Should windows company compensate me for frame size change?

[WindowProbs]

I recently got new uPVC sash windows. After installation I realised that the frame is now much higher on the wall and there is no space above it to put a curtain rail. I know this can be normal, we have exactly this on other windows in the house and use a curtain pole where the central part is attached to the frame and the sides are attached to the wall. However due to a built-in in wardrobe on one side we have to use a rail (otherwise we wouldn't be able to open one of the wardrobe doors fully). So now I can't easily hang the curtains myself but will have to get in a specialist and most likely will end up with a bit of a sub-optimal outcome.

My problem is that the company did not tell me that the frame size would change. If I had known I would have asked for alternatives or, if they couldn't accommodate this, I would have gone a different route like refurbishing the original windows. They have been round and told me they can't see an issue and I don't know whether I should keep trying to get them to do something or just give up. I paid thousands of pounds for the windows and now will have to pay hundreds more to end up with a bit of a botched outcome. Should they at least compensate me for the specialist curtain hanging which I now require?

I can’t picture it. Can you post a picture?

I am also having a slight problem getting my head around this.
Are you saying the curtain pole/track is fixed directly to the window frame rather than the wall?

Would fixing the track to the ceiling be an option? This seems to be popular these days, means there is no gap at the top of the curtain.

I don't think you will be able to get any compensation. Sounds like a communication error which is fairly common with building work. Was that window non upvc before?

Do you have low ceilings? Most houses don’t have window frames against the ceiling. However I don’t see it as a massive issue and I suggest you have a Roman blind attached to the ceiling. The first pleat will cover the top of the frame and no one will know how it’s attached. You can easily find a way around this. Window frames are often against the ceiling in a bay window and it doesn’t cause issues and you don’t have a pole.

No. They shouldn’t compensate you. Bizarre that you think they should.

This isn't my window but similar. Imagine this was the original window and the new frame now extends all the way to the ceiling.

I would generally agree with this but this is an expensive sash window specialist company not a general builder. They only do sash windows and completely changing the size of the frame seems like a basic thing to mention. It's not like I asked a builder tile a wall and forgot to say I want the tiles vertical instead of horizontal, it's the only thing I bought from them and we had multiple meetings to discuss the features and not once did they say the frame would end up larger. I was replacing original Victorian sashes and they made a big deal out of his their windows were in keeping.

The problem is the opposite, the room has pretty high ceilings so any curtain which is a decent fabric and lined and interlined is very heavy. If I want to install it on the ceiling I'd definitely need a specialist, it could bring down the whole thing.

My point is that yes, I can get around it but all solutions will be more expensive than simply installing a track into the wall above the window would have been and that extra expense is what I want compensated.

So can’t the rail attached to the wall above the frame now be attached to the frame

Can you provide some reasons why? We tend to have low standards for builders in this country and expect to treat them like toddlers that have to have every tiny step spelled out to them but these are so-called specialist window makers installing very expensive windows, I'm not sure why being left out of pocket because they failed to mention a major issue is ok?

Because of the wardrobe door which won't be able to open fully, it butts right up to one side of the window at right angles. The wardrobe was there before the windows were installed. The whole thing was quite complicated hence why we went with an expensive company.

If it was a like for like replacement and they did the measurements look for a replacement to what was installed so that it replicates what was there.

How was the measurements taken and how was the style selected without you realising the fundemental change to the "internal" frameout of the glass?

The measurements and the sales were done separately. There was a sales guy with an iPad of pictures and we went through all the options and selected each one (I also made a major error here but that's on me so have no issue with it). Then the surveyor comes out once you've paid a deposit and does the measurements. The sales guy never once mentioned that the frames would end up a different size, and as I'm not a specialist I didn't think to ask. We had a LOT of discussion on uPVC vs refurbishing the wood and it was clear I wanted to preserve the look.

It’s unfortunate but I’m not sure it’s the fault of the builders. I have replaced original sashes with new, and the wood effect pvc ones do have larger frames, I decided to replace all the curtains and poles with Roman blinds that sit inside the frames. Makes the rooms look less cluttered and look good.

But we're you told ahead of time this would be the case? I would have gone with refurbishment if I'd known. I had quotes from both and was really wavering, this would have decided me.

@WindowProbs You have posted a picture showing a very big gap between the window and the ceiling. In such circumstances, the builder would have to knock the wall out and install a new lintel. I assume neither were done and the frame is fitting in the space vacated by the old window. It’s simply a bigger frame. I would hang a blind from the ceiling. You really should have a ceiling ok for that. You can layer your window treatments. How wide is the window? You possibly could have lighter curtains now you have new windows.

How can they be altered if they fit the space anyway? Do you want it made smaller?

^ This. Depending on your area, changing the size of your windows might need Planning Permission/Building Regs. If they have removed the lintel you have bigger problems than hanging curtains!

The window is the same size on the outside but the frame is larger on the inside. I got (more expensive) hybrid windows with a wooden frame and uPVC window and it's clear that they are just the standard uPVC windows with a bit of painted MDF stuck on the inside which is what is taking up the space.

And I already own the curtains, it would be extra expenditure to get blinds, ceiling fittings, new curtains, etc. Why should I pay more to replace beautiful, expensive curtains which I had specially made?

It's not that hard to hang curtains from the ceiling. You may need to alter them slightly to have them go on a track rather than a pole, but it's not a major job.

Could you hang them yourself or would you have to pay someone? My husband could put a rail on the wall but wouldn't be able to do it on the ceiling. It's a Victorian suspended ceiling, you would have to locate the beams and screw into those and no doubt there are other issues I don't know about. The extra cost of doing that is what I would like the window company to recompense me for.

Silent gliss ceiling track. If curtains are heavy will need multiple support points. I'd be pissed off too.

Is the frame integral? Could they come back and make it skinnier at the top?

I think it would be a lot of work to change the frame. The company says the only thing they could do is take out the windows which doesn't help. I think I'm going to get a quote for a ceiling track and send it to them and see. I can problem-solve as well as the next person but I'm annoyed that I have to and annoyed it will cost me more money. The attitude from some posters on this thread that it's my responsibility to sort out the mess left by a specialist company is baffling.

I too would be annoyed at this. I suspect unless you made it clear to them you would need to rehang your curtains it could be difficult. Do you have any before pictures?

Getting a quote for hanging your curtains seems a good way forward. See what the window fitters say at that point.

These days the attitude seems to be that we need to think and breathe for these folks rather than them having pride in their work. Total bullshit in my opinion.

Prevalent though, I know one place windows were fitted but the frame wasn't full enough to allow window to clear external decorative brickwork. No attention to detail in a job they do daily.

But you asked the question! Which means you must have some doubts about be
ing right. Don’t blame the posters who are saying otherwise. I don’t think you are wrong to be unhappy but your suggestion is flawed.