Window issue

Rincewindcl

Hi All,

So I'm purchasing a property, have had offer accepted by the seller, mortgage approved after valuation and I've instructed my solicitors. We wanted to go over and see it again to measure up some curtains that we'd like made in preperation for when we do exchange (date tbd), however when looking at the double glazed window in the main bedroom on the second floor of the house we noticed we could feel a draft coming through. On closer inspection, the actual double glazed window pane is pulled away slightly from the frame it sits in, to the point where you can see the outside a little.

My question to you all is, should I raise this prior to buying the property withe the Estate Agent, or would you consider it a small fix and so not worth causing issue over?

Thanks all,

Chris

theartfullodger

At this stage I'd do nothing.  But when it comes to survey/valuation then mention it to whoever is doing it, then if there are serious issues with the property try negotiating a lower price.

Don't raise it with selling agent, solicitor to solicitor with vendor instead. 

But probably fairly cheap to fix.

Rincewindcl

theartfullodger said:

At this stage I'd do nothing.  But when it comes to survey/valuation then mention it to whoever is doing it, then if there are serious issues with the property try negotiating a lower price.

Don't raise it with selling agent, solicitor to solicitor with vendor instead. 

But probably fairly cheap to fix.

Thanks Artful. Unfortunately I had already sent an email to to the selling agent last night asking if the vendor would consider fixing before the sale is formalised. I guess I'm trying to judge best if I should withdraw my request!

Soot2006

I had many things like that in my queries, both on sale and purchase.

Some were addressed by the vendor (or by myself as a seller); other  were not.  It won't be an expensive fix so don't worry about it too much either way.

Rincewindcl

Soot2006 said:

I had many things like that in my queries, both on sale and purchase.

Some were addressed by the vendor (or by myself as a seller); other  were not.  It won't be an expensive fix so don't worry about it too much either way.

Cheers Soot2006

FreeBear

Soot2006 said:  It won't be an expensive fix so don't worry about it too much either way.

Depends on what is causing the gap to appear. If it is a uPVC frame, and the installers failed to fit a lintel to support the outer leaf of brickwork if one was required, fixing could get expensive. On the other hand, if it is just a bit of trim popping out, a quick tap with a rubber mallet to reseat it won't cost a penny.

Get the surveyor to check for adequate support over the windows if this is an older property - It was quite common for the wooden/steel window frames to act as structural support for the outer skin of brickwork. Often, uPVC window installers would rip out the old frames, whack in a new one, and not do anything about the brickwork. This would lead to frames bowing as the brickwork slowly collapsed on to the frame and cracks appearing in the walls above. FENSA have been issuing guidance on this issue since around 2011, yet some installers are still failing to check and install lintels when required.

AdrianC

I'm struggling to understand what's not fitting and why.

Any chance of a pic?

Rincewindcl

AdrianC said:

I'm struggling to understand what's not fitting and why.

Any chance of a pic?

Hi AdrianC. I'll give it a go - not sure if this will work. The picture is an external one I'm afraid, but you can see that the window is slightly misaligned I think? So the bottom right hand corner you can see a bit of daylight through?

Falafels

It looks from the photo as though it hasn't been closed properly; some windows have a notch on the catch which can be locked, allowing a slight breeze without being a security risk. Could this be the issue?

Rincewindcl

Falafels said:

It looks from the photo as though it hasn't been closed properly; some windows have a notch on the catch which can be locked, allowing a slight breeze without being a security risk. Could this be the issue?

Hi Falafels, thanks for your response. When I mentioned the gap being on the right, I meant from the inside, so on the external picture I have shared the gap is on the bottom left. That's where the hinges are and the window opens outwards on the right. The handle was on the opposite side of the gap.

FreeBear

Might just be a case of the hinges & locking points need adjusting so that the window closes properly - This shouldn't need doing, so I'd get the vendor to contact the installers and treat it as a warranty job.

Worst case scenario, the frames are shot, and the whole lot needs replacing. £1500 should cover it.