Small claims advice for dodgy window installation

Geob

Hi, looking for some advice as I’m not sure what to expect through/from the small claims process.

I have been advised by citizens advice to put a claim in after a local window company have poorly fitted windows for us and been very uncooperative. They were fitted in 2021, and we raised the apparent issues straight away (mainly that they drilled through our new bedroom window to reinstall brackets for a blind we had in the old window with no prior notice - we absolutely were not going to reinstall the blinds or drill into the windows ) they said they can fill the holes like they were never there but they never did anything about it. Also the bathroom sash was getting stuck when pulling to a close . We withheld about £250 off the bill at the office manager’s recommendation when paying the final bill until all remedial work had been completed. They also said they would complete plastering and didn’t, it wasn’t in the written contract but they sent the fitter back (in my mind taking ownership that they said they would plaster too) and he made a real mess around one of the windows, with thick rocky ‘plaster’. We chased them a little bit personal issues and meant it was put on the back burner as I just couldn’t deal with it all at the time as they stopped replying to me. 

Fast forward to 2023 - a door the installed and a window were creating huge drafts . Turns out they’re not sat in the cill properly. All the silicone around the thick trims is peeling, a damp patch has appeared in kitchen window and upon investigation, there is no sealant outside  in the corner where the mould is . We suspect other windows may be off the cill too because of the peeling trims revealing drafts .

Took months of calling and emailing to finally get an email from the manger/owner. He was awful. Threatened to sue us for sharing a negative review, said we were lying and threatened to take us to court for the remaining sum owed (less than 3% of the total bill) I contacted CA who told me to send a signed for letter threatening court action if they didn’t address the issues, they refused to send anyone over unless we paid the final amount . Sent another final warning letter as advised and they still refused. 

Had another company out to quote for a the repairs and a new window in the bedroom that was drilled into as they said they couldn’t ‘repair’ it sufficiently. 

So I have a sum to claim for but just nervous to go ahead with the proceedings. Money is an issue so I guess I’m just worried and could do with some advice of what to expect. This guy is horrible too, but seems to have no awareness of consumer rights. Also wondered if and how we could claim towards heating over winter as the drafts were so bad. Just not sure I’ve got the mental space to go through with it all right now but need to windows fixed before more problems arise. 

Lastly I’m concerned about guarantees. The window firm said there are no guarantees because we haven’t paid the final sum, so what are we to do in that sense? 

Thanks so much to anyone how can offer any advice