They think I’m a bird brain, don’t they?

[hugebigburd2]

Had UPVC double glazing installed in a flat I own. The letting agent arranged the company and I accepted the quote. The windows have been installed in white UPVC but with a pine soft surround that now requires to be painted. Apparently if I hadn’t wanted softwood I should have let the company know. There is nothing in the quote to say that this would be done. They have now said they will paint the surrounds free of charge but if I want the surrounds changed there would be a cost. AIBU to think they’re making a fool out of me? Who instals new windows and has to immediately paint them. Anyone working for a double glazing company that can advise me?

Is the softwood internal or external? If external, that's a pain. If internal it's a bit of effort to paint initially, but it's better in the long run as window boards tend to get damaged and you can repair/fill wooden ones, you can't with PVC.

When you chose the windows what did you agree to?

Its pine softwood surrounds with white UPVC internal windows which look odd and will have to be painted. The quote was for white UPVC but company are saying I should have specifically told them I didn’t want pine softwood/ MDF but I didn’t even know softwood was involved. I think I am just being fobbed off - but a “hugebigburd” isn’t pretty when it’s angry !

Why are the lettings agents arranging this if you own the flat - not the point of the thread I know but.....

It just makes it easier for arrange quotes when there is a tenant staying.

YANBU. My windows are finished inside with pvc trim, isn't this standard? We didn't put the windows in.

We had new windows, there's no wood involved. Why would upvc windows have any wood?!

Is the wood internal or external? I can't understand your description.

what were the original surrounds?what does the quote say about surrounds?

I would not expect pine surrounds

Yep, my fault for thinking that the OP might not actually live in it! Apologies @hugebigburd2 as you were

One of the few redeeming factors of white upvc windows is that they are maintenance free - which doesn't quite fit with having wood involved.
I don't have any wood around my upvc windows, all the trim in and out is in upvc, even the windowsills.

I am equally puzzled. All my new window here at home are completely white plastic . There is a white trim around them. In the new windows, this trim is MDF in a pine colour which will have to be painted. Why would I pay such a lot of money to have new windows and then have to paint them?I am wondering if there is a reasonable explanation or this was just cheaper.

Usually the window company do a detailed survey of the size of window, estimate the amount of trims, measure the sills, and their installers carry a range of ad hoc fittings in case they have to adapt anything.
I think the agent (and you) have gone with a 'local tradesman' make it up as you go along merchant rather than a specialist window company. He ordered the windows but made up the trim as he went.

MakingNBaking. I think you've hit the nail on the head. I beginning to suspect that the letting agents have 'preferred' people they get in for quotes and this is probably one of them. The problem is what to do now as letting agents are being suspiciously protective of this company.

I would say that if the quote states "upvc" windows, and you've had part wood installed then that's the supplier error and they need to sort at their cost.
Mention trades description or something?

Thank you, that's good advice. They are saying I should have told them I didn't want MDF when I didn't know U was getting it.

Nobody in their right mind would think softwood is part of upvc windows. Most window companies state either upvc or hardwood windows in their brochures anyway, none mention softwood at all. Dont let this drop as I think you might have problems in the future with heat/wet contraction and expansion. Guessing the two materials will expand at different rates and will cause problems in five years - but you will be blamed for not "maintaining" them properly.

Try citizens advice first, I was able to email my local branch who gave me good advice and they also passed on the traders details to trading standards. I never followed mine through as it was under £500 (and couldn't be bothered with it anymore) but I was legally in the right so I could have done.

I would ask where it says to specify you want UPVC windows “and Surrounds”

or you bought UPVC windows and “soft wood surrounds”

I wonder whether it is a job lot of windows and instead of bespoke sized ones measured and made for your particular window, they have random windows just about close enough for them to fit in with a bit of a soft wood frame for more leverage.
Or the person measuring is particularly crap at his job.

What else did you specifically say you didn't want? What about the windows? Did you have to tell them you wanted glass and you didn't want paper? 😊

That posted while I was trying to delete the smiley. Op, I think they are taking the piss .

If the agent is offering to paint them for free let them get on with it and don't worry. We really don't need any more plastic in the world.

Thanks for your replies, sometimes you just wonder if you're overreacting.
Yes, I could have had pink wood because I didn't specifically say I didn't want this!
I'm asking them to be changed to UPVC as per quote but now I'm wondering whether just to say go ahead and paint them and dump the letting agent who is obviously siding with the company. I think I'll go and have a look at them myself - maybe they were a job lot!

Do you own the flat?

Did you change from wood?

Planning permission is usually required for flats to change the material- could it be related to that?

We’ve just had our windows done and they did exactly that - uPVC windows with softwood trim that we have to paint.

Is it a period property? Our new windows are sliders, they’re PVC but designed to look like the originals. PVC trim wouldn’t have ‘gone’.

MissChanandlerBong80
That would make sense for period properties but you did know that they were going to do this? This was a surprise and not a pleasant one. I was only aware something was amiss when the agents asked if I'd like a quote to have the windows painted. What? The brand new windows that were installed only last week costing me an arm and a leg, windows? Yes, these ones!