help with problem windows

shaunv007

we bought new house 4 years ago from dunelm castle homes and we have been having problems with windows not locking securely, we first started getting problems a few months after moving in with window lock in sitting room not working , we got in touch and everything was sorted , well approx 2 years later the same window lock failed again , {window could be opened from outside aswell}
i phoned company up and reported the matter but they said with it been over 2years the building warentee had run out and it was the manufacturer who was at fault.
so i phoned window company and they said opposite saying builder is at fault.
at the time i gave up as i couldnt afford a solicitor.
but 2 years later there is 4 of the 10 windows fitted that are faulty.
one in my 11yr old sons bedroom that drafts blow through and we had to put duck tape on .
this is a property that was valued at the time at over £200 grand, but it now feels more like 200pence
is it possible for me to use the sale of goods act against these builders to get windows repaired.

nomoneytoday

How much are new window locks?

somethingcorporate

nomoneytoday wrote: »

How much are new window locks?

+1 to this.

It would be quicker and easier to get someone local and independent out to come and fix it judging from your prior experience.

Good luck.

crazyguy

shaunv007 wrote: »

we bought new house 4 years ago from dunelm castle homes and we have been having problems with windows not locking securely, we first started getting problems a few months after moving in with window lock in sitting room not working , we got in touch and everything was sorted , well approx 2 years later the same window lock failed again , {window could be opened from outside aswell}
i phoned company up and reported the matter but they said with it been over 2years the building warentee had run out and it was the manufacturer who was at fault.
so i phoned window company and they said opposite saying builder is at fault.
at the time i gave up as i couldnt afford a solicitor.
but 2 years later there is 4 of the 10 windows fitted that are faulty.
one in my 11yr old sons bedroom that drafts blow through and we had to put duck tape on .
this is a property that was valued at the time at over £200 grand, but it now feels more like 200pence
is it possible for me to use the sale of goods act against these builders to get windows repaired.

You need to check here as if the actual builder installed the windows the warranty may have been taken over by them also normal pratice on pvc windows offer a 10 year warranty you can check if the actual company is registered with the following :-

http://www.ggf.co.uk/ , I think the only cover on the 10 year warranty is actualy the frames , this is because the actual units of glass and locks can and quite often have problems within a smaller time frame than the 10 years.

You probably can only get some help from either the builder or manuactuar on a goodwill basis here, could be worth while drafting an email and or letter to ask that they resolve the issue for you.

Failing that get an independent double glazing repair company to quote you for new locks you can probably purchase them from the manufactuar at a fraction of the cost and to change these locks is quite a simple proceedure and would not take very long to do.

shaunv007

if it was a simple thing as a lock i would replace it myself, its the whole locking mechanism thats broke and only way to fix it is to replace whole window ,
the builders said it only covered windows for 2 years.

crazyguy

shaunv007 wrote: »

if it was a simple thing as a lock i would replace it myself, its the whole locking mechanism thats broke and only way to fix it is to replace whole window ,
the builders said it only covered windows for 2 years.

If they are pvc and it is the locking mechansim then the 10 year warranty is standard pratice and the onas of repair should fall to the builder , or the manufactuar, if the builder states it is the manufactuars warranty that is the factor here then go back to them and tell them unless they sort it out you will persue legal action against them !

sashman

If the window comapny that made the windows "supplied only" ie the builder installed them, then the builder gets the 10 year guarantee from the manufaturer. The same may also be true if supply and fix, as the contract is with the builder. There is no contract between you and the window company.

Builders like to dodge the issue because the NHBC only needs a 2 year warranty.

If you believe the windows are not of merchantable quality then you can still pursue the builders, its up to them if they want to sue the window company concerned or not.

Alternatively, find a local installers who will repair the frames. Unfortunately builders main motive is often profit, and buying cheapest products maximises profits.

sashman