Double glazing - where to find independent quality assessor

Padz_2

Hi folks,

Just a quick question about double glazing. If you have reasonable grounds to suspect that a window installation may have been bodged. Could anyone please advise on how to get an independent assessment of the work done?

Are the local council likely to be able to offer any help? (I don't mean providing the service for free necessarily)

Or is it simply a matter of looking through yellow pages and finding one?

I haven't spoken/written to the trader about it yet but of course I will be doing that. If he holds his hands up and offers to put it right then that's great. But if he says the work is fine I'd like to know where to get a second opinion.

Would be grateful for any help.

Thanks,

Padz

ormus

you need a building surveyor.
and expect to pay 300-500 quid.

cheaper to buy a new window.

phill99

Try the GGF (Glass and Glazing Federation). They are the trade body for the glazing and window industry.

http://www.ggf.org.uk/

or try FENSA, as they are the regulatory body for window installation.

http://www.fensa.co.uk/Default.aspx

However, your installer needs to be a member of one of these bodies.

They may however, be able to report on the quality of the installation, for a fee.

Padz_2

Thanks ormus and phill99.

I suppose if it gets to the stage of having an assessment done then I could reasonably claim it as an expense if I had to take him to the small claims court.

Blackdog

You could contact your local Trading Standards (part of the county council) or try this website for advice; http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Consumerrights/index.htm

Padz_2

Hi Blackdog. I had a look at that website earlier on and will be following what it suggests.

Trading Standards is a great idea so I'll check that out tomorrow.

kelly1234

How did you pay for window? If you paid part or fully you have re-dress with credit card company.
I also agree that consumer direct are brilliant- they will give the wording for letters and what to do at what stage. I had an awful time with a double glazing firm and very badly fitted units - luckily I had paid by CC as i knew it would give a little protection and I had the advice of consumer direct. The company I used are FENSA registered and I had a battle to get FENSA to look at the work they had done (they only do an allocated amounts of checks), took a long time but work got failed by inspector and I got a refund through credit card company, phew!

Padz_2

Thanks for sharing your experience Kelly. We haven't paid yet - he will call with his invoice sometime next week. I don't know if paying by credit card is an option. He is a local small business. I believe in supporting local busnesses. (or at least I did until now)

My hairdressers doesn't even take chip and pin - cash or cheque only which is really inconvenient sometimes.

thistledome

Padz, sorry this is OT but did you ever get a Fray Bentos tin opener for your Mum? Someone has posted on the thread and I read it before I noticed it was old.