Project Overview
Andrew Paterson lives in a semi-detached 1930s house in Chester and had been planning an extension to the rear of his home for several years. The project was unusual because the full-width extension would also incorporate his neighbour's property, with both homes designed to complement each other.
After extensive research, Andrew chose Vufold Status aluminium bifold doors and windows for his new open-plan kitchen, dining and living space. His neighbour was also impressed with the design and decided to install similar doors and windows, creating a consistent appearance across the rear of both properties.
Choosing Aluminium Bifold Doors for the Extension
Andrew began researching the project around two and a half years before work started, visiting exhibitions and trade shows to compare products and suppliers. It was during this research that he first discovered Vufold.
“I started my preparation about two and a half years ago by visiting exhibitions and trade shows, which was when I discovered Vufold. I had a chat with the people on the stand and was impressed with their approach and products, so I took a leaflet home and kept it in my file.”
Two years later, Andrew was ready to appoint builders and begin work on the extension. As he had not managed a building project before, finding suppliers and contractors he could trust was particularly important.
Rather than choosing his bifold doors based solely on information online or in a brochure, Andrew travelled to the Vufold showroom in Macclesfield to see the products for himself.
“This was a big step for me and for my neighbour, so I needed to find someone I could put my faith in. I wanted a specialist and found one I felt I could trust. It’s very important to me that I can put my faith in a supplier, which is why I went to Macclesfield to see the Vufold showroom.
I knew I could get bifold doors from a number of places, but I wanted to check the company out and see their products first-hand rather than relying on a brochure or website. I found the people at Vufold knew what they were talking about. They answered all of my questions and the range of doors and windows was very impressive.”
Matching Bifold Doors Across Two Neighbouring Homes
The Status aluminium bifold doors and windows caught Andrew's attention and he decided to place an order. By this point, he had also discussed the project with his neighbour and suggested installing similar products across both properties.
Although his neighbour was working to a tighter budget and had initially considered reusing the existing PVC doors, Andrew's research and recommendation persuaded him to choose the Status range as well.
“My neighbour knows that I do a lot of research into anything I buy, so when I told him about Vufold and how impressed I was with them, he agreed to take my advice and place a similar order. It meant him spending a bit more than he planned, but he was swayed by my advice and enthusiasm for the very classy look of the anthracite Status doors and window.”
Installing the Status Aluminium Bifold Doors
Andrew's chosen builder did not offer to fit the bifold doors and windows, so Andrew arranged for Vufold to complete the installation. This meant he could deal with one company for the ordering, delivery and fitting of the doors and windows.
“Oddly enough, it all worked out well in the end as when it came to the doors and window, I only had to deal with one company for the ordering, delivery and fitting. That took a lot of pressure off of me and Vufold did a great job.”
The installation presented some challenges, including ensuring the running rail was positioned at the correct height. Vufold provided Andrew with a cross-section of the bottom rail that could be used as a template to help establish the required levels.
Andrew also requested bespoke silver door handles to complement the design of his new open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. The anthracite finish of the aluminium bifold doors was chosen to coordinate with the grey island unit in his off-white kitchen.
“We had a few challenges, such as getting the running rail at the right height, but Vufold sent me a cross-section of the bottom rail to use as a template, which made a massive difference when it came to getting the levels correct.
They even agreed to provide bespoke silver door handles for me to fit in with my overall design for the new open-plan kitchen, diner and living room. Small things like that can really matter to me. It was why I chose the anthracite finish for the doors and window. My kitchen is in off-white with a grey island unit, so having the doors anchored with the connected colour of the island works perfectly.”
How Did the Aluminium Bifold Doors Perform in Winter?
More than six months after the extension was completed, Andrew had experienced the Status bifold doors through the winter and was pleased with both their appearance and performance.
“Absolutely I did, yes, there was not a sign of a draught during the worst of the winter and I love the aesthetics of the doors, they look superb. You hardly notice the slim sightlines when they are closed and when they open up they fold back to the walls to virtually disappear.”
Andrew's neighbour was equally pleased with the decision to install matching aluminium bifold doors at the rear of his property.
“Oh, he’s delighted that he took my advice. He knows that he made the right decision and loves how the doors are such a feature of the back of the house; we are both very happy to have found Vufold.”
Project Summary
Project: Rear extensions across two neighbouring semi-detached homes
Location: Chester
Customer: Andrew Paterson and neighbour
Property type: 1930s semi-detached houses
Product: Status aluminium bifold doors and windows
Finish: Anthracite
Additional features: Bespoke silver door handles
Goal: Create an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space while achieving a complementary appearance across both neighbouring properties
Outcome: Matching aluminium bifold doors across both homes, with slim sightlines, flexible opening and a finish that complements Andrew's new kitchen and extension
Why did the homeowners choose aluminium bifold doors?
Andrew chose Status aluminium bifold doors after extensive research and a visit to the Vufold showroom. He particularly liked the appearance of the anthracite finish, slim sightlines and the way the doors could fold back to open up the new living space.
Can aluminium bifold doors work with an open-plan kitchen extension?
In Andrew's project, Status aluminium bifold doors were installed as part of a new open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. The anthracite finish was chosen to complement the grey kitchen island and off-white kitchen.
How did the Status bifold doors perform during winter?
After living with the doors through winter, Andrew reported that there was not a sign of a draught during the worst of the weather. He was also particularly pleased with their slim sightlines and overall appearance.
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