. . . or is this a terrible finish?

[GlazingNightmare]

We've just had our double glazing replaced. The photos below are one example of how badly the windows have been finished. They look worse than the old ones

AIBU in asking him to come back and improve the finish? He's already not happy with me because he didn't take a rollerblind down and installed the window and beading around it, which meant there would be a chunk of beading missing when we replaced the visibly-old and crappy blind. He's also massively damaged the paintwork around the windows - much more than I expected.

It's also really awkward because he's a friend of DH's . . . ugh. That was probably our first mistake . . .

Is this normal? I honestly expected them to look nice and clean and new

Those windows don't look new. Ask him about fensa. Do they have any kitemarks or product labels on them?

@GlazingNightmare

I've asked for FENSA certificates, he says he does them quarterly so I'll get them in the next couple of months as he just did a batch . . . does that sound right?

Nope...

I don’t know whether fensa can work that way but I had mine very soon after the work was finished. I think most people don’t like confrontation but you’re actually considering trying undo work you’ve paid for and do it yourself to salvage second hand windows and not point out that he’s ripping you off. He is not a friend! He’s treating you like shit! You don’t need to like confrontation but you can’t let somebody treat you that way and pay them for it!

Sorry OP those windows look shocking and certainly don’t look new

The sealant looks like what’s on my windows now and they were done 15 years ago. The sealant def didn’t look like it does now when installed 15/years ago as you say it should be smooth with no gaps

Your 'new' windows will be whistling as soon as there’s a bit of wind

And yes ask about the holes, as others have said they look like the screw holes for net curtains etc

The holes look like he's used second hand windows, that someone lese has drilled holes into for net curtains.

Does he not have FENSA registration?

That is such a poor job, I'm offended on your behalf.

My dh just burst out laughing at that line he's fed you about the fensa certificates. I'm sorry op, don't pay him a penny and get a real company to come out and put new ones in properly.

Don't try to fix it yourself. The minute you remove that sealant, anything that goes wrong with the windows he will blame on you for removing it.

There should not be holes in your windows, there should not be marks and dents all over.

You say he's your dh friend, get your dh to say it to him. There is no way I'd let this go. You don't have to be confrontational, just say there are holes and lumpy sealant that you are not happy with and you'd like him to rectify it.

This is a big home improvement, it's not like you can change it in a couple of years.

We had ours done 3 years ago and were 100 x better than that. Those are appalling.

Is he (or has he claimed to be) a FENSA Approved Installer?
Has he provided you with a FENSA certificate and guarantee?

www.fensa.org.uk

The holes look as though someone has drilled into the frames in order to insert hooks for hanging net curtains or roller blinds. Are there holes on the right side of the window, too? Are these new frames or frames that have been previously installed elsewhere? What explanation has he given for the multiple holes?

Can your husband talk to him?

Okay, I won't try to fix it. I was thinking I could make it a bit easier for DH to preserve the friendship if I deal with the issues - not that DH is likely to be best buddies with him after this anyway!

I'll message him tomorrow with the photos and explain that I'm disappointed in the finish. I'll ask him to come and rectify the sealant etc. so I can paint. I'll also address the FENSA issue, the holes, and ask him to confirm whether the windows are brand-new.

Thanks for the advice and opinions, everyone - I was genuinely confused as to whether or not my expectations were too high.

Sorry, post crossed with Gingernaut's.

@GlazingNightmare

I've asked for FENSA certificates, he says he does them quarterly so I'll get them in the next couple of months as he just did a batch . . . does that sound right?

No, it does not.

Contact FENSA. Establish whether he is registered.

As at least one other poster has said, if you decide to move house, a FENSA certificate and guarantee will be requested by the buyer's conveyancer.

Just seen this on the fensa website

Definitely thought this was going to be a Line of Duty thread.

Only read p1 but agree with the consensus that those do not look like new windows (holes, bits stuck to them) and the quality of the finish is dreadful.

They look like the before pics. Open the windows and look on the edges, there are usually the date of manufacture down the recesses.

New windows come with that red and white protective film covering on them that the builders leave on and you have to remove yourself with a Stanley knife before decorating.
Those are definitely not new windows, sorry.
I'll see if I can find a pic of ours.

They are awful! They don’t look new. And he needs to register with FENSA straight away, please tell me you’ve also got an insurance backed guarantee?

I agree that it’s up to you do sort of painting and stuff afterwards but he’s sealing up is awful.

If you remove the silicone you will void any warranty though.

Ask him via txt or email about the holes and then you need to ask him for his complaints procedure. Did you sign a contract?

@JetBlackSteed

New windows come with that red and white protective film covering on them that the builders leave on and you have to remove yourself with a Stanley knife before decorating. Those are definitely not new windows, sorry. I'll see if I can find a pic of ours.

Only maybe if it’s a new build or on going project. My DH would never leave film on the windows for the homeowner to remove. He completely cleans them after fitting.

I think telling him you're "disappointed" is very wishy washy. Have him come back out and tell you how and when he's going to fit the new windows you were expecting in the first place.

These are used windows surely? Mine were absolutely bright white and perfect when they went in. Roundabout them was a mess but we were plastering and decorating anyway. Would not like to have new windows put in without planing to decorate afterwards.

If they’re new windows and he fitted them ask for the receipts. It’s bodged. Don’t look new. When I had mine done I didn’t have to redecorate.

I really feel for you, I think he’s used old windows.