. . . 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

So I messaged him and it's not looking good.

He says the holes are from where he was going to put the blind back up - he thought we wanted it replacing. I've replied by saying blinds get attached to walls, not pvc window frames. He also didn't address my point that the holes will invalidate the warranty.

I've discovered more issues - there are two keys missing; there's dirt between the glass and sealing strips, there are no kitemarks or BS marks . . .

He says if I don't want to wait for the FENSA certificates he'll pay for a local authority certificate. I don't understand what he means by that and replied reminding him that when he was quoting I'd asked him about FENSA and he said yes, we'd get those.

He's not answering now; he's probably angry . . . I'm pretty sure there won't be much of a friendship with DH anymore, which is a shame as actually, this aside, he's a lovely person.

We've only paid about 25% already which I'm relieved about, as the balance will be leverage to get the issues resolved.

Thanks for the opinions and advice, everyone. I'll keep pushing.

Oh - there's no "door" opening, the windows are split into four equal sections and the top two sections open horizontally. This is similar to the old windows.

He's totally shafted you. They are not new windows.

I'd be after totally replacing them and my money back.

Sorry OP.

That's a nightmare. He's talking about an indemnity insurance policy that you have to get to avoid trouble when your windows are not fensa approved. He's taking you for an absolute ride. Stand firm. You don't want these issues resolved, you want entirely new windows, not fitted by him. He should have no part in this going forward. How could you trust him going forward? He's a total con man.

He says he uses Certass rather than FENSA - but I asked him about FENSA when he was quoting and he said yes, we'd get the certs.

Uuuuuuhghhhhhhhh. This is a nightmare.

I think FENSA aside, you need to ask him straight out where he got the windows, where is the warranty and are they new?

You need answers to those questions immediately.

THIS is what my windows look like 5+ years after installation and no redecoration.
They look a heck of a lot better than your brand new ones!

He’s not much of a friend anyway if he was happy to totally shaft you

I'd want to see the order form and invoice from the manufacturer he used...

He said the windows are new, @lifeissweet - and I found some of the plastic shavings another poster referred to, so I'm inclined to believe they are, he's just done a really messy job of installing them.

The lack of paperwork concerns me, as does the lack of kitemarks and manufacturing stamps etc.

I wish my windows looked half as good as yours, @BruceAndNosh

Correspondence is ongoing . . .

You could try contacting FENSA themselves for advice on what to do in this type of situation?

Definitely ask for his receipts for the windows

It's hard to tell how bad it is as it now needs repainted. I see what u mean about wonky sealant though I would be very unhappy about that, makes it look a poor job!

Those holes are atrocious. I'm sure it defects the warranty. When we got new window fitter told us not to drill blinds into the frame as warranty then void. I'd def complain about that and keep asking him about warranty or better still find out for yourself if he has void the warranty.

The windows look a bit grubby, the upvc maybe just needs a clean but I was wondering if they were second hand windows!

Also don't get friends to do work it can end in disaster. My dads friend did their loft conversion and I can't remember exactly what went on as I was about 10 but I remember my mum telling him to get his tools and get out. I think it was something to do with a receipt for the window think he was ripping them off or so my mum thought. It was really awkward for my dad.

Even with the plastic shavings (could they be from him adjusting them to fit?!) they are not new windows. If they were he would be upfront in sorting a fensa certificate for them.

Please stand your ground. He is taking the piss. What does your dh say? Is he supportive in sorting it out?

Whoever he says he's registered with, ring them and check he's a current member.

Those windows def look secondhand to me, those hole look like they held the cord for net curtains to me.
I'm wondering how much he charged you, the average for a new window is approx £300 per window depending on size and openings etc.

When we had our windows all replaced they did damage the paintwork in places removing the old windows, but they sealed all the new windows with clear sealant that was really neat.

Nothing in me can believe they are new windows. I know you think it's easier to try and sort something out with him and just put up with them but I really think you'd regret that sooner than later.

All our windows were fitted with zero damage to the existing decor. It was amazing, but speaking to friends, to be expected. Long gone are the days when having new wii does meant having a whole new decorating scheme.

That’s terribly shoddy. This is what ours looks like. The sealant is completely smooth and actually in most places we’ve not even needed to touch up because they did such a neat job.

@Thebookswereherfriends

That’s terribly shoddy. This is what ours looks like. The sealant is completely smooth and actually in most places we’ve not even needed to touch up because they did such a neat job.

This is what ours look like too.

YANBU.

Not new windows, do those holes even line up with your blinds?

Even if they were new windows, you don't drill into the window frame! So whats he going to do about that?

I am pretty sure he's trying to take your money for new windows + whatever mark up he puts on them, for windows he got free from another job. Thats a massive rip off!

Can he show you the receipt for these windows?.

OP please believe us all when we say that those are DEFINITELY not new windows. You dont want someone else's manky old windows. He didnt even clean them up to pretend they were new. He is NO FRIEND OP.

These windows were put in last week... there's a few marks in the paintwork but overall a good job

@Gingernaut

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.

This. Def looks like second hand window someone has had taken out and replaced.

Is he actually a window fitter?