A question for any legal experts or people who have had similar experiences.
We have a U-shaped reinforced concrete staircase (double turn without an intermediate landing) from the basement (at street level on the street side) up to the ground floor.
“Behind” the staircase is a window to let in more light in the stairwell, so the lights don’t have to be on during the day.
The window is fixed, meaning it is not designed to open (no handle or anything).
So far, so good. We recently considered installing a partially frosted glass pane to reduce visibility of the staircase from outside. At that point, we realized the glass would likely never be removable because the staircase extends all the way to the wall.
The question now is, is it considered a (hidden) defect if a windowpane cannot be replaced without either seriously damaging the staircase or chipping away part of the interior plaster and masonry?
This is not about the other glass for now, since you could use a film in the basement window. But I wonder who would cover the additional costs if the pane, for example, breaks at some point. As mentioned, the wall above the window would have to be partially opened up to pull the pane out upward.
Thank you very much for any answers, opinions, or possibly similar rulings or legal references...
We have a U-shaped reinforced concrete staircase (double turn without an intermediate landing) from the basement (at street level on the street side) up to the ground floor.
“Behind” the staircase is a window to let in more light in the stairwell, so the lights don’t have to be on during the day.
The window is fixed, meaning it is not designed to open (no handle or anything).
So far, so good. We recently considered installing a partially frosted glass pane to reduce visibility of the staircase from outside. At that point, we realized the glass would likely never be removable because the staircase extends all the way to the wall.
The question now is, is it considered a (hidden) defect if a windowpane cannot be replaced without either seriously damaging the staircase or chipping away part of the interior plaster and masonry?
This is not about the other glass for now, since you could use a film in the basement window. But I wonder who would cover the additional costs if the pane, for example, breaks at some point. As mentioned, the wall above the window would have to be partially opened up to pull the pane out upward.
Thank you very much for any answers, opinions, or possibly similar rulings or legal references...
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Peanuts744 Mar 2016 14:01Bauexperte schrieb:
So, roughly, this is how the window glass replacement works. It usually takes about 30 minutes; with your triple-glazed window it will probably take longer since the pane cannot be removed from the front directly. Work must be done from the ground floor and the attic (or upper floor, depending on the type of house you had built).
So it’s not a defect – you approved the execution plans, and your architect could assume that you are capable of understanding them
Regards, BauexperteAs I said, I am capable of understanding, but as a planner, one could point out such pitfalls. Or do you also believe it’s just a matter of hoping the client signs the contract and not caring about what happens afterward? Most people build only one house in their lifetime, and now you’re saying that someone without any construction planning experience should still detect every single detail on paper? Then I wonder why even trained planners and architects make so many planning mistakes.
In that case, I wouldn’t have any planning done by your company!
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Peanuts744 Mar 2016 14:03Jochen104 schrieb:
I honestly can't imagine that either.
We recently had two window panes replaced because they arrived with scratches/stains.
The window installer detached the inner frame (which holds the pane) and was then able to simply remove the glass.Yes, normally that’s not a problem, but you probably can’t take it out forward because, as mentioned, the staircase is likely in the way.
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Sebastian794 Mar 2016 14:10Piece downwards, then angled and out.
I would simply ask the window manufacturer what they think about it.
I would simply ask the window manufacturer what they think about it.
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Sebastian794 Mar 2016 14:16I would not sign that.
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