Essential Do's and Don'ts When Purchasing Bifold Doors
When taking the leap and getting any kind of home improvement work done, you really want to be sure you are doing things safely, properly, in the most efficient, cost-effective and stress-free way possible.
You want your installer/builder/architect/contractors to not only know what they're talking about when it comes to their trade, but know what you want to achieve within your project.
(Bristol Bi-fold's note: When searching for a bi-fold door, suppliers won't always give you all the information you need - that's why we've provided you with a FREE eBook: "The 7 Secrets Other Bi-fold Door Suppliers Won't Tell You": Don't miss out, click here to download it now.)
We want your project to run as smoothly as possible...
...and whether you choose to purchase your doors through us or not – we've come up with a general list of do's and don'ts when buying bifold doors that we would DEFINITELY recommend having a browse through before committing to anything.
The full list is featured on our website (here) but I've pulled out a few of (what I think are) the most important points to remember and gone into just a little more detail on why we think these precautions are so important.
So lets start with a few 'Do's' – things you really, really, really should consider (we think) before making any decisions regarding your doors.
View the actual door you intend to buy.
• Sounds pretty obvious right? But the last thing you want is something turning up on the day of installation that is completely different to what you envisioned. A good company should have a showroom, where they will be able to give you a working demonstration of the doors and talk you through all of the moving parts. (Fancy coming to see our showroom? Give us a call and book an appointment as we tend to get quite busy..).
Get an insurance backed guarantee.
• I cannot stress this enough. It doesn't matter how reputable a company is, if they don't have insurance backed guarantee's covering their installations then you are putting your finances in danger should anything happen to the doors or worse - the company. It won't cost you any extra, and it should come as standard with your contract for a door set. We're backed by DGCOS, BM TRADA and also use IPWFI insurance backed guarantees to ensure complete peace of mind for our customers.
These are just two of a fairly long list of things to check before using an installer (see the full list HERE) but they are crucial to choosing bifold fitters.
Okay, now for the negative stuff...here's what not to do...
Avoid bifold doors with an external track.
• Don't know what this means? Let me explain...an external track is one that is bolted on to the bottom frame of the door – instead of being an integral part of the frame. When the track has been bolted on to the front of the frame (or on top of the frame) it's unlikely that the doors are purpose made, bifold doors. All of our running gear (the bits that make the bifold move) is enclosed within the frame and bottom track, making the doors much more secure - especially as an external track could possibly be levered from the frame.
You get what you pay for - don't base your decision on price!
• An age old saying but especially relevant to the bifold door industry. There are plenty of cheap systems and plenty of expensive systems, but to ensure you receive the best quality doors – do not base your decision purely on price.
Avoid 'floating mullions'.
• Basically, a floating mullion is an extra piece of material that is fitted between each door leaf. Pointless, unattractive and will make no difference to the operation of your doors – it may even hinder them as these extra pieces can cause the doors to drop.
Don't pay the balance until you're installation is complete.
• ...and you are satisfied with your doors. A lot of companies (including Bristol Bifold) don't ask for the final balance until the doors have been installed – I think this is common practice for any installation company that is sure of their fitters and confident in their product. If you have paid full balance in advance (which some installers do also ask for) then you have less chance of a fast and efficient solution to any remedial work that needs doing after the doors have been fitted – ie. Any adjustment to the doors.
Again – please read our list in full as there are several equally important issues that I haven't been able to cover in this post and would hate for you not to see these do's and don'ts before you go ahead with a purchase!
If you are thinking of getting some bifold doors installed at your property – whether it's with us or not – you should have a look at our buyers guide (the download is in the link below this post..) which will answer any questions you have before you buy. If there's anything we've missed – give us a call at the office on 0117 992 3101and we'll be happy to talk to you.
The FREE 7 Secrets Other Bifold Door Suppliers Won't Tell You
When searching for a bi-fold door, suppliers won't always give you all the information you need - that's why we've provided you with this FREE eBook. Don't miss out, click here to download it now.
