Threatened by window company in new home

richardc1983

Moved into my new home last month. Having a few problems with most of the windows having to be slammed shut and a couple of panes of glass misting up. Had a few quotes to put them right all for about £120/130 mark (new handles, hinges and adjustments here and there). REasonable enough.

The last company to come out and quote were named on the guarantees for some windows fitted at the property in 2005/2006. These guarantee documents were given to me by the vendors/solicitors and were in the name of the previous vendors for 10 years so I am still within this period. Not sure which windows were done though but several had new double glazing units fitted and some windows were new. So thought worth seeing if they could put right. NO way was I interested in having new windows fitted.

SO the guy from this company said he would come do a quote, he left me VM's during the day when I work nights so I would ring him back at 8-8.30pm when I awake before I go to work. He sent one of his workers who said would be easier to replace one of the windows that has problems with the hinges (no other company suggested this route) I said well give me price with or without the window as I am not able to afford new windows but would see what the price is out of interest.

Anyway got the quote from him - wanted nearlly £900 to replace one UPVC window and several hinges/handles and adjustments! I said no I dont want new window just fix whats here.. he said that would be about £120 - I said put it in an email and I will be in touch.

So 4 days later no email - I ring him this morning he said he didnt want to under take the work unless I was having the new window I said fine. Afterwards I was annoyed at how he had kept me hanging on... so I sent this text to him: "Wish you had said the other day rather than just leaving me hanging. There is nothing wrong with my windows apart from them steaming up a bit on one of the panels. Your the only company who said it would be better to replace rather than repair. Certainly don't need to be spending that much on new windows when I have just bought a new house. Rather disappointing to be honest given the time it would take you to rectify... I said before you even came to quote what the issues were I never wanted new units fitting."

So I got this reply from him "Fu*k you"

So I replied " What a disgraceful way to speak to a customers, I will speak to my solicitor re the warranty as I am sure I am legally covered as long as I have the documents"

He then rang me and basically told me the warranty is invalid as it is not in my name and they have sold the house... he said if I want to make something of it he will come round and smash my face in. Delightful man threatening and trying to frighten me.

I have reported this to the police word for word but not sure if I have done the right thing, but at same time dont want him coming round doing damage to the car or the house so maybe police do need to have a word.

My friend has also said I should speak to trading standards also.. but what can I say. Please advise, my partner has now been shaken up by what has happened this morning as heard the conversation as it was on loudspeaker.

Thank you
Richard.

Jalepeno

Yes, report it to Trading Standards (via Citizens Advice Consumer Service 08454 04 05 06).
Could be classed as aggressive practices under the Consumer Protection Regulations, the salesman/company might be doing the same to less robust/savvy customers.

fannyanna

Wow. What a tool.

alleycat`

If it is backed by Fensa then it might be worth speaking to them about the guarantee.

The wording on their website is somewhat vague with regards to if the guarantee is with regards to the property the work was done on or if the guarantee pertains to the person(s) who paid to have them fitted and are named on the certificate.

I suspect they'd be interested to know their "members" are phoning up and threatening to smash peoples faces in for querying if policy transfers or not.

Edit: the other problem you have is would you want this eejit in your house to do the work?

Leif

He has committed a criminal act, and if I were you I would push for prosecution. The fact that your other half heard the threat - which is the offence - means there is a witness. There are several laws under which he could be done. I think the malicious communications act is one. A friend has a criminal record after being taken to court for leaving an answerphone message along the lines of "If you harm my sister again I'll smash your face in". His sister was being beaten up, and he wanted it to stop. He's only small too! The fact that he was prosecuted is outrageous IMO, but in your case, this thug should he prosecuted IMO. It sounds frightening. The police will probably try to avoid action, but make it clear there was a witness.

DVardysShadow

Crossposted https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4067837

If you must cross post, at least say that you have.

richardc1983

Sorry for cross posting. Fensa are useless I rang them they are not iterated only in that he followed building regs etc & when I read up about it not worth the paper they are written on.

Yorkie1

You need to look at the guarantee documents. They will say a) whether the policy is transferable, b) what is covered and what is excluded, and c) the process for claiming.

My windows are guaranteed under an insurance policy so not through the actual original company.

And I agree about T Stds and the Police (it's s.127 Communications Act 2003 - the sending of improper messages; s127(1)(a) relates to a message etc that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character).

richardc1983

Think I am just going to keep a record of it with the police if anything happens its obviously him. But maybe I will speak to trading standards re his conduct.