could someone please advise me on the cost of redecorating sash windows and if anyone has had any bad experiences with decorators and finally any good recommendations.
Well, it all rather depends on what you want doing, and where you are in the country. There is little point in anyone recommending people on Cornwall if you live in Scotland!
I just had 14 windows restored for £2900 inclusive. Each window was removed, sanded, painted with primer where necessary, received new cords, weights re-balanced, any broken glass replaced, new catches fitted, small repairs made, draft proofed. I am well pleased with the work! Budget on £200 per window - I investigated doing the work myself but the kit for draft proofing, cord etc was about £110 per window! The guy did 2 windows per day.
Depending on where you are in the country overhauling and draught sealing costs between £180 - £290 per window. This work is rated at 5%VAT so make sure that the firm you chose does not try to charge VAT @ 17.5%.
The question of the cost of decorating your windows will be directly related to the number of glazing bars. The more bars the greater the cost. If you have the windows decorated in-situ there is a great danger that they will be painted shut and the mid rails are very difficult to paint. You will always get a better result if the windows are dismantled to paint.
you are entitled to claim back VAT if the house is a new build, not an extension and not constructed in relation to any business activity
A new build must be constructed with the intention of residing in it
A new dwelling through a conversion of an existing building is largely free of VAT. Registered builders must charge VAT at %5 which you can reclaim
approved alterations to listed buildings can be zero rated by VAT registerd contractors provided the work has been granted listed building consent and is neither a repair or maintenance.
Renovation projects are not considered new dwellings and are therfore fully rated unless empty for three years or more or if you are changing the number of units.
Properties abandoned for 10 years or more are treated as conversions (largely free of Vat)
Details are available from Customs and Excise and are detailed in "Vat Buildings and Construction (Vat notice 708)
Sorry I do not have a link
Careful though, you can only make one claim
Good luck, it can make a hugh difference to costs
The VAT is as simple as I said. Draught sealing windows is covered by the regulations concerning energy conservation and is rated @ 5%. I did not get into whether this could be reclaimed or not, just that contractors should only charge VAT @5%. I would suspect any company that tried to charge 17.5%. They could be pocketing the difference!
As to the question of price Ventrolla is a franchise organisation. They have to buy their materials directly from Ventrolla and pay franchise fees. Consequently, their prices are normally higher than most.
Just because of the pricing structure of Ventrolla, should not rule out you using them. Cheapest is not always the best. Ventrolla are part of the Laird Group, which is one of the largest organisations in this country. They have been very successful over many years and most franchisees do provide an excellent service.
Their should be no confusion on VAT you should only be charged 5%!
sorry did not mean to complicate things. the posters are correct in its simplest form.
I only sought to warn you that if it is in a total renovation/other reclaim then it can only be recliamed in one hit. other advice quite correct
seek advice from C&E they are not the ogres they are made out to be and will be very helpful (in my experience)
Thankyou. I didn't know that Ventrolla was a franchise until earlier post. I have experience of being a franchisee , so I am aware of the associated costs that have to be paid to the franchisor. These are quite expensive.