Window panes delivered in wrong size should I have to pay for replacement?

AskAsk

mug2007 said:

AskAsk said:

mug2007 said:

We clearly specified that we wanted windows to match existing in a document we sent to them.  The companies surveyor carried out the measure, in fact they came out twice to measure.  I requested the order details to check they had got our customer choices right and they had.  Thank you for your suggestions it will be useful for negotiating with them.

did the document that you sent to them had the window size in it?

No dimensions, just photos of the existing windows and diagrams of openers (which showed panes in right proportions. Our requirements document was very clear.  

tell them that you have signed off the quote agreement, which may had the dimensions of the windows on the quote as specification for their own admin use, but you were not asked specifically to check the dimensions that the surveyor had taken, because if you had been asked to do so you would have refused point blank as you are not the window specialist, they are.

if they have made a mistake on the specifications then that is their responsibility and not yours.  i think they are just trying it on as no window company asks the customer to check their measurements.

mug2007

Will do.  Thank you.

eamon

Used to work for a window making company. The weakest link in the process is the surveyor, followed by the data inputter. All they have to do is measure the opening that the existing window is in correctly (allowing for any pecular features of the opening such as a need for spacers). Window making software takes care of all the rest including the glass. It is simply a case of choosing the type of profile and the window style. I  think your issue lies with the supplying company.

mug2007

Thanks everyone.  I will see if they will replace without an additional cost to us as I do think it was their mistake.  Obviously wish we’d spotted the error before manufacture, as regardless whose fault it is it’s not a nice thing to go through.

Slinky

We had a window company make the wrong design on the decorative pattern on the top opening windows.  We had shamrocks turn up instead of yellow poppies. They had to remake them at their expense as when I went into the company's office to confirm we wanted them to do the work, I said to the owner 'do you want me to remind you of the design we want' he said no it's all right I remember.   Must have been expensive as there were 9 of them.

mug2007

I have been strongly advised by experienced building professional not to pay for the wrong size windows.  It was the window companies responsibility to measure the windows and even if I signed a document that included dimensions in it, it is not my responsibility to check their dimensions. As a homeowner I am not expected to know if their dimensions are correct.  They advised the company won't have a leg to stand on if it goes to court.  Sounds like the company are trying to blame me in an attempt to get me to try and pay for their mistake.

For anyone buying windows, please choose your company carefully, speak to neighbours who have had their windows done.  Always go to the showroom, check the windows, test the openers.  Talk through all the details with them, will you lose the original architrave? will they take out the whole sash including frame? or will they put the upvc sash within the existing sash box?    Check all details proportions, openers, colour etc.  

Mickey666

We all know it’s important to read any document we’re asked to sign very carefully.  What’s less well known is that it is also quite legitimate to AMEND any document before signing it if it contains something you don’t agree with.
Thus (and this is not a criticism of the OP) it would have been quite legitimate to add a clause on the document stating that the dimensions of the windows are the responsibility of the window company and have not been checked by the customer.  The added clause should also be signed as well as the overall document.  Then it would be for the window company to either accept the new clause or to continue negotiating terms, which is what such documents are all about.  They form the basis of the contract between the two parties.  If the window company said nothing then the added clause becomes a condition of the contract.

greenface2

what is the difference in the glass sizes ? if the bay front is split into 3 and the middle one is 30mm larger in the width that's normal the framesare actually split into 3 equally . if its significantly and its written that you wanted them equal then they should remake at their cost . they've took the measurements and your instructions and not followed them 

mug2007

The middle pane is 200mm bigger than it should be.  Unless they offer to remake at their cost we will choose another company.
I know sometimes pane widths are changed for escape reasons, but this wasn’t the case for us.

Jack_Cork

I hope you get it sorted it sounds a right pane