I just had the windows replaced in my apartment. They are standard double hung aluminum windows in a pre-war building. The contractors have been truly dreadful so I’m very relieved that after 6 months they have finally finished but I’m not completely happy with their workmanship. I don’t need absolute perfection but I do want to feel like I got a reasonable job for the money that I paid (or will... [more]
I just had the windows replaced in my apartment. They are standard double hung aluminum windows in a pre-war building. The contractors have been truly dreadful so I’m very relieved that after 6 months they have finally finished but I’m not completely happy with their workmanship. I don’t need absolute perfection but I do want to feel like I got a reasonable job for the money that I paid (or will pay when I pay the final 50%).
I would be interested to hear any comments on the following:
The windows feel very slightly drafty. Not something that I expected from a new window. Is this normal?
Is it likely that another contractor would come and tell me if the job is up to standard and correct the job for part of the balance that I owe?
Do window contractors normally clean the windows once they have been installed? (they told me that they would but didn’t)
Do window contractors normally replace the A/Cs when they replace the window? (they didn't)
If I hire a lawyer is there anything much that they can do (given that I have limited enthusiasm to spend time pursuing this)
Is it reasonable to deducted money to compensate for a sub-standard job?
Thanks.
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Response by ab_11218
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 2017
Member since: May 2009
js - you need to be more specific about the drafts. are they coming from the spots where 1 - the windows meet the frame or 2 - where the frame meets building. if it is the first, then the windows are substandard. if it's the second, then the installer is incompetent.
if you bring another contractor, they'll tell you that the windows are bad and you need to replace them. just like most brokers, contractors are there to make money first and be honest second.
clean windows should be the last thing on your mind after installation. these windows should be double hung and easy to clean. considering that you are in a construction zone, who cares if they clean them? they'll be filthy tomorrow.
contractors do not replace the A/Cs unless you request it. you'd expect that since you're renovating anyway, maybe you'll get better A/Cs.
hiring a lawyer is like throwing money out the window.
you should not deduct money but have them resolve the issue.
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Response by js23411
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 4
Member since: Apr 2009
ab, the draft is where the windows meet the frame. The problem is that I just don't think they are capable of resolving the issue. They have been to my apartment so many times over a period of six months and can't seem to get it right
I'm not in a construction zone, I just had the windows replaced
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Response by ab_11218
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 2017
Member since: May 2009
then it seems that they installed cheap windows. this issue is only resolved by replacement of the windows. they were not made properly.
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Response by js23411
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 4
Member since: Apr 2009
yeah, that sounds about right. Thanks for your advice
js - you need to be more specific about the drafts. are they coming from the spots where 1 - the windows meet the frame or 2 - where the frame meets building. if it is the first, then the windows are substandard. if it's the second, then the installer is incompetent.
if you bring another contractor, they'll tell you that the windows are bad and you need to replace them. just like most brokers, contractors are there to make money first and be honest second.
clean windows should be the last thing on your mind after installation. these windows should be double hung and easy to clean. considering that you are in a construction zone, who cares if they clean them? they'll be filthy tomorrow.
contractors do not replace the A/Cs unless you request it. you'd expect that since you're renovating anyway, maybe you'll get better A/Cs.
hiring a lawyer is like throwing money out the window.
you should not deduct money but have them resolve the issue.
ab, the draft is where the windows meet the frame. The problem is that I just don't think they are capable of resolving the issue. They have been to my apartment so many times over a period of six months and can't seem to get it right
I'm not in a construction zone, I just had the windows replaced
then it seems that they installed cheap windows. this issue is only resolved by replacement of the windows. they were not made properly.
yeah, that sounds about right. Thanks for your advice