Bifold doors: builder or specialist company?

[ShortLass]

So, I'm planning on bifold doors in my extension / refurb project. I found a local firm which supplies and fits and decided Origin doors would be nice.

Architect says I should not employ such a firm; that I should tell the builders that I want Origin bifolds and let them fit them or sub-contract.

If I don't do this, she warns, and something goes wrong, then the builder could blame the supplier and the supplier could blame the builder and I'd be stuck in the middle with a £5k purchase.

I totally see where she's coming from, but instinctively, I would feel more secure if a specialist company liaises with the builder and fits them. They do it all the time and should know what they're doing, right? Better than a jack of all trades?

On the other hand, I can see the architect's point. She's youngish, but still has more experience of building than me. My building experience mostly boils down to sandcastles and Lego.

(This is similar to the windows question I asked before. Going with a glazing company for the windows after helpful answers, which architect says ok, but advises against for the bifolds)

[blackcountrygirl]

I would make sure that the door company come out to measure the opening before you place a final order. This does cause a delay in the installation but it means there is no chance of mistakes/errors/arguments. There might also be a difference in cost. So I would get a quote from both and then decide.

[Girlsworld92]

We are having bifolds fitted. The window company have come to measure but the builder is fitting the windows. As long as your builder is confident in doing it you will be fine.

[ShortLass]

Thanks both. Going back to showrooms tomorrow to look at Origin bifolds. Fingers crossed

[Likeaninjanow]

We recently had them put in, and used the specialist firm to fit them. That meant we got a 10 year guarantee. Had they not fitted them, we wouldn't have that. As PP said, they should come and measure & conduct a full site review.

[Likeaninjanow]

Sorry - should have added...the builder fitted the windows, but the bifold company fitted the bifolds.

[ShortLass]

Thanks everyone. This is to update.

So I went to have a look at Origin bifolds at the local showroom again and chatted to the guy. As like said, you get the ten year guarantee when you go with a registered Origin fitter rather than the builder. The guy said "the builder might be able to do it a bit cheaper..." whereas I was concerned with better, not so much cheaper.

The way they work with the builder is they ask the builder to let them know when the opening will be ready. They book in an appointment to measure the opening and then fit two weeks later, as Origin has a fast turn around.

So I'm going to go with this company, as I have confidence in them.

I think architect has given me bad advice. There are a few more things which she advised me on that I think is wrong too.

[Girlsworld92]

If you have to use the origin fitter for the guarantee then I'd do that too x

[measles64]

If you cannot trust your architect which you seem not to, then ask the builder if you can speak to other people they have fitted these for.

[ShortLass]

Just getting the drawings together to send to builders to quote, measles, so no builder on board yet.

[measles64]

Then ask origin to give you details of folk who have had these fitted, word of mouth testimonials may put your mind at rest. Son has had bifolds put in they look amazing, but they need to fit right because he sacrificed bricks and mortar to achieve the look so if they leak let in draughts he will be in such a pickle.

[Mehfruittea]

I'm about to do similar. I'm under the impression I will be paying everything to builder and he will subcontract where required. If I choose bifold doors and want them fitted my manufacturer, he will organise that and I'll me appropriately. Can you not suggest that?

[dynevoran]

I wouldn't worry too much. The guarantee is something to consider but weigh up the fitting costs. They're quite a standard item nowadays and any builder worth their salt would be able to fit them well. Also, I'd trust my builder to know when to get specialist trades in. We just had a very expensive set of German sliding doors fitted by the builder. But he got the socialist glass fitters to fit the glass sheeting around our mezzanine and stairs as it was more specialist work. They do this for a living and know what they're doing running a big job. Trust them!

[dynevoran]

Specialist not socialist . They def weren't socialists.

[Imissmyboy]

I work for a company that manufactures bi fold doors. They are very hard to install CORRECTLY. Your standard builder thinks they are able to fit them, then weeks/ months later we are called out by the householder because they are draughty or not opening correctly, or even worse no longer closing. Definitely right to use experts in the situation.