ᐅ Additional Costs / Extra Charge for Taller Windows

Created on: 27 Apr 2020 15:54
T
Tolentino
Hello dear forum members,

In the scope of work description of my GÜs, it states that windows up to a maximum size of 2 x 2.25 meters (7 x 7.4 feet) are included as standard. The number of windows does not matter, as long as the structural engineering allows it.

Setting aside the economic practicality of this rule, some questions have arisen during the planning phase:
It now looks like we will have a clear ceiling height of 2.7 meters (8.9 feet) (depending on cost calculations). The architect recommended opting for window heights of about 2.32 meters (7.6 feet).

1. Question: Does that really make such a big difference?
2. Question: What would be a reasonable surcharge for 4 floor-to-ceiling windows?

Thank you and best regards,

Tolentino

P.S.: If interested, here is the house planning thread; from the linked post onward it becomes interesting due to current updates.
Tolentino2 Dec 2020 15:02
Here’s a small update.
A few weeks ago, we had a meeting with my father-in-law and the site manager.
All questions were clarified. The rough construction dimensions from the approved detailed plans were guaranteed (within usual tolerances). The windows are now being ordered.
I decided to fix several window sashes since some are behind the sofa anyway and, with the ventilation system, are no longer critically needed to open. This saves almost 200 EUR per window.
On the lower level, there are external blinds, and on the upper level, partly roller shutters and partly external blinds with CDL slats (which close tightly) to better control shading.
All are RC2 security class instead of RC0. The cost is roughly the same as the credit from the general contractor. So, significantly more value for the money with a bit of additional own labor (I will act as an assistant for my father-in-law).
11ant2 Dec 2020 15:23
Tolentino schrieb:

Structural shell dimensions based on the approved working drawings were guaranteed (within usual tolerances). Windows are now being ordered.

And based on your father-in-law’s experience, is it really that reliable to order before the survey measurements?
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Tolentino2 Dec 2020 15:27
Yes, he said he has always done it that way. Otherwise, we would lose too much time because the current delivery time is 8 weeks.

Of course, it also depends on the structural builder. But if the site manager is confident enough to guarantee the measurements, it will probably work out. I probably can’t bother him with extra requests so much that he would back out. 😉

Oh, I also forgot to mention that I now have the 2.33-meter (7 ft 8 in) high windows, which the subcontractor from the general contractor didn’t want to do at all.
Tarnari2 Dec 2020 15:28
I will just say that even after the final measurement, one of our windows was slightly too large, which caused it to crack and had to be replaced.
Tolentino2 Dec 2020 15:32
But was it because of the window or the rough opening? The windows were ordered with a 15mm (0.6 inch) clearance on the left/right/top, so I trust my father-in-law—he knows what he’s doing.
Tarnari2 Dec 2020 18:08
Well, measurements were taken during the shell construction phase, the windows were manufactured, delivered, installed, and I just remembered that one was cracked and another warped after installation. So, two had to be replaced.