Can I get a refund on faulty doors?

[justasecond]

I bought 2 sets of internal french doors from a company based in London. After many, many problems where they initially gave us the wrong doors, one of the sets of doors were finally delivered and we were told we would have to wait until mid July for the other set.

We opened them to check them within 3 days as stated the terms and conditions and there was some poor finishing on them like big globs of glue in all the corners of the glazed panels and the joins not quite meeting up . Given the amount of time taken to get the doors and the fact it was holding up our project we asked our carpenter to go ahead and fit the doors. however once the carpenter started to hang them he noticed that the doors were bowed on both sides i.e they do not meet in the middle properly. He did the best he could but he could not get them to hang properly. When they close there is a gap at the top and bottom of the doors. We have also noticed there is a large chip in one of the panels

I called the company to complain but they said that as their terms and conditions state you have to check the doors within 3 days, they cannot do anything. I told them the fault was not noticeable from visually checking them and would only come to light when the doors were hung but they are refusing to do anything about it.

Can anyone shed some light on what the legal position is on this. Surely they are responsible for ensuring they are sending out a quality checked item and not relying on the customer to do this for them, then washing their hands of it all if the customer takes longer than 3 days?
Would be grateful for any replies.

Goods and service act. Not fit for purpose.

I agree. Their stated T&Cs cannot override your statutory rights. You accepted the visible defects by hanging the door, but the defect that became apparent on hanging means you should for the avoidance of doubt reject the doors. Threaten the small claims court if they won't refund. Google "small claims pre-action protocol" for guidance.

Wot collaborate said.

This is lifted from trading standards website

Your consumer rights ? products must be:

of satisfactory quality - last for the time you would expect it to and be free of any defects
fit for purpose ? fit for the use described and any specific use you made clear to the trader
as described ? match the description on packaging or what the trader told you.
Not having any luck with sorting out problems? Then call 08454 04 05 06.

Call trading standards log your complaint. Obtain the reference number and write a letter to them stating that you require redress under the sale of goods act 1979. Unfortunately if they are not prepared to assist you will have to take them to the small claims court.

Not as scary as it sounds and there are lots here that can help
You will the process. Good luck

Thanks everyone! Mumsnetters never disappoint! Will keep you updated.