Shoddy windows

diamond_dave

Update on my previous post: I ordered new upvc windows(including a large bay) and composite door to be fitted.All the windows are not vertical, gaps everywhere, loads of draughts and masses of silicone.Door difficult to open as hits jamb.Loads of pictures showing the poor workmanship. Listed all the faults and he came 2 days ago to redo the job under protest. i made it clear that I would not pay until the job was completed properly. Last night he called and threatened my daughter, saying thet the job was done and he wanted paying otherwise he would replace the lock thus denying me entry. As this is a rental property I need to get new tenants asap. I intend going to inspect the house this morning but what are my rights IF he has replaced the lock? I have informed him that I will get a locksmith to replace it at his expense. Any advice would be appreciated.

Valli

This would be better off on the Consumer rights cboard.

is this a business-to-business transaction then?

ie are you a landlord intending to let this property?

Is the window fitter a member of any trade association?

Have you WRITTEN to him detailing the problems you have found with the installation and outlining what you expect him to do to put this right? I STRONGLY suggest you start (if you haven't already) creating a paper trail and logging all contact with this fitter, what was said, by whom to whom and when in case this goes to court.

Valli

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4454587

OP's previous thread

OP - stay on the one thread please. (That's you Dave!) so that all the information is in one place. Use the 'Post Reply' button.

thebaldwindowfitter

By what im reading between the lines here you have bought on price and this guy is a man with a van type installer we are up against these cowboys all the time .Is he fensa/certass registered you could ask them to get involved if not speak with trading standards offer him some of the money then you dont look like your just a non payer the materials are his till payment is made .Some of this depends just how bad the job is from what your saying it sounds rough

diamond_dave

Thanks for that. Still haven't got the hang of threads/posts!!
Property was let & the tenants moved out in mid Feb so they were there when the windows went in. In fact it was them that called me about the state of the windows -the lady of the house was shocked at such a poor job. It was evident that the sash windows were miles out of vertical & numerous other problems so I wrote and emailed a letter refusing the windows and gave the fitter the oportunity to correct things. Fortunately, I have documented everything taken pictures and created a time line of events. I was a little sceptical from the start and sent him a complete specification of the door, windows, plastering, etc,etc, as his "quote" was alittle vague.If the guy has changed the locks wher do I stand? Locksmith and/or court action. Surely he cannot legally deny me access to my property? Advise please

diamond_dave

I had several quotes from companies but I really wanted a Eurocell profile sash window and the nearest manufacturer was in Newton Abbott reasonably close to me.I spoke to the MD of the company & was really impressed with his response about the windows, good quality spring balances, child proof catches( let property) so I asked for a recommended fitter close to me. He gave me this guy's name & I made sure that he was a registered Fensa member, checked out some references to the quality of his work. He was not the cheapest quote. But what really gets me angry is when I challenged him about the frames being(miles) out of vertical, his reply was either they were "within tolerences" or-wait for it- that the frame must have moved! I wish you could see the mess he has left.

diamond_dave

Update: Just visited the property and the fitter has indeed changed the locks thus denying me entry. The windows actually look much better from the outside but cannot tell about the inside.
Where do I stand now - I have emailed him and given him 24 hrs to replace the locks. Suggested he does this asap and then we can meet on site to finish inspection. What actions should I take now?
Please advise.

Valli

Get legal advice; seriously.

leveller2911

thebaldwindowfitter wrote: »

By what im reading between the lines here you have bought on price and this guy is a man with a van type installer we are up against these cowboys all the time .


Just to balance the post ,there are some shocking large/medium sized companies out there and some excellant sole traders.Don't think that just because a guy is a sole trader he will be a cowboy.

Many sole traders rely on a good reputation as they don't have a marketing arm or a expensive website.

Good luck Dave, hop you get it sorted. As already mentioned get some legal advice.

diamond_dave

What is really annoying is that the windows look 100% better from the outside so why did he not do it right in the first place? His attitude has now cast a bad light on all those decent tradesman out there. Pity as I'm sure that that there some great fitters around.

diamond_dave

Another update! Just spoke to the fitter and he was backtracking faster than a gerbil on a skateboard.Apologies all round. He has now replaced the lock & I will be inspecting tomorrow. Looks like a good resul. Many thanks for all your replies.