ᐅ Almost every window has scratches – what is considered normal?
Created on: 8 May 2017 17:24
D
DReffects
Hello forum community,
Unfortunately, during the inspection for the electrical installation, we noticed that nearly all the windows have mechanical damage both on the inside plastic and the exterior aluminum cladding, in the form of scratches and abrasions.
The construction company has unfortunately already removed the protective film inside – seemingly even before installation. At some window sills, it appears as if the window was placed directly on the bare brickwork. On one window, there are two drill holes in the frame that were started in the wrong position.
From various Google searches, I understand that "minor scratches" are generally not considered valid grounds for a complaint. On the other hand, I would say that for a new build, one should still expect new, undamaged materials, right?
Is there a standard or guideline regarding acceptable scratches? We noticed these scratches despite the dust and dirt typical of a building shell.
Thanks & regards,
Daniel
Unfortunately, during the inspection for the electrical installation, we noticed that nearly all the windows have mechanical damage both on the inside plastic and the exterior aluminum cladding, in the form of scratches and abrasions.
The construction company has unfortunately already removed the protective film inside – seemingly even before installation. At some window sills, it appears as if the window was placed directly on the bare brickwork. On one window, there are two drill holes in the frame that were started in the wrong position.
From various Google searches, I understand that "minor scratches" are generally not considered valid grounds for a complaint. On the other hand, I would say that for a new build, one should still expect new, undamaged materials, right?
Is there a standard or guideline regarding acceptable scratches? We noticed these scratches despite the dust and dirt typical of a building shell.
Thanks & regards,
Daniel
The scratches shown in the picture on the last page can be easily polished out. Normally, windows and profiles are protected with foil during the shell construction phase and only removed right at the very end. This can of course only be done from the inside; after window installation, not much happens on the outside anyway (with brickwork, the joints are still done) directly on the house.
Unfortunately, the legal ruling says otherwise. I also find it frustrating, but there is little you can do. The only way, as mentioned, is to withhold payment until perfect defect-free quality is achieved, or to withdraw from the purchase contract and have it removed. Compensation for cosmetic defects is so minimal that construction companies deliberately work this way (because it’s faster and more efficient) and accept the compensation costs knowingly.
We paid an extra 4000€ (around $4,300) for our front door, which was installed only one day before handover. Still, it had a large scratch on the inside (caused during installation). Compensation? $0. The scratch was polished out, but now there is a shiny spot visible.
A replacement door is legally excluded because the defect does not justify the cost.
And once again, you’re the one at a disadvantage here because you’ve already paid a general contractor.
With individual contracts, the contractor has a hard time getting paid. Small companies actually go bankrupt often because customers don’t pay for this reason.
I stick to my position for now: if I order new goods, I want undamaged new goods.
Unfortunately, the legal ruling says otherwise. I also find it frustrating, but there is little you can do. The only way, as mentioned, is to withhold payment until perfect defect-free quality is achieved, or to withdraw from the purchase contract and have it removed. Compensation for cosmetic defects is so minimal that construction companies deliberately work this way (because it’s faster and more efficient) and accept the compensation costs knowingly.
We paid an extra 4000€ (around $4,300) for our front door, which was installed only one day before handover. Still, it had a large scratch on the inside (caused during installation). Compensation? $0. The scratch was polished out, but now there is a shiny spot visible.
A replacement door is legally excluded because the defect does not justify the cost.
And once again, you’re the one at a disadvantage here because you’ve already paid a general contractor.
With individual contracts, the contractor has a hard time getting paid. Small companies actually go bankrupt often because customers don’t pay for this reason.
Payday schrieb:
The scratches from the picture on the last page can be easily polished out. The window manufacturer told me the same, but I’m still not convinced. The scratches look like that all over the windows and also on the front door, where there aren’t just scratches but actual gouges around the fingerprint scanner. According to the manufacturer, this happened when replacing the trim around the scanner. So there is actually a notch in the plastic.
The great thing about plastic is that, in theory, it can be glued and filled. Notches are, of course, really annoying. The scratches are only superficial and are not a problem. The window installer will have to take care of this. If you don't like the result (and it really looks terrible), you can still consider what to do next. For now, I would recommend not paying the full invoice amount for the windows but withholding a reasonable sum. How much is reasonable also depends on the total scope of the project. Scratches and notches all over the house on every window would justify withholding around €1500-2000 (about $1600-$2100) as a fair amount.
We are having the house built through a construction company, and I will find out what I can do in this situation. They want to try to improve it, but that could still take up to two weeks. I don’t think I can withhold the payment for that long since there is still a lot to be done on the house. I still have a few installments to pay, depending on the progress of the construction.
I know that polishing can work wonders on a car, but I’m not sure if the window installers will go through the effort of refinishing all the windows and the front door. They only mentioned some kind of cleaner they have. They’re not supposed to just clean off the scratches.
I know that polishing can work wonders on a car, but I’m not sure if the window installers will go through the effort of refinishing all the windows and the front door. They only mentioned some kind of cleaner they have. They’re not supposed to just clean off the scratches.
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