help with rubbishly fitted windows!! Help please what can i do?

sunshine_shell

Hi
Last week we had windows fitted by who we thought were a decent company, i gave up my half term to stay at home so we could have them done. It has cost is 8k for 21 windows (10 windows in 2 bays) and a composite door and we've borrowed the money from other halfs business.

On thursday night my other half came home and rang me while i was out saying that the windows didn't look right and he was getting his dad round (ex builder) By the time i had got home they had found something wrong with almost every window and they aren't being picky some of the windows are well out and not level at all

So the other half rang the company on Friday asking for someone to come out so it could be sorted, they messed him around all day with times and finally said they couldn't come until monday which means i'm going to have to deal with them.

Thankfully we haven't paid them a penny and won't until its all sorted but i'm worried that he will just try and brush me off because i'm a 'girl' (a girl who teaches in a rough secondary school)

I would like some advice on what i can say to defend our windows. My other half is REALLY upset (he has slight OCD) because he hates making choices and getting it wrong and this is a really expensive mistake in his eyes.

Any advice would be helpful!

Thanks
Michelle

Kiran

Hi

Write a snag list between the two of you. Tell them that you require all snags to be completed before any payment is made. If they try and fob you off/give you a reason something can't be done, which in all honesty shouldn't be the case as they will have surveyed the property prior to manufacture, ask them to put there reason in writing to you within 7 days and tell them you will be getting an indepenent assesment. If another company will rectify tell your original company you will be deducting the remedial work fees from their original sum. Make sure you take plenty of photos and don't be affraid to speak your mind. They agreed to do a job to a satisfactory standard and if they fail to complete their side of the contract have no fear of holding money back/ deducting money from their final account. Also when they come round to see you, be all business, get straight to the point and let them know your stand point (holding final payment) right from the start.

HTH

27col

Just what I was going to suggest Kiran. A snag list is a good place to start. If you haven't yet paid it puts you in a very strong position. Don't take any "bulls**t" from them

Chippy_Minton_2

Did your OH's dad say there were any problems with the windows or are they all just badly fitted?

If badly fitted I'd insist on another team to refit them. If the company only have one fitting team don't pay them and dig in for a bumpy ride.

allan673

dont pay a penny untill you are completely satisfied, and all rectification work has been completed.

sunshine_shell

Well i was ready for a fight and this lovely man walked in and agreed with everything we said and he couldn't be more sorry. Said he wanted to be in fixing it next week.

i was left a little speechless!

27col

Good for you. Glad it's turned out OK

angelavdavis

I had a similar experience to you. My installation problem was caused because they had cut the window sill wrong on both the bay windows, then attempted to place lumps of upvc sill over the top - but of course you could see the issue by looking up at the upstairs bay - it looked awful.

At the time, i was furious as I had paid extra to have all the original leaded lights put into the double glazing so it wasn't a cheap job by any means.

Anyway, I complained and had a chap around who also agreed and all got sorted after a few days.

Glad you had the same experience as me.

It pays to use a local company with a good reputation - they won't mess you about as they value their custom too much.