House survey, what come back do I have?

Can't really comment on the original question but here is the story of my windows...

Moved into an 1880 Victorian terrace with 2001 fitted uPVC double glazing last year and found I had this problem. Basically the windows were all fitted with hinges that were too short (30cm instead of 50cm) and so the hinges had all worn out. This caused them not to "pull in" correctly at the "hinge side" (for us, the top).

If this is what is happening to you, you may find that the windows will in fact close properly if you push them closed from outside. Short term I know - and probably still involves ladders. And when you open them again you are back where you started...

You can get the hinges from e.g. Screwfix for £5-6 a pair and change them yourself. But for a whole house using a man with a ladder for £300 doesn't sound far wide of the mark.

But do not underestimate how heavy these things are - it's a two man job for all but the smallest ones.

you'd pay that speaking to any lawyer to get initial advice and all for £300? <aybe £3000 perhaps.

How the suirveyor would know all the windows would have this problem I don't know, so not an easy fight.

Move on.

When we moved into our house in Feb 2010, we became LPG users for the first time. In all innocence I signed up to the 2-year contract Calor offered. 2 years and a new, £6,000 central heating system later, we are mercifully out of contract. I have been shocked by how expensive LPG is, and particularly how Calor seem to have carte blanche to raise fuel prices, while contractually tying you into onerous penalty fees that make it financially non-viable to break your contract early. At one point I contacted Countrywide following a visit to this forum, and was told that yes, they could offer a price about 15p cheaper than Calor, but I would have to wait until I was out of contract.

When that day came (Feb 2012), I contacted Countrywide to complete the switch. However, we now received more bad news - apparently our tanks contravene buildings regs [Approved Document J [5:13]], and so no other supplier will take us on until the issues with the tanks are rectified. When I contacted Calor, they offered to sort out the tanks for £100, but I would have to sign up to a further 2 year contract. This is exactly what I was trying to avoid.

Does anyone have any advice on what to do next? I've written to Calor pointing out that the tank maintenance was their responsibility, and that therefore I should not be required to sign a new contract or pay anything to get the maintenance done - but so far have had no reply. I also took it up with the surveyor (we got a full building survey - no mention made of tanks contravening building regs) - so far they are giving me the brush-off, but I will keep pushing here also. I am continuing to pursue Calor for a response, but it feels like I need an Ombudsman or other regulatory body behind me before they will take any notice. Can I sue them for non-maintenance of the tanks??

Any and all help much appreciated.

- Fleur _pale_