Guarantee for conservatory - what to look for

ls31

Jeepers_Creepers said:

ls31 said:

Back to my original question though (I'll try and rephrase it). If you get a builder to build an extension and they don't manufacture their own windows, the windows are still covered by the builder's guarantee?

If the builder buys in the windows for the job and fits them - and many/most builders would - then the builder is fully liable.

If you arrange for the windows to be supplied and fitted by a separate entity, then that company is liable for them.

Either way, you are fully covered.

If, however, you bought the windows, and asked the builder to fit them for you, you are in a potentially messy place. Once the builder has fitted them, then he's no longer liable for them - provided he fitted them correctly. If a window is found to be faulty after installation, the window company will replace it, but only after you've paid the builder the labour to remove it - and then replace it with the new one (and that's if you can get them back from their next job for such a trivial thing...).

If the 'BS' builder is otherwise decent in terms of quality and value, then I wouldn't necessarily dismiss them from the shortlist, since good builders can be hard to find. But, you and he would have to work out 'liability' and 'warranties' beforehand so there's no misunderstanding.

With our extension, our main builder (a brilliant fellow) doesn't 'do' windows (or plumbing or electrics or roofs). He is capable of doing them - and his own house is a masterclass demonstration of every skill involved. But he won't do it for others as he doesn't want the involvement of the necessary certification, warranties and all that malarkey. He did, tho', suggest a local guy who could source good Ali products for a decent price, but I'd then have to also find an installer for them. That is just not somewhere I'd 'go' - I'd want ONE person liable for supply AND fit to prevent future arguments.

I mentioned GFD? Their quote was truly impressive - and cheaper than the local guy including fitting and a composite door! Their installers, tho' (Martindales) were a bit shoddy. Stupid stuff - not fitting things plumb, for example. No excuse - especially as our builder left openings that you could set your sprit level by. So, if you are going for a different supplier and installer for windows, I'd include GFD on the list, but would be firm with my expectations when it comes to fitting.

Thanks a lot, really really appreciate it 

ls31

williamgriffin said:

ls31 said:

williamgriffin said:

ls31 said:

Thanks all, I appreciate the responses. I think the guarantee question sort of remains answered but I'm glad the only one thinking it's BS. 

We haven't looked at the option to get every trade in separately. No other reason that we don't have the experience or time to coordinate it. 
It's not a bad shout to try and get a quote from a builder though. Might be my next bet even if it's just for comparison. 

If you're certain you want a conservatory and are complying with building regs then with three sides of glass how are the conservatory companies addressing heat loss?

Only two sides have glass. It's not a conservatory, it's a ~£25K extension but it seems that sort of thing tends to be done by windows companies these days. We're removing the current patio door so they have to do additional calculations re the heat loss. We'll have a solid lightweight roof... I don't think it'll have that much more glass than our current living room to be honest. 

The fit a proper roof and extend your home in the right way. 

Good to hear it's money well spent!