Double Glazing Problems

Upwind

Hi All

I wondered if I could pick the brains of any litigation experts out there with regard to a current double glazing problem. A year ago I employed a company to replace 7 windows and 2 doors in my property, having previously seen their work a colleague’s house.

Unfortunately I have had quite protracted problems with the company and I have finally reached the end of my tether after attempting to get the company owner to rectify some faults on the work undertaken, which are covered on the 10 year guarantee issued on completion.

I have managed to coax and cajole the owner into putting right many of the minor faults, although this has taken much time and effort on my part. However, a couple of months back I had a problem with a rear bedroom window that was fitted - namely that one of the retaining screws fell out and this left the window unsafe. The company owner eventually attended and the problem was 'sorted' by the insertion of an extended screw. Unfortunately this window continues to be a problem and a clear gap in the seal has developed (possibly due to the previous problem) which means that the window lets in significant cold air and that traffic noise is very audible from the room.

I have contacted the company owner by letter and informed him of this problem; however, he has failed to respond and I am now looking at the possibility of escalating the matter to the courts. I feel he is contravening his own guarantee which clearly states that his company guarantee to repair or replace defective materials notified to them.

The company owner has also misled me by informing me that his company were members of the Glass and Glazing Federation and also The Guild of Master Craftsmen – a fact that was conducive to me accepting their quotes. Having since contacted both of these organisations to seek their assistance with my problem, I have been informed that the company are not registered as members with them! Since finding out this I have also contacted my County Trading Standards Dept about this, however, they feel that because this is a minor issue and the company have not got a 'list' of complaints against them they would not feel consider pursuing the matter.

I am therefore left with the legal route and wondered if anyone had any advice for me before I start procedures. Should I forewarn the company of my intensions? Should I get another contractor in to quote me for putting the work right? Should I ask the town trading standards officer to visit? How do I start the procedures? etc etc. Any advice gladly welcomed.

moneysavingideas

Dear Mick,

I am by no means a legal expert but I would make sure that you get some sort of acknowledge (my by email or letter) that the original company has received you list of problems, and then after you give them some time to respond to it that then fail to do so then I would start legal proceedings against them. At this point I wouldn't let them know about it (unless you want to try and warn them that you are going to do that in order that they get their butt into gear and fix the problem).

I hope that this helps a little bit.
Kind Regards
Darren