Disappointed with our new upvc sash windows...

[Seaviewsunshine]

We've had 3 upvc sash windows installed to replace rotting wooden ones. The window guy we used came personally recommended. We discussed spec and I explained i wanted the most authentic looking sash windows but we've got very obviously cheap alternatives. The edging is awful (see pic). You can see the grey brushes and there seems to be a lot of plastic trim stuck on. The ones i had seen and were hoping for are a complete unit. They definitely dont look authentic! I'm really annoyed as money is tight. We've only paid half of the money and he's actually yet to finish the installation (keeps cancelling last minute). How do I tackle this with him? I fear I wasn't specific enough in my spec (did show pics etc) but he doesn't work out a showroom etc so couldn't agree finishes that way. Ideally I want them replaced but am I asking too much?

I reckon you might get used to them over time (once actually finished that is). I know it probably seems really rubbish to have tons of UPVC instead of lovely original windows. However, realistically, within a few months you won't even notice them and will definitely appreciate how much warmer your house it.

I've attached some pics of our recently installed UPVC sashes - which I thought might help you to compare.

Ours were a complete unit that came from a local window supplier and have been fitted with the wooden sills that were already there at the bottom. Ours also have a finish (think it was called foil wrapped) that make them look like wood.

I would have loved wood but we couldn't afford them and they have fooled a couple of my friends.

JoJo I'm currently cursing them every time I glimpse them . Bella yours definitely look neater and the wood effect is much better. I'm gutted that we didn't get that look but must have been lost in translation!

OP, your first pic, I would get that bit of trim done again by them, it's really amateurishly cut. That would really annoy me.

Hi

Did you actually show him what you were expecting before agreeing to the work, or see which windows he supplied to a reference? Verbal descriptions are subjective and his idea of quality obviously doesn’t match yours (or mine!)

Unfortunately unless you have specifics in writing I don’t think there’s much you can do about it. Sorry

I should him pictures. So yes there's been a definite loss in translation! He was meant to come on Thursday to discuss them and didn't show up...again.

*showed

That's not very neat cutting in, OP. And he's being cagey and cancelling on you? Hmm.

How did you find him?

You have to say to him that you're not happy - windows cost a lot!! Show him again the pics you wanted and you showed him before.

Will the gaps in the first pic be covered by sealant when he finishes them?

Is that window finished op?
If so then you need to be straight with him
My parents had a new upvc patio window just put in
It was horrendous to look at before they filled it in and fitted all the upvc on I was horrified and said to the fitters about it but they reassured me . They finished product was wonderful
I so hope this works out ok for you my dear
The cutting in doesnt look very good but ....there isnt any mastik/silicone filling in it is there? After they do the finishing work it looks so much better

I work in my DP window company, it looks like the Windows haven't been silicones in yet which will improve how it looks. The brushes you can see are basically what seals it shut and will always be visible to varying degrees depending on make. The wood effect/foiled Windows do look a lot better, however, are much more expensive. Hope this helps 😊

Thank you everyone. He hasnt finished them yet so I'm judging the unfinished version at the moment. I'm hoping we can finally get him back to do the job. With hindsight we should have been clearer on spec.

You may be pleasantly surprised when he finishes them Sunshine. I do hope so