Advice with a faulty bifold

[frazzeled]

Could any one advise? We hadn’t a bifold door fitted into a new extension 6 years ago. We bought the door directly from the window manufacturer, our builder (who has a good working relationship with the manufacturer who are local) fitted it. The lock has now been replaced four times and is broken again. The manufacturer is blaming the builder, the builder the manufacturer. Any idea who is responsible? The door now won’t securely lock so house is not secure. Manufacturer is has now said they won’t even supply another lock without charging me. Bother the builder and manufacturer have been out to inspect the door and no idea why it keeps breaking. It was expensive so gutted - and cost of replacing if we pay is high! Thank you in advance for any advice.

An opinion from a different tradesman?

Have you googled it for reviews?

It was made as a special order to fit an unusual size so can't really google it directly for reviews. Will google company though and see if others had problems. Good idea. Should have just gone with big standard patio doors - would have been cheaper and much less hassle!!!

Look on the martins money expert website in forums under consumer goods

Someone there will know. They are experts!

I would get a locksmith who has knowledge of these kind of doors to come out to give an independent view of what is going wrong ask for this in writing and what should be done for repair including approximate costs. You will probably need to pay for this.
I would then approach who they think should be responsible with the locksmiths report and ask them to repair it showing them your evidence and if they won't say that you will go through the small claims court.

The size of the door shouldn't be an issue if it is the locking mechanism that is at fault, so the fact that it was a special order shouldn't be an issue. The locking mechanisms should be a standard part - either the part is faulty or it's been incorrectly installed - you need an independent person to tell you which one it is.