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NHBC warranty and faulty window
th1982
Posts: 23 Forumite
Hi,
Sorry if this is in the worng place - please feel free to move it if it is, but it seemed like the most logical area.
About 2 1/2 years ago now I moved into a new house built by George Wimpey (now Taylor Winmpey). When I moved in I had some issues with the window in the second bedroom - it's a fire escape style, so both windows open out from the middle with no centre bar to enable escape in a fire - the lock was extremely stiff, and after opening a few times, the top of one of the windows where it meets the window frame, wasn't meeting up when the window was locked shut - the bottom of the window would sit snug, but the top stuck out so you could get your finger into the gap between the window and the frame. I called out George Wimpey to get it rectified and had to endure various visits from guys from the window company who installed the system (Speedframe).
The most helpful guy actual outright said the window hadn't been fitted properly and the alignment hadn't been set up properly which was why it had moved. He did some remedial patch up until the right bit could be fitted, however in the meantime and after that I endure various other people from the company coming to give their verdict and tinker about trying to make the best of a botch up. I said on numeroous occasions I was not happy and wanted the window replacing but each time they refused - i even had the manager (or assistant manager) come one day to look at it and flatly said there was absolutely nothing wrong with the window and I should stop complaining as I wasn't getting a replacement (I might only look young for my age, but i don't appreciate being spoken to like a stupid little girl and promptly compained to Gearge Wimpey about the guy).
Anyway eventually some repair was done and the window seemed to be functioning properly and closing securely. However just rceently the same problem has arisen on the same window only this time at the bottom. I know it's an issue with the alignment as if you push the window from the bottom as you close it it will sit snug in the frame, however this isn't possible when closing both windows and as a result I'm again left with a gap big enough to put your fingers in at the bottom of the window.
I contacted George Wimpey's helpline to see about getting it fixed (again) and was informed that as it was now 2 years since I moved in the NHBC warranty period had ended and they wouldn't fix it depsite it only being about a year-18 months since someone had last been to sort it out. I'm really annoyed by this as I pointed out the issue with the window right from moving in, they have records of all the work that's been done, to make the best of a c**p job, and it now looks like I might now have to fork out to get someone from speedframe to come and resolve the problem yet again.
I'm not sure now how to proceed with this as I ultimately need the window fixing - not only do I feel it's a bit fo a security risk currently, but as winter swiftly approaches the room will be ever so cold due to the wicked draft that comes through the gap (currently plugged up with some material scraps) - but I don't see why i should have to fork out my money to fix it when it's an ongoing problem with the same window. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I'm not sure where I stand in terms of warranties etc.
Sorry if this is in the worng place - please feel free to move it if it is, but it seemed like the most logical area.
About 2 1/2 years ago now I moved into a new house built by George Wimpey (now Taylor Winmpey). When I moved in I had some issues with the window in the second bedroom - it's a fire escape style, so both windows open out from the middle with no centre bar to enable escape in a fire - the lock was extremely stiff, and after opening a few times, the top of one of the windows where it meets the window frame, wasn't meeting up when the window was locked shut - the bottom of the window would sit snug, but the top stuck out so you could get your finger into the gap between the window and the frame. I called out George Wimpey to get it rectified and had to endure various visits from guys from the window company who installed the system (Speedframe).
The most helpful guy actual outright said the window hadn't been fitted properly and the alignment hadn't been set up properly which was why it had moved. He did some remedial patch up until the right bit could be fitted, however in the meantime and after that I endure various other people from the company coming to give their verdict and tinker about trying to make the best of a botch up. I said on numeroous occasions I was not happy and wanted the window replacing but each time they refused - i even had the manager (or assistant manager) come one day to look at it and flatly said there was absolutely nothing wrong with the window and I should stop complaining as I wasn't getting a replacement (I might only look young for my age, but i don't appreciate being spoken to like a stupid little girl and promptly compained to Gearge Wimpey about the guy).
Anyway eventually some repair was done and the window seemed to be functioning properly and closing securely. However just rceently the same problem has arisen on the same window only this time at the bottom. I know it's an issue with the alignment as if you push the window from the bottom as you close it it will sit snug in the frame, however this isn't possible when closing both windows and as a result I'm again left with a gap big enough to put your fingers in at the bottom of the window.
I contacted George Wimpey's helpline to see about getting it fixed (again) and was informed that as it was now 2 years since I moved in the NHBC warranty period had ended and they wouldn't fix it depsite it only being about a year-18 months since someone had last been to sort it out. I'm really annoyed by this as I pointed out the issue with the window right from moving in, they have records of all the work that's been done, to make the best of a c**p job, and it now looks like I might now have to fork out to get someone from speedframe to come and resolve the problem yet again.
I'm not sure now how to proceed with this as I ultimately need the window fixing - not only do I feel it's a bit fo a security risk currently, but as winter swiftly approaches the room will be ever so cold due to the wicked draft that comes through the gap (currently plugged up with some material scraps) - but I don't see why i should have to fork out my money to fix it when it's an ongoing problem with the same window. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I'm not sure where I stand in terms of warranties etc.
0
Comments
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no advice for you but I have a wimpey house and have the same problem with the window in the 2nd bedroom. When I phoned about the NHBC guarantee I was told it was only valid for structural problems after the 2nd year and this was 3 years into it when I moved in. A lot of my neighbours have the same issue - crap houses!If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you always got!0
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unfortunately i had a feeling i wouldn't be alone - so much for a 10 year gaurantee, when it only lasts 2 years for all the major stuff. it's not even like it's a regularly used window.
makes me so mad considering how much the house cost me.0 -
Write to them. And then write to the local paper with their response.
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Just before my dad retired from being a chippy, his last job was a 'snagger', with Wimpey Homes. Suffice to say, he could still be working now, 20 years later due to the so-called 'quality' of new-builds. No comfort to the OP (hope they sort it out for you for free and soon), but a warning to anyone considering a purchase from Taylor/Wimpey et al.0
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