year I've renovated our family home, a Victorian warehouse conversion, brick built with not a straight angle in the place. The windows needed to fit within a conservation area, but also meet the requirement for sound/heat insulation and ease of use. The building is a residential three story house. It was really important to me that I could find a company that shared my need for quality and cost but also help me avoid any mistakes that could occur from me not having done this before.

I saw sales representatives from each of the companies on site in E2 to run through our requirements (10 double sash windows, 2 single doors, 3 french doors) and their manufacture process, finish, glazing and fitting capability.

From the start it was clear that TSWW cared as much as I did about our home and were more thorough in terms of the sales process. The sales representative arrived early, had walked around the area to have a look at other buildings' windows, had a high level of technical understanding of windows, and the process of manufacture and fitting.

The estimation process was efficient, transparent and most importantly very detailed. Replies to questions were quick and thorough by email and telephone. The estimate covered everything handles, paint finishes, installation, and a good level of detail in terms of the type, function and final fitting of the window.

Comparatively TSWW were mid range in terms of pricing. Other companies offered less detail and either a total cost or a fairly superficial breakdown. This was a big part of our budget and I was very aware that if the smallest detail wasn't ironed out pre order that it's fairly common to be hit with costs when you get into the small detail later. Other quotes either omitted handles, trims around the windows or making good the pointing. TSWW process allowed me to know exactly what the cost was, all the agreements we had made and the exact specification of what we were buying. They also helped me shave some cost to meet my budget by offering me advice on glazing options. The deposit was also held within a deposit protection scheme.

I was offered a visit to TSWW's Bracknell factory. Which took me by surprise, other companies sales representatives focused on telling you about quality control rather than showing you. I would strongly suggest you buy from a company that has the making of the windows/joinery in house. It anchors responsibility for the woodwork you are going to live with everyday clearly in the salesman's remit. It's pretty typical in the window world that selling, manufacture and fitting are all separate companies. It makes sense to me that the fitters know and trust the makers, who also have clear line of sight to the survey team and the promises the sales team are making. That way you don't have to worry if theres a problem because you have responsibility for solving any issues sat in one company not split across more.

The factory visit educated me and I wish I had been prior to seeing other companies. From the large computer controlled machines that ensure the cuts are pin point accurate, the room filled with craftsman with chisels, the vast spray room, in house glass unit manufacture (the glass is stunning looking clear and warm) and assembly. The visit helped me understand that window manufacture needs to be a mix of state of the art and traditional craftsmanship.

One of the companies I was considering resold on behalf of a manufacturer, and didn't have a real understanding of the joinery process and quality control. Two of the other companies were less than enthusiastic about a factory visit not seeing why that would be of interest.

Following the visit, I now understand why the glass used is clearer than other standard glazing (a mix of thermal and ultra clear glass), why the paint finish is immaculate (multiple coats sprayed in house), why the beading is immaculate and why the windows arrive in protective customised covers. Every single stage of the manufacture process is thought through and focused towards delivering a window that's perfect.

A change I made (switch from inward to outward opening doors on 3 x french doors) was dealt with with a re-survey, discussion and straightforward communication. No drama, no impact on delivery.

On site fitting was efficient, the fitting team had to work around other trades (plasterers, brickies, electricians), and were focused on protecting the windows and fitting them accurately and finishing them perfectly. Trims, architraves, sills were made in house, sprayed to match exactly (all the windows are off black). The building is a real pain with different brickwork, uneven floors, non-level ceilings and the team made it all look perfectly balanced inside and out. Even our bricky was impressed with the pointing around the windows. The paintwork touching up team visited twice to make sure that every dent, scratch and imperfection that had resulted from the fitting process and other trades knocking into the windows and doors was sorted.

The project manager was deeply concerned that I was more than happy with the windows. Beyond that his focus was on achieving a standard that they were happy with. Their focus sums up for me this company, it didn't matter to them that a little damage had been done by the plasterers or brickies, it was their job to leave me with windows that were perfect in their eyes a standard that well exceeded my untrained eye.

The finish
The finished house is stunning, when people visit it's not the classic car that sits in the middle of the sitting room, or the ski lift that hangs from the lobby ceiling or the glass floors that they comment on it's the windows. Two of our neighbours specifically knocked to tell us how much the windows have improved the look of the street.

The attitude of the team at TSWW has impressed throughout. They have solved problems, dealt with an intolerant owner, coped with a less than perfect site with a focus always on a perfect finish and delivered value.

Whether for a single replacement window in a property, or a larger set of replacement windows I will be using TSWS.

Really happy with the whole experience of the sash window workshop right from getting a quote through to the office staff keeping us up to date on fitting schedule and the fitters themselves. The Windows look fantastic!

Having proper draught proofing is not cheap, but this was as pleasant an experience as it could be. Everyone was polite, friendly and professional, and the process was made clear at all stages by helpful information verbally and in writing. On the day, the craftsmen were punctual, covered everything and cleared up well. The work appears to be excellent, and we can feel the difference it has made to warmth and soundproofing. So, altogether, satisfied customers. Thank you.

We had decided to have a number of original sash windows replaced to try and address the constant gale raging through the house from the rattling sashes. We wanted to minimise the mess and ideally just draft proof and replace the original windows with double glazing rather than replace the entire thing. We had many quotes, many of whom said they could only replace the whole window and many pushing PVC alternatives. The Sash Window Workshop had no issue in meeting our requirements and surprisingly came in with a very competitive quote.

