A Window of Opportunity – Ayrton Bespoke

Ayrton has been in the property industry for well over 30 years and has specialised exclusively in the design, manufacture and skilled installation of period windows and doors since 2006, with many very satisfied clients in Nappy Valley alone.

Their expert fitters (who interestingly are all employed by the company – they do not sub-contract) are skillfully replacing London’s beautiful old timber windows and doors, preserving the traditional exteriors of buildings while upgrading them with robust built-to-last, insulated and secure windows and doors.

Whether it’s front doors, sash and casement windows, French or folding doors Ayrton provides them all. And having worked on period properties from early Georgian through to post-war, they have dealt with all sorts of issues from complying with conservation area regulations to accurately matching and replacing intricate ironmongery and replicating ornate stained glass. So, who best to educate us on all things windows and doors than this specialist London firm?

“WE HAVE ON AVERAGE FIVE CUSTOMERS A MONTH ASKING US TO REPLACE RELATIVELY NEW WINDOWS OR DOORS BECAUSE THE JOB WASN’T DONE PROPERLY THE FIRST TIME AROUND”

Most people replace their windows and doors only once or twice in their lifetimes. Understandably it’s not something that we know a lot about. Often, they fall into the trap of trusting generalists like builders to take care of it.

That’s where the problem starts, according to Robert Ditcham, CEO at Ayrton. “Most general builders are not specialists in windows and doors. Just as you wouldn’t ask your builder to buy your kitchen and bathroom, why would you ask them to source and fit your windows and doors?

They don’t make windows and doors. “We have on average five customers a month asking us to replace relatively new windows or doors because the job wasn’t done properly the first time around, costing them more money in the long run.”

This is precisely why Ayrton only replace and do not refurbish, as patching up doors and windows will only result in clients spending more money over time. There is little point in installing a new door to an over 100-year-old frame. It will not fit properly, isn’t secure and sadly it’s just a fudge. Do it properly when the budget allows.

When it comes to period homes there simply is no one-size-fits-all solution. Made to measure, well-built and expertly fitted windows and doors insulate against cold and noise and keep your family secure – a better life and a more valuable property

To truly understand the workmanship and service that go into each and every door and window, Robert encourages customers to come along to one of their
London showrooms in Wandsworth, Dulwich or Crouch End where his friendly team can demonstrate their work.

Ayrton pride themselves on listening to their clients and carrying out replacements sympathetically and with minimal disruption to the household. There are five stages from initial consultation with the client to the aftercare.

“YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS ARE A CRUCIAL AND A BEAUTIFUL PART OF YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET, YOUR HOME”

Firstly, the team survey the client’s property in order to advise and quote with accuracy.

Secondly, the client sits down with an Ayrton designer to discuss design details including ironmongery finish, paint colour, door furniture, even where the cat flap needs to go! They can request personal touches like initials on a stained glass window. The designers will then present drawings to them for approval.

After that comes the manufacturing process. Ayrton manufacture in Lithuania, where costs are lower so standards can be exemplary. Materials are of the highest specification with a skilled labour force used to working with timber and with Ayrton for many years.

Then, it’s installation day when doors and windows are delivered to the customer. The team carefully prep the house with dustsheets and carpet protector to minimise disruption. Fitting can be over a number of days but no aperture is left unsecure overnight.

From order to installation allow 12 weeks and finally, there is the aftercare service. As Robert puts it, “You wouldn’t  buy a BMW without an aftercare package so why would you buy doors and windows without it?” Timber shrinks and expands with the seasons, and locks can get a little stiff. That is to be expected and is why Ayrton have 12 vans driving around London with experienced  teams so they are never far away to fix minor problems that naturally occur. They also offer guarantees from 30 years on all their products.