definition of "replacement window"?

psyUK

We are having an extension/remodel done on our house. As part of the remodel, we are switching around some existing windows (i.e., because we are moving the location of our kitchen, we are likewise moving our existing kitchen window to the new location of the kitchen (where another window previous was). The extension, which will become the dining room, is being added on to where the new kitchen will be). The building inspector seems to be treating the switching of the existing window as a "replacement" window. We do not consider it to be a replacement window, because we are not replacing/installing a new window, we are switching them round. If it is classed as a replacement window, then the inspector is making us comply with new replacement window standards. As we are switching round a total of three windows, this is an entirely unexpected cost! Does anyone know if this IS properly classed as a replacement window?

Browntoa

You comply with current regs regardless

If the extension should have triple glazed to comply then that's your answer

Furts

It is folly to cross swords with a Building Inspector. It is even more folly to pick an argument when they are far better versed in the topic than you are. To adopt this confrontational/questioning approach because of penny pinching, or bad budgeting only makes the stance worse.

What you are proposing is to put secondhand, obsolete, windows into openings. You do not like being told "no". Do as you are told and go back to the Building Inspector in a humble manner.

unforeseen

Whichever way you look at it you are replacing one window with another so need to comply.

Davesnave

We did a couple of swap arounds during our remodel of our property in 2014-2015 and our building inspector allowed it, but our BCO was generally 'helpful' throughout. The windows were also only about 4 years old. As someone who hates to see waste, it would have irked me to junk them.

Are you referring also to the need for trickle vents? We had to have these in the new openings we made, but not anywhere else, even if the window was new.

I'd agree that arguing with a BCO probably isn't a great idea. Even if one were to win such an argument, there's plenty of potential to lose somewhere else in a big project with very strict application of the regs. I have seen this with my BiL, who now has the T shirt!

psyUK

Thank you all for your responses. I hadn't intended in my original thread to make it seem that we would "cross swords" with the building inspector. I was rather hoping that there might be some type of information that might help us understand whether we do or don't absolutely have to get new windows. It's always good to be as prepared as possible - and I'm sure we can all agree that different people will interpret rules slightly differently - thus I was hoping to be as prepared as possible. And of course we would be respectful with the building officer! It seems we **might** have to buy new windows (because I've discovered that even things like adding argon gas in b/w the window panes of our existing windows will only result in a negligible improvement in U value). Fingers crossed the building inspector might have clever solutions, as the alternative is having to get 3 new windows - to the tune of a few thousand pounds (our windows are all soft wood framed)! I'll let you know what he says.

fezster

Do the existing windows not meet building regulations? If not - why not? It may be cheaper to just replace the double glazed sealed unit, rather than the entire frame.

From past experience, none of my building inspectors have ever paid any close attention to the windows, and in one instance he was happy for existing windows to be moved to a new location, despite the windows being over 10 years old.

ComicGeek

psyUK wrote: »

Thank you all for your responses. I hadn't intended in my original thread to make it seem that we would "cross swords" with the building inspector. I was rather hoping that there might be some type of information that might help us understand whether we do or don't absolutely have to get new windows. It's always good to be as prepared as possible - and I'm sure we can all agree that different people will interpret rules slightly differently - thus I was hoping to be as prepared as possible. And of course we would be respectful with the building officer! It seems we **might** have to buy new windows (because I've discovered that even things like adding argon gas in b/w the window panes of our existing windows will only result in a negligible improvement in U value). Fingers crossed the building inspector might have clever solutions, as the alternative is having to get 3 new windows - to the tune of a few thousand pounds (our windows are all soft wood framed)! I'll let you know what he says.

You could potentially offset the additional heat loss through reusing the existing windows (when compared to new windows) by doing additional measures elsewhere in the house. This might be new heating controls, LED bulbs or additional loft insulation, which could work out cheaper than buying new windows.

The Building Control Officer may accept this without calculations, or you may have to pay a SAP assessor to complete these for you.