Window Fitter

7 replies

GrumpyInc · 27/09/2022 18:56

I was given the name of a window fitter by an associate. The fitter has a family run business which has a large workshop, goodish reviews and came recommended. I contacted him in June and he came out in mid July to measure up. I asked that he give me 6 weeks notice as to when they would be fitted. He was on holiday for 3 weeks so I gave him 9 weeks. I contacted him by email 2 weeks ago - no response. I called him today when the receptionist said that she'd been off for the September weekend so hadn't picked up emails. The guy called later, saying they would be fitted 3rd week of October. That's all very well but there is nothing in writing other than a print out of the windows with what openings they've to be and my emails saying what I want. No proper written quote. The price was agreed verbally but they did confirm the price by email, when I asked them to.
I'm worried that he's going to give me the old redundant style of window.
The price isn't that cheap either, it's a couple of hundred pounds cheaper than the next quote, which were for a better make of window.
I'm right for having alarm bells, aren't I? Son saying 'no'.

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UserNameNameNameUser · 27/09/2022 19:04

If he’ E just the fitter then surely what you need is the details of which windows he is ordering (the spec) along with the sizes and style (which you have) and the price (which you have).

Has he really not said where he will be ordering the windows from along with type (tilt snd turn, upvc/composite …), colour and finish , double or triple glazed etc?

Original poster

GrumpyInc · 27/09/2022 23:03

Sorry, he owns the company. Has around 6 people working for him. He came out himself as I think he always does that side himself. Every question I had, when he came out, was answered verbally. I then asked about paperwork and he said - u trust me and I trust u ( meaning his company asks for payment after work is done). I don't keep well, problems with heart/BP/arthritis/ brain lesion; I know if something goes wrong and I don't have a leg to stand on due to no paperwork, it's going to cause me a lot of stress and maybe affect my health. I've never had anybody work this way, even handymen give some sort of written quote. I keep thinking he's got an older style of frame he wants rid of. It's 7/8 windows in total.

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MarmiteCoriander · 27/09/2022 23:11

I would ask for it to be written down for your own clarity if nothing else. Are they PVC, aluminium or other? What colour? Handle types? Where are the openings etc etc. This would worry me too!

We are doing up a derelict property- so new windows throughout. We bought the windows from X company, and paid a window fitter to fit them. He provided us pics of all the windows, where the handles would go, how they opened, colour etc etc. We also checked the measurements with him multiple times.

Our of interest, what does 'I don't keep well' mean? I've never heard this saying before, so assume it means you are sick/ill?

mondaytosunday · 27/09/2022 23:38

Of course you need to see images of what he is installing! For goodness sake if he is a professional he will have no problem getting everything on paper - and you'll want to be sure they are up to current building code and get a FENSA certificate. You'll need this when you sell.

Original poster

GrumpyInc · 28/09/2022 08:22

We're in Scotland so don't need a fensa certificate here. He did give a print out of the window sizes and pics of where openings will go, with measurements of each opening. That was back in June. The print out has my name and address but nothing on the 'make' of window eg Rehau, what the finishing (I selected white wooden surrounds and sills) is to be, colour of handles. Nothing in writing regarding to he fitting date either. That's been moved twice, over the phone. I sent an email saying - re (make of windows + model no) at (my address), I confirm that you will have access on the new date u gave over the phone. I also confirm that I want the white wooden surrounds/sills and chrome handles. Please can you send an email acknowledging receipt of this email.
It's like he doesn't want a paper trail, which is something I need for when I sell up.

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Original poster

GrumpyInc · 28/09/2022 08:22

Sent the email yesterday

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Original poster

GrumpyInc · 28/09/2022 08:26

Yes, I mean I have 3 (bp, thyroid, arthritis) chronic conditions and a congenital heart condition, congenital brain lesion.

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