need new windows but don't want to lose deposit

star1412

Hi

We have a quote for new timber framed windows which will cost us in the region of £35k. The company has agreed to lower their normal deposit terms from their usual 30% on placement of order, then another 35% when windows are delivered, the balance being due on completion of installation.

The problem we have is this: only about £6k of deposit is guaranteed by GFF (their underwriters) but only if the company we deal with ceases to trade. If someone else in the chain (ie. the people who make the windows abroad) cease trading, we are not covered at all, even if we pay everything by credit card. Although if the 3rd party was to cease trading, the company we paid the money to would legally need to give us our money back, if they haven't got it, we're stuck. And anyway, the amount we could claim back under the GFF deposit protection scheme is way too low given that we will have to part with nearly £20k before the windows are fitted. Also, they say that even though we pay this large sum of money, the windows do not become ours until after installation. So for example if the company we are dealing with did go bust, we would lose nearly £20k and not even have the windows to show for it as they would be assets belonging to the company.

Any ideas? I have offered to put all the money in Escrow and make staged payments on delivery of the windows and on comletion of the work, but they have declined. Although we really want the windows, and I'm sure the company could do with our business, we really do not want to put £20k at such risk.

Thank you,

Star

mikey72

I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole.
For that amount of money consider using a solicitor, and draw up a contract to cover both of you, where the solicitor can keep the money, make stage payments, and transfer ownership to you on payment.

allan673

i wouldnt entertain them. 35k - how many windows have you got? seems a lot of money.

star1412

Thank you for your replies. We have a large converted barn - altogether there are 25 items - a mixture of windows, 3 stable doors, a large front door and some French doors. I think the price is ok, but to give someone 23k of which only 6k is protected is too risky especially in this economic climate. Unfortunately I can't find any companies who do timber framed windows who have any better terms. I did suggest the idea of giving a solicitor our money - to be paid as milestones but the company were not interested. They said they needed our money upfront to pay for the windows even though they would not then be legally ours, and if they or someone else in the supply chain ceased trading we would not be able to get any of the rest back.

We'll have to put this project on hold I think which is a shame as it would be nice to give a local company some business.

Many thanks again

Star

Kaz2904

How about doing it one window at a time? I know it would be a faff but it would protect your money surely?

star1412

Kaz2904 wrote: »

How about doing it one window at a time? I know it would be a faff but it would protect your money surely?

Well yes, I suppose that is a possibility, The lead time though is about 16 weeks for installation which is the same whether we have 1 or 20 windows. So it would take 2 years to complete if we did £6k at a time. We rent it out as a holiday let so don't really want it out of action for so long. Thank you for the suggestion though.

Star

mikey72

How about buying the windows in 6k chunks, have them delivered, then a seperate contract for the fixing when they are all on site, and include any work required on the supplied windows.
At least you will have them on site, and if you negotiate the remedial work, if they are wrong when you come to get them fitted, maybe months later, at least they should fix it.
Having said that, if they were interested they could always get a bond from the bank, so maybe they're not really bothered.

edgex

The company dont 'do' timber framed double-glazing though, they are just buying it in from someone else, putting a mark-up on it, & then charging for installation.


Contact your local council, & find out if they have someone that deals with listed buildings etc, if they do, they might know of other firms that do timber framed windows.

Also, have a look at http://www.ggf.co.uk/
Glass and Glazing Federation