Hello,
For our single-family home currently under construction, we chose anthracite-colored windows on the outside. The inside of these windows is white. We also decided on the opening directions of the windows. However, we did not specify or approve any further details with our site manager regarding the windows.
The windows have been delivered and installed. They look great until we noticed the position of the handles. They are not centered vertically but rather located in the lower third of the windows. Here are a few pictures:
Of course, we expected the handles to be centered vertically on the windows. Our site manager says this is standard practice and has “always been done this way” by the company, so it is not considered a construction defect.
However, when we look at the handle positions in our current rental apartment and consult other homebuilders, construction companies, and window manufacturers, we come to a different conclusion. In those cases, the handles are centrally positioned, or if no other information is provided, a centered position is assumed.
Our site manager and the contracted window manufacturer explain this positioning with a specific grid system, where the handle height depends on the window height. Here is the document they sent us after installation and upon request:
This explanation makes sense and is understandable. It reduces costs by limiting the number of standard gear mechanisms that need to be produced.
However, we were not informed about this beforehand and are very dissatisfied with the result. After all, we will be seeing these windows multiple times a day for many years.
Does this issue constitute a defect that must be corrected?
Thank you in advance.
Benjamin
For our single-family home currently under construction, we chose anthracite-colored windows on the outside. The inside of these windows is white. We also decided on the opening directions of the windows. However, we did not specify or approve any further details with our site manager regarding the windows.
The windows have been delivered and installed. They look great until we noticed the position of the handles. They are not centered vertically but rather located in the lower third of the windows. Here are a few pictures:
Of course, we expected the handles to be centered vertically on the windows. Our site manager says this is standard practice and has “always been done this way” by the company, so it is not considered a construction defect.
However, when we look at the handle positions in our current rental apartment and consult other homebuilders, construction companies, and window manufacturers, we come to a different conclusion. In those cases, the handles are centrally positioned, or if no other information is provided, a centered position is assumed.
Our site manager and the contracted window manufacturer explain this positioning with a specific grid system, where the handle height depends on the window height. Here is the document they sent us after installation and upon request:
This explanation makes sense and is understandable. It reduces costs by limiting the number of standard gear mechanisms that need to be produced.
However, we were not informed about this beforehand and are very dissatisfied with the result. After all, we will be seeing these windows multiple times a day for many years.
Does this issue constitute a defect that must be corrected?
Thank you in advance.
Benjamin
Myrna_Loy schrieb:
What does the offer say about the handles and fittings? Our construction contract's scope of work specifies the following regarding the windows:
In the special agreements, we have also documented the customized color.
M
Myrna_Loy12 May 2021 10:04Don’t you have any written confirmation about the handles? With manufacturer details?
I think our handles are also positioned slightly off-center. I actually find this quite practical.
It makes it easier to reach them, even if there is something in front, like a couch or kitchen countertop.
Children can open and close the windows from a certain age without being tempted to climb on a chair.
I believe you get used to it fairly quickly.
It makes it easier to reach them, even if there is something in front, like a couch or kitchen countertop.
Children can open and close the windows from a certain age without being tempted to climb on a chair.
I believe you get used to it fairly quickly.
N
nordanney12 May 2021 10:09BennyBvB schrieb:
Our construction contract’s scope of work includes the following regarding windows:Did you receive exactly what was specified in the scope of work? That was a rhetorical question – yes, you did. I don’t see anything about specially agreed handle positions.Just check it off. You really get used to it quickly.
If you hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have noticed that ours is also off-center.
However, we have a higher parapet; at the couch, it is about 1.3m (4 feet 3 inches).
But even at the patio door, the handle is at around 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches).
What ceiling height do you have? And how high are the windows? Maybe there is a standard, like a DIN, that takes wheelchair users into account.
However, we have a higher parapet; at the couch, it is about 1.3m (4 feet 3 inches).
But even at the patio door, the handle is at around 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches).
What ceiling height do you have? And how high are the windows? Maybe there is a standard, like a DIN, that takes wheelchair users into account.
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