Double Glazing - regulations

Annie1960

WestonDave wrote: »

The problem really is that the joiner has tried to cover his own mistake by swapping the unmatched fire escape window with a window in the bedroom which would have balanced the others on that same frontage. This meant the OP was left with a mismatched look. Instead on realising he needed a fire escape window he should have re-ordered the bedroom windows so that they matched - either with both being fire escape windows or both looking the same whether having the extra opening or not.

Exactly. I agree with this. His mistake, his responsibility to fix it.

Annie1960

Rachylou1981 wrote: »

The good thing is we haven't paid yet and so unless I get an approval certificate then I guess I have that as my bargaining tool - even though this is going to be horrible

The power is in your hands as you have not yet paid. The supply of goods and services act 1982 requires the joiner to use reasonable skill and care. It is not your responsibility to know where the fire escape should be.

Annie1960

Rachylou1981 wrote: »

This website is what is confusing me. The means of escape part seems to say it is not a requirement but more an advisary. The windows now are better than they were previously.

http://www.tameside.gov.uk/buildingcontrol/replacingwindows

But the fact that, once he realised this, he tried to swap the windows over means he understands it is important. Whether it is a requirement or advisory I don't think is important. His actions show that he tried to swap them.

If I were in your shoes I would ask him to put the original landing window where it is supposed to go (on the landing) and to make a new bedroom window that meets the standards for a fire escape. He needs to use reasonable skill and care, and if he is offering his services to the public in exchange for money it is his responsibility to get it right.

Rachylou1981

Just spoke to the council and she said that I don't have to have a fire escape route and that as long as the windows I have bought are not worse than the ones I have replaced then I am fine.

This is what the link I posted above seemed to be saying. Feel a little bit more relieved now.

I will certainly be more informed and organised when dealing with tradesmen in future

Annie1960

Rachylou1981 wrote: »

Just spoke to the council and she said that I don't have to have a fire escape route and that as long as the windows I have bought are not worse than the ones I have replaced then I am fine.

This is what the link I posted above seemed to be saying. Feel a little bit more relieved now.

I will certainly be more informed and organised when dealing with tradesmen in future

Glad you've sorted it out.