Thick window panes

[Largestlegocollectionever]

Do these window panes look really thick to you?
I’m paying best part of £8k to have them widened and lowered to make the most of the view - originally it was meant to be bi-folds but the builders said they couldn’t do that so suggested French windows - I asked several times to see the windows but they’ve been a nightmare and never sent visuals.
Installed yesterday and I feel like the view is worse! The panes seem really thick?
Any thoughts would be appreciated!
4th pic is original windows - it was 2 rooms, we’ve knocked into one.

I totally get what you are saying. Only a fecking builder could charge you 8k for something that you never seen. How frustrating. I would be mad OP.

Modern windows are thick. It's all the technology they have in them these days.

What sort of technology?! Genuine question!

Thank you! I also paid the deposit mid Dec for Feb installation….. 🤬

Have a look at this, for example.

Not necessarily - cheap windows have thick frames. Sight lines for aluminium windows are very thin. They don't cost 8k though.

The problem isn’t the panes being thick it’s the frame, but surely this is what was specified and what you agreed to go with?
It’s not a particularly large span, I’ve no idea why you would go for so many indivisible openings if the goal was to increase the views!

OP, those don't look good. Do you mean the panes or frames that look thick? We have triple glazing and our panes don't look thick either.

The frames might be necessitated by the need for support? Otherwise you’d need a steel beam? Wondering if that’s why couldn’t have bi-folds.

I think she’s talking about the frames, not the windows themselves.

No, a window opening should have a lintel. A uPVC window frame isn’t load bearing.
There is no requirement for the frame to be this chunky, it’s just a cheap specification.

Presumably your concern is the width of the frames rather than the thickness of the (glass) panes.

They look like they are UPVC which usually has wider frames than wood or aluminium.

Did the builder order and fit them without your approval?

@Sofiewoo thx- that makes me happy as means i can probably change one of my windows - dh and i were mulling if it might be like it is due to support but clearly not!

Depends if there is a lintel there already. A lot of old houses do rely on the window to support the (external) brickwork. Identifying if there is a lintel there is straightforward.

Looks like this is a bedroom? Spectacular view. How do the windows look in relation to the overall look of the building? If you're not using the correct terminology or describing clearly what you want then that could cause problems.

They just look like cheap upvc windows (mine look the same). If I had that view, and had the budget, I'd have gone for aluminium frames as they're much thinner. Doing the whole house would prob cost as much as a mortgage these days, though.

Apologies I meant frames not panes!

And yes fitted without me seeing them, I asked multiple times and had signed off and agreed the bi folds I wanted

A single pane in the middle that opens from the bottom would have been ok though.
Or fixed in the middle and openers for the side panes.
I wouldn’t be happy with that window to be honest.

This! Why so many thick black frames! For a view you want as much glass as possible

I find the cheaper the window, the thicker the frame. I always ask for a drawing of windows and doors that show the exact frame dimensions.

It looks a bit like your builder had his window guy make up whatever was easy for him.

The frames aren't black - it's just the contrast of the bright light outside closer to the window making the interior very dark.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.
I’ve two other companies coming in the next few days to give their opinions and have drafted a letter of complaint.
They never showed up today, which I suppose works in my favour as another unreliable action!
Lesson learnt - next time I’ll make sure I get exact specs / drawings / images etc.
The owner of the building firm came out, and talked a good talk - but sadly hasn’t followed through.
Your advice has been really helpful. Thanks again :)