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Original poster

Contractor refuses to re-order a window of the correct size

22 replies

M1rg0 · 20/03/2023 21:09

Hello!

I need some advice please. We moved house and hired a company to make and install some new windows in our new place. We checked the reviews beforehand etc. Had a surveyor from the company who measured the windows before we ordered them. Waited for a few months for windows to arrive.

Today they have started the installation. However one windows they installed is smaller than needed. There is a big gap (around 1.2-1.5 inches) on the top between the edge of the window head and the reveal (basically the bricks) from one side to another (i.e. the window height seems off). They've tried to convince us that this is fine and suggested to put some foam into the gap instead of ordering a window of the correct size.

What can we do in this situation? Which authorities can we potentially involve if the contractor refuses to do their work properly?

OP posts:
dazzlingdeborahrose · 20/03/2023 21:17

Just say no and tell them to order the correct size window.

PragmaticWench · 20/03/2023 21:55

Just refuse to accept the window, do not allow them to install it.

Original poster
M1rg0 · 20/03/2023 23:11

They managed to install it but didn't foamed around it. We came to check the work in an hour after they started. And there it was.

OP posts:
Original poster
M1rg0 · 20/03/2023 23:13

They said they didn't see the difference until it was set there.

OP posts:
HamishHero · 20/03/2023 23:14

FENSA perhaps? Hopefully you didn't engage a window fitter who wasn't FENSA registered.

TomeTome · 20/03/2023 23:17

Just say you want what you ordered, they can get another delivered and replace it when it arrives. Pay on completion not now.

PriamFarrl · 20/03/2023 23:18

Usually you pay once you are happy with the job. You aren’t so they can get it sorted.

DemonSpawn · 20/03/2023 23:20

Do not pay until they fix it. Simple.

Original poster
M1rg0 · 20/03/2023 23:23

Thanks, was so upset, haven't thought about them. Yes, they are FENSA registered. I checked when we were choosing the contractor.

OP posts:
Clymene · 20/03/2023 23:24

Did you sign off on dimensions of new windows? I had to. I checked the measurements against existing windows.

Nailsandthesea · 20/03/2023 23:25

Tell them to return and fit a window of the correct size. Do this in writing.

tell then they have 7 days to respond or you go to the small claims court.

Original poster
M1rg0 · 21/03/2023 00:03

The measurements were in the contract. However their surveyor took them. To be honest I stupidly thought they were responsible for taking the correct measurements. Didn't check after them. We live in a rather old house, and some windows are a bit unusual. Not even sure how and what to measure.

OP posts:
PriamFarrl · 21/03/2023 07:21

I’ve never been asked to check dimensions.

Wonnle · 21/03/2023 08:04

M1rg0 · 21/03/2023 00:03

The measurements were in the contract. However their surveyor took them. To be honest I stupidly thought they were responsible for taking the correct measurements. Didn't check after them. We live in a rather old house, and some windows are a bit unusual. Not even sure how and what to measure.

The wrong measurement is down to them not you , they have been employed to do that as part of the window replacement .
Tell them to get another window made and fitted the correct size

DESGUSTING · 21/03/2023 08:07

M1rg0 · 21/03/2023 00:03

The measurements were in the contract. However their surveyor took them. To be honest I stupidly thought they were responsible for taking the correct measurements. Didn't check after them. We live in a rather old house, and some windows are a bit unusual. Not even sure how and what to measure.

You didn't need to check them, it is their responsibility.
He's been hired to do that job.

You need to tell them to re measure correctly and get a new window sorted.

Clymene · 21/03/2023 08:11

Well then in that case it's their fault. Don't accept it.

Advancedpie · 21/03/2023 08:11

I had something similar with a set of bifolds. It's no big deal as they closed the outside and put an edging strip across the top inside. You'd never know now it's finished.

TheNoonBell · 21/03/2023 08:16

The surveyors do make mistakes quite often. They completely missed out one window on our place and we got it for free after complaining.

Original poster
M1rg0 · 21/03/2023 09:02

Thank you all for the advice! They were rather unaccommodating about the issue. I will try to press them.
My concern is that the gap filled with foam and covered with the extension will last less longer and will be less energy efficient.
On top of that we live in the conservation area. So the windows project went through the council approval process. It should have the same quality and look we agreed upon. Not only expensive but also so much hassle to implement. Really upsetting.

OP posts:
TomeTome · 21/03/2023 14:40

I live in a very old house too (basically stone with mortar in between) and there were gaps when the windows were put in. In ours every window is “uniquely” proportioned. The process is fairly exhausting so be sure they aren’t correctly sized before you get upset.

FrogFairy · 21/03/2023 23:18

When I had my windows replaced, instead of all the windows being just the right size they all seemed to be smaller and the gaps around the edges were covered by a upvc trim. I am convinced that this has lead to more droughts and noise.
Stick to your guns and it made right.

FrogFairy · 21/03/2023 23:18

Draughts not droughts. Plenty of water in Wales lol.

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