We had one window done as a trial of the company and a trial of the workmanship and I have to say, the result was unbelievable. The job was completed in about 3 hours, no mess at all and actually couldn't tell that the sashes had been replaced as the job looked so good. We've since had another 2 replaced and again the quality of the job was excellent with no mess afterwards and no redecoration required. We will continue to use The Sash Window Workshop to replace the remaining single glazed sashes once there's enough cash in the bank!

The product was well made and the two people who came to fit the french doors were very good at what they did,they were very keen to finish it all off to our satisfaction.
They made very little mess,made short work of the old door,and cleaned up after,and did it all by lunchtime,and still left me half of the chocolate digestives,star team.
It pays to have a bespoke company with skilled people to a job like this.

I live in a conservation area in central London and needed to get all my draughty and partially rotten old sash windows replaced with double-glazed units. Sash Window Workshop responded quickly and efficiently to my enquiries, calling back when promised and keeping appointments punctually. My windows were custom made and fitted in three batches. The various fitters were polite, worked hard, kept to schedule and cleaned up afterwards. I am very happy with the windows and frames which are solidly made, look good, operate smoothly and meet the requirements of the conservation area.
Sash Window Workshop are at the top end of the replacement window business. I am sure there are cheaper companies who would claim to offer an equivalent service but if you are prepared to pay a bit extra for faultless service and a first-rate product then Sash Window Workshop are the ones for you.

Very good service all round. Pleasant, helpful and a v nice window!

Probably not the cheapest, but lovely windows, very little mess very happy

Update 2024, windows still excellent. Zero issues

The actual windows, fitted into an original Victorian 3 aspect flat 6 pane sash window, were well made and were fitted very well by a pleasant and efficient team. The painting however was not up to the standard I was led to believe. It was not sufficiently rubbed down to remove lumps and blemishes, the overall finish looks more like an undercoat, a window pane was scratched (this was replaced with efficiency and no fuss), the temporary screw holes (for security during the work) were not filled and there were problems with the window furniture replacement - placement and mixing up the screws.
To be fair: I believe that one man was not enough to adequately do the preparation and painting in the time allowed.
Overall the management, customer service and support is very good.
I would definitely recommend the window product and fitting, but the painting requires improvement.

Living in Central London makes it very difficult to get decent craftsmen unless you know some and often they are booked in advance for months. The Sash Window Workshop was recommended to me by a neighbour and I also had a flyer in my letterbox. Everything from start to finish went really smoothly. I experienced quick response times, courteous behaviour throughout (even punctual, which is tricky considering London traffic), professional advice, well illustrated quotes & options, flexibility (I changed my mind on a couple of things), quick delivery times. I now have a very neatly refurbished Venetian sash window in my sitting room, which slides nicely up and down without rattling and is even drought proof. I will use them for further window refurbishment.

The Sash Window Workshop did a first-class job with the windows in my home, partly refurbishing and partly reinstalling them. The workers were all meticulous, highly skilled and polite. I am very happy indeed with the job they did and am happy to recommend it as good value.

Can highly recommend this company for replacement sash windows. Every aspect from the initial contact to job completion was positive. The actual installation was done by two first rate chaps who ensured there was minimal disruption and cleaned up thoroughly before leaving.
Will certainly use this company again. Quality service and quality product ...

Replaced a number of windows in period house in London. The new windows are double glazed but very difficult to distinguish from the originals. The quality of the craftsmanship and finish was excellent. The installation was done efficiently and to a high standard. I highly recommend The Sash Window Workshop and will use them again for more work

The windows look great. I was very happy from start to finish. Everyone Involved in the work was friendly and helpful. The installation was on time and only took 2 days. The installers covered everything to protect from dust and then cleaned thoroughly at the end of the job. Thanks team.

From my initial enquiry riffht through the the installation itself I find The Sash Window Workshop to be fist class. They didn't try to persuade me to replace all be Victorian boxes as another company had done, they being perfectly sound. And considering that I had the entire property re-fitted in a single day the disruption was minimal.

We have had every window replaced over two instalments. It's a very stress free experience. The fitters are very tidy, well organised and kept mess/dust to a minimum. We also had regular visits and updates from the project manager who kept us updated on progress and on both occasions they finished on time. I would highly recommend them and already have done so to a family member

I was impressed with the initial advice given which made the process easy. This was followed by good communications during manufacture and, importantly, a high quality product at completion

The Sash Window Workshop is run by extremely helpful, professional, and talented individuals. They make top quality windows and doors and I would strongly recommend them.

I am thrilled with the windows they have made for me. I have now placed another order for some double french doors.

i have worked with mathew dixon at the sash window workshop on multiple projects in kensington and chelsea over several years on high end properties and found the whole experience to be very professional and the workmanship carried out to be of high quality. after sales is also very good , very prompt , and all my clients have been 100% satisfied.well worth a visit to the showroom .

KEN SMITH . MANAGER OF ATD BUILDING SERVICES LTD.

used them to change windows in our home and were very helpful and the windows are fabulous. So we are using again to change windows in a flat. This time we have difficult council to deal with so they have drawn up specific pictures to aide the council in getting approval