Awkward Developers

warehouse

Mr.Generous wrote: »

Does the flat have to have 1 fire escape window fitted? This sounds like it is one to me, that will be why you are not supposed to fit any kind of restraint to it.

On the ground floor next to the front door? Sounds wrong to me but...

anselld

It sounds like a "tilt and turn". Does it have a handle which if you turn a full 180 degrees instead of 90 degrees then the top of the window tilts inwards for ventilation. With these windows the full inward opening (handle 90 degrees) is mainly used for cleaning or escape.

marksoton

anselld wrote: »

It sounds like a "tilt and turn". Does it have a handle which if you turn a full 180 degrees instead of 90 degrees then the top of the window tilts inwards for ventilation. With these windows the full inward opening (handle 90 degrees) is mainly used for cleaning or escape.

A very good point.

System

anselld wrote: »

It sounds like a "tilt and turn". Does it have a handle which if you turn a full 180 degrees instead of 90 degrees then the top of the window tilts inwards for ventilation. With these windows the full inward opening (handle 90 degrees) is mainly used for cleaning or escape.

surely the window manufacturer would have told them this?!

saajan_12

Frankly, you BOUGHT the flat. Did you buy off plan? If not, its up to you to check out everything, with the help of experts where necessary.

However incorrect you think the developer's specification is, you were happy / not bothered enough at the time of viewing/purchase. The time to investigate and hence negotiate your preference regarding the window was BEFORE the purchase.

I don't see why you now think the developers owe you anything. It's up to you to change - you many need to ask permission and ensure you follow BRs but if its at your cost I don't see the freeholder having much issue.

alestorm wrote: »

Manufacturer say solution is to change the top panel to opening window. It's 8ft in the air and wouldn't obstruct pedestrians. That would better suit YOUR lifestyle - someone who would like to leave windows open unattended in that particular room and not prop the big window with a chair.

I appreciate the feedback, but honestly can't see that wanting to have a window open and secure at the same time is unreasonable. If we were allowed to fit the restrictor I would of course just do it, problem solved but I can't get them to agree to that.
It's not unreasonable, but then again nor is my want to have the bigger window opening rather than the top panels (vents) as I can't reach them. However that's to suit me better and the developer doesn't have to change the flat to suit you. Where will it end.. what if someone wanted a different colour walls?..

Were we misold? Don't know, we were shown the windows but all the other windows are a totally different style. This window, key was 'lost' until after we moved in so didn't know there was a problem.

- You could see the size and hence reasonably guess it wouldn't be featherweight.
- You could see it was inwards opening as the frame would have been overlapping on the inside, which stops the window opening outwards.
- You couldn't see any restrictor.
- You could see how many opening windows there were in the room, and know if you would want to open this one.
I don't see the misselling. They don't have to show you, indeed how would they know you'd have an issue with this. You have to (with experts if you need) satisfy yourself before you commit yourself.