Bifolds fitted at wrong floor level

masamune

I am looking for some help on an issue with a local bifold doors company, as they fitted my weather track at the wrong floor height.

The bifolds are from a reputable manufacturer, the cost of the job in the range of £5k. Which is why I cannot take it lightly. The doors were fitted before the end of last year, October. It is unfortunate that due to the length of the project the balance was paid before the problem became apparent in November.

Because the screed and final floor were not in place at the time of the order, the supply/fitting company requested a sign off on the finished floor levels as a condition to process the order. This was liaised with the builder who provided final floor level with a laser cross level, based on the existing house floors. I have learnt this is not something uncommon during construction.

The bifold company put everything on email with heights for the track under the support lintel, the screed and the floor thickness. Everything was noted with reference to the fixed rigid steel lintel. The configuration, handles and track were also agreed. After double checking with the builder it was signed off in good faith. When screed and tiling were in place a month later it was obvious the weather track is off by 18-20mm over the floor tiles!!

The track line is not at the height expected with floor tiles as the manufacturer's design. It also does not match the track/floor levels demonstrated in the showroom sample tracks. Not only an aesthetic but also practical issue of tripping.

I revisited all the measurements from multiple points with the information provided on the order. On a side note, they provided no plans or drawings for the system. Without a shadow of a doubt the doors have been fitted higher by 17mm against the agreed internal floor level on email. The floor tiles are within 2-3mm of the agreed height which is acceptable.

I contacted the company owner and requested they come out to survey their work. They argued everything was fitted as agreed and tried to blame the builder outright. They said they are coming back to check the work and over a month later I am still chasing them up, now not returning my emails or calls. On my last email I requested full drawings for the doors to check dimensions and fitting which they have ignored.

The performance of the system is in order however this has now ruined an important investment and aspect of our new extension. A 2cm trim sticking out of the floor on a 4 meter opening is certainly not what I expected and hence the reason for signing off floor levels beforehand.

It is frustrating they refuse to take responsibility for the cockup, so I decided to prepare a notice in the post. At this point I cannot tell if the entire system was designed too short or fitted higher, but nevertheless it is not acceptable when floor level was a condition of the contract.

I have reasonable grounds and plan to request compensation. The cost of replacement is out of the question, as it would involve a lot of damage to the building. Other bifold companies refuse to rectify the work unless it is a full replacement they could guarantee.

I would appreciate some views on the matter.

knightstyle

How frustrating for you, I agree a 2cm lip is not acceptable.
With the amount of money involved i think you should employ an expert to check the contract and the work and then submit his report to them giving them a reasonable amount of time to put things right.

masamune

Thanks for the input, where can I find a suitable expert on this occasion? Would it be an option to call another fitting company to survey and produce a report.

It has now come to my attention the glazing company is a confirmed member of a glazing scheme, who provide mediation on disputes and if unresolved they will refer to a Consumer Arbitration Scheme.

Is this any good or just a waste of time?

knightstyle

Look here http://www.orcexperts.co.uk/experts.asp?strQuery=building+inspection