PVC window botched job

[WelshMoth]

At the end of August, a small local company fitted 5 PVC windows in our home. A cash deposit was paid and once they completed, my DH paid them in full, in cash on their request. In hindsight, we should have fully inspected the job before handing over the cash but we were just glad to be rid of the noise and the dust.

After a few days, we spotted that they had fitted one of the units in place before removing one of the protective paper seals - it was impossible to simply pull it away cleanly because it was now wedged between the frame and the window sill.

We contacted the company, to be told that someone would pop by and sort it. Nothing came of this.

Days later, we noticed that a second window was missing filler/sealant and that we could see actual brickwork from the inside. We only spotted this under artificial light. Then we saw that this same window was put in at an angle and not straight.

There are other problems with a third window too - recently exposed by a bathroom company who chipped away at the tiles to expose too big a gap around the whole unit (and not the industry standard of 5mm), no filler and no sealant to be seen, just 4 big screws. Again, daylight can be seen around the frames.

I emailed the company immediately with a listing of all these concerns (I wanted to start a paper trail) only for the email address to not be recognised. I tried their website, again not recognised. I rang two mobile numbers, no answer. In a fit of temper, I left a message demanding that someone call me immediately before I proceed with further action.

Unsurprisingly, one of the partners called me back, explained that he no longer worked for the company since there'd been a falling out, but he was happy to honour the job by returning to fix the snag list. The company was still active but were probably in the process of changing the name/email address/website to accommodate the break in partnership. In his words, it probably only needed "a bit of filler" and it wouldn't take long to fix.

Again, unsurprisingly, he didn't show at all. This was last week. I've taken advice from an experienced and reputable fitter and whilst he sees that the actual units are quality, the execution of the job is one of the worst he's seen.

I telephoned Trading Standards today and aaaarrggh they haven't called me back yet. I want to know what my next action should be. I'm not really wanting these Cowboys back in my home (they left a patch of filler dry on my carpet, they've scratched walls, the sealant looks like it's been applied by a toddler it's so messy - I don't really want them back) but I need to know what my next move should be.

Please - any advice is greatly appreciated. I've also posted this in the Legal forum.

[Coughingchildren5]

Are they fensa or certass registered? Maybe chase up that way?

TBH the likelihood of you forcing them into action through chasing is really small as they already have their cash.

I would focus on using a third party to seek recompense. So legal action or through one of the registered bodies (depending which they are registered with, if either).

[WelshMoth]

Thank you Coughing.
How do I check whether they are actually registered?

[Ruhrpott]

Go on the fensa website and search for fensa registered companies in your area.

[WelshMoth]

They're not registered on FENSA. Checking the other now.

[kirinm]

Check if the company is still live on companies house because if you wanted to sue them, it's very hard to do once the company is in liquidation. Did you check that they were insured?