. . . 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

Don't be disappointed, OP. Be angry and don't be afraid to express it. Find your inner warrior. This isn't good enough.

Its messy but you should have taken the roller blind down yourself.

Another one who doesn't think those windows are new, I'm sorry OP I think he's doing you over.

If you have a look on the spacer bar (the silver bit between the two panes of glass) there should be a kite mark on it with a date of manufacture - is the date recent?

They are definitely old windows im afraid, and those holes are from someone elses blinds.

When i got new windows installed i didnt even need to decorate as they left such a clean job and all sealant was smooth.

You definitely need to complain - not even get these ones fixed they need replaced with new windows!

@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! We got ours when ours were fitted. Your windows look recycled and not new, sorry. As for the fitting, we had to make good the surrounds when the new windows were put in.

Oh crikey. We've just got new windows for the whole house and a couple needed plastering doing, but most were put it without any need for redecoration at all! Didn't disturb the paint work in the slightest, and it's an old house with wonky walls etc

Those windows don't look new. How much did you pay?

We had all windows and doors replaced in our old house, so 3 doors, 8 windows plus the patio doors. 3 tiny areas of touch up to decor was needed, that’s all. I was amazed at the finish. The one thing I did have to do was vacuum tiny plastic shavings for weeks from inside the frames (where windows open), obviously from the manufacture process. If you don’t have to do this I’d say they’re not new windows.

Have you paid him? I certainly wouldn’t be paying a penny for the job he’s done. I’d be getting 3 quotes from reputable companies to come and replace them with NEW windows. Then I’d tell him to take me to court if he wanted to try and get me to pay! Sod the friendship, he’s a dickhead, so not the kind of person anyone wants as a friend.

Please don't pay him OP. Never mind the friendship, he isn't concerned about the friendship when screwing you over is he?

They do not look like new windows. The fit is awful.

You do need to sort this - do not hand over your money for these. You will kick yourself forever if you do!

Looks shite.
Don't worry about offending, he's taking the piss.

Have just had new double glazing in, look nothing like this...this absolutely looks like a DIY job gone bad, good luck getting it sorted.

I feel so angry on your behalf OP. I hope you haven't paid anything yet, it looks like a complete bodge job, with second hand windows. Sadly I think his and your DH's friendship is well and truly over. I would consider reporting him to Trading Standards.

I wouldnt lead with asking him to fix ths finish, you need to voice your concern that they are not new windows and point out to him the multiple reasons why its obvious they arent new. Then either give him the choice of fitting new windows as originally agreed, or accepting a massive discount on payment and correcting the messy finish.

Dont leave your concern too open ended for him to talk himself out of. Figure out yourself what is acceptable to you in fixing this and give him those options only.

I was just about to post about checking the date on them but see others have already mentioned it. Am very curious to know how old they are.

That’s bad - I’d be embarrassed if I was him.
Did you pay him?
It’s a bad job - I agree that people recommend others - usually family - if you have just paid via the bank you can request a charge back for the money whilst you dispute the claim.

I’m afraid you’ve been duped.

OP were you able to choose how you wanted the windows to open? Like two small openings at the top or a sort of door type opening on one half?

I feel so annoyed for you OP. You save and plan for home improvements and then some bozo comes along and wants to take your money without providing the goods.

OP - I genuinely have better windows in my shed that we saved from a skip for a project we have planned. Ive checked and they dont have any holes drilled in them so mine or already better than the 'new' ones he supplied.

That's atrocious OP.
Clearly second hand windows.

Holes shouldn't be there and the Windows should be clean and white.

Also that nonsense about FENSA certificates being done quarterly is total pish. He's taken you for a total ride OP! How annoying

Keep records of everything you ask/tell him.

Do NOT give him more money.

Sod the friendship.... He's not your/husbands friend... He's ripped you off... Clearly old windows... He must think you're worth scamming. What a vile person. He must realise you're unlikely to say anthing and is relying on this.

Tell him you'll be informing trading standards. They'll send an expert to assess the damage. They will prosecute if necessary.

You'll be doing his future victims a favour too

As someone who works in the industry, there are some issues here - the main one being the drilling through the frame. Who supplied these and what is their warranty? In my company, this would void the warranty and render the owner responsible for any failings of the product. Also, the frames are not sealed properly. There are gaps around the frame and, even where sealed fully, it's not to an acceptable standard.
Occasionally there will be some "making good" required, but not where the plaster is in good condition pre-installation.

Also, these need checking re. FENSA certification

@Hotelhelp

OP were you able to choose how you wanted the windows to open? Like two small openings at the top or a sort of door type opening on one half?

This too! Any liveable room must have egress windows so you can escape in the case of fire. What's the design? Sorry for the multiple posts but it's really substandard work.

Op please do more than ask him if they are new. Tell him they categorically are not new windows and do not pay him a penny.

Even if they were new I would not be paying until I had the FENSA certificate.