Windows and doors from a single source or not? – Experiences?

Hey everyone,

we are currently planning to replace all windows and interior doors. Now we are wondering whether to have everything done by one company or to contract windows and doors separately. Does anyone have experience with complete solutions for such projects? Is it easier to manage organizationally in the end?

If the products you want are available from a single source, why not. However, there is no connection between windows and interior doors, so they can be awarded separately without any qualms.

Your project is a run-of-the-mill thing that is done thousands of times. You can handle it however you want. They are two different things.

I would choose two providers. Or even better, buy doors by mail order and install them yourself. Windows from a professional. There are hundreds for that in Munich (I assume that is where you are searching).

And please do not post links as advertisements. That is not well received at all and has consequences.

Windows and Doors from a Single Source – Sensible or Better Separate? We are currently planning to replace all windows and interior doors. Now we are considering whether to have everything done by a single provider or to contract windows and doors separately.

The headline fits poorly and is misleading in relation to the question. Of course, you can buy lingerie and raincoats in different boutiques. There is no reason to bundle those. First, I will answer for all readers you have lured in with the headline here: With building components, it is advisable to focus on a competent installer – they are rare, so the bottleneck lies here; and to motivate them accordingly by allowing them the trade margin. I recommend choosing the key stress elements (front door, lift-and-slide elements) in aluminum; the rest can also be PVC (I personally would choose aluminum throughout, but Mr. Average Smart Guy has too much money and prefers to buy cheaply and more often). Now to the entirely different question of your opening post: Building components (windows and exterior doors) differ fundamentally from interior doors in several respects; secondly technically and first chronologically. Chronologically, the building components come earlier; they create the weather-tight envelope and are set into reveals; after them come plasterers, wall and floor layers, and only after those do the interior door fitters come. Therefore, exterior and interior doors are automatically two construction phases separated by intermediate works and thus also separate acceptance and payment stages. At the latest here, the naivety of your question should become clear to you. Also, the qualified contractors have different types of training. Interior doors are fitted into frames; trained carpenters are best suited here (who, regarding windows, are only first choice for wood). Especially since you speak of "replacement," this is obviously not a first-time installation but renovation in an existing building. There are a whole bunch of other aspects to consider; even without changes to the floor plan, you should consult an architect experienced in renovation and best present your project comprehensively here in good time. As a precaution, I directly ask you not to do this in threads with individual small questions.

Does anyone have experience with all-in-one solutions for such projects? Is it ultimately easier organizationally?

Experience:
We chose everything from a single source because we liked the company. As writes, I rate the quality of the craftsman company higher than the comparison between one product or another. We only fixed one product type: the Solarlux folding glass walls. Balzer and Henn could also do that.
Organizational effort:
Of course, the organizational effort is lower.
You discuss one offer. That’s easy to live with.
The number of contacts with whom you have to coordinate appointments is lower – this also concerns coordinating all trades and ultimately adhering to deadlines throughout the entire project.
The number of contacts with whom you have to discuss details is higher – considering that you don’t have everyone reachable at all times, that adds up in hours.
The more that comes from one source, the easier it gets. Whether it is better in individual cases is a question of balancing individual demands and a lean approach. So, a case-by-case assessment.

As @11ant writes, I rate the quality of the craft business higher than the comparison between one product or another.

Not a few good window installers are all-around janitorial service Poles working solo or with an assistant, for whom "business" would be a somewhat too grand term.