Window Regulations

PoGee

Is there a regulation that says a new window must be of a style that it can be cleaned from the inside? I have a window at the stairs which at moment is impossible to clean as it opens out the way, from the bottom. I asked a fitter to give a price on a window that opens in-the-way, with hinges at one side (either left or right vertical profile) but he said he couldn't do it my size (1250 x 1250), so it's back to the old impossible to clean from inside, window. Is this contravening window legislation? We're based in Scotland.

BUFF

In Scotland, above ground floor, yes.
https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-standards-technical-handbook-2020-domestic/4-safety/4-8-danger-accidents/ see 4.8.3 &  BS8213-1

I understand that he couldn't do a simple casement but am surprised that he could not do a tilt & turn or reflex/reversible hinged at 1250x1250.
e.g. https://www.rehau.com/uk-en/tilt-and-turn-windows
or https://www.rehau.com/uk-en/reversible-windows-system

Also, depending upon where it is & other provision there may be a requirement for emergency egress ability or restriction.

PoGee

Thanks BUFF. Can you help with another query? I'm down to 2 companies to replace 7 windows. Both are smaller companies with v.good reviews. One gives an insurance backed warranty while the other doesn't but he says that I'll get full protection if I pay £200 by credit card. Do you know if this would cover the full price of around £6k? That's for 3 large, 3 medium (1250 x 1250) and a small window with more than standard openings on the 3 large ones, toughened glass and internal wooden cills.

grumbler

PoGee said:

I asked a fitter to give a price on a window that opens in-the-way, with hinges at one side (either left or right vertical profile) but he said he couldn't do it my size (1250 x 1250), so it's back to the old impossible to clean from inside, window. Is this contravening window legislation? We're based in Scotland.

What about other designs? E.g.

(two in the middle of the top row)

BUFF

PoGee said:

Thanks BUFF. Can you help with another query? I'm down to 2 companies to replace 7 windows. Both are smaller companies with v.good reviews. One gives an insurance backed warranty while the other doesn't but he says that I'll get full protection if I pay £200 by credit card. Do you know if this would cover the full price of around £6k? That's for 3 large, 3 medium (1250 x 1250) and a small window with more than standard openings on the 3 large ones, toughened glass and internal wooden cills.

I think that he means Section 75 protection where the card company becomes equally liable. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/section75-protect-your-purchases/