Broken window mechanism - who should pay?

zeetha

Hi everyone!

Wasn't sure what forum to put this in, but am after a bit of advice.

We bought our flat from new 5 years ago (so still 5 years left on NHBC) from Barratt Homes and just recently the mechanism has broken on one of our double glazed windows - it won't lock properly and almost falls off if we do open it (the window can be opened two ways so think the hinge is messed up).

Its not a window that we've opened much and even so I would've expected it to last longer than 5 years. Does anyone have any advice on whether this is something that we should take up with:

• the window company?
• Barratt Homes (fat chance I know)?
• our management company Peverel as we're Leasehold?
• NHBC guarantee (as not sure what it covers)?

or do you think that after 5 years this is something that we need to just find someone to fix it ourselves and just pay for it?


Thanks!!


Z

warmhands.coldheart

Window Company I'd say provided they are still in business!!

zeetha

Thanks warmhands.coldheart! Yep they are as far as we know though they didn't reply when we contacted them through their website.

macman

No, you have no contract with the window installer, your redress is with the vendor via the NHBC.

pka_2

Management Company, who will go to Barratt Homes, who will go to the builder.
If the builder has a good aftercare program then they should come and fix it, however after five years the most likely response will be that it is damage from misuse and not a defect. You might just find it easier to repair yourself

phill99

Windows are outside the scope off the NHBC warranty.

Thev windows will be under a seperate warranty, often 10 years. However, that 10 years DOES NOT cover hinges, locks and mechanisms. They are normally only cover these for 12 months.

Therefore, it's now down to you, unless there is an agreement in place with the freeholder that covers window maintenance as part of the building fabric.

missile

How much is the window hinge to replace? I would suggest it is not worth the hassle of trying to claim.

keystone

Sort it yourself. Too difficult trying to get anyone to take responsibility even if anyone does after 5 years unless, as Phil suggests, its down to the freeholder.

Cheers

zeetha

Thanks for the advice everyone. Don't suppose anyone can recommend a Window company in Brighton & Hove so we can at least get an idea how much its going to cost to fix?

Z

martyn05

I just replaced some window hinges on a upvc window yesterday, the hinges cost me £6 for the pair. If replacing hinges, you need to know the length and stack height.