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
K
Klappradl16 May 2021 09:11The handles are almost never positioned exactly in the middle. They are usually up to 10 cm (4 inches) below that. These ones are installed deliberately lower.
This is not a defect. There is no standard for window handle heights.
Operating these relatively small windows should be easy even with this handle placement.
I would find something else to worry about on the construction site. There will definitely be more to come.
This is not a defect. There is no standard for window handle heights.
Operating these relatively small windows should be easy even with this handle placement.
I would find something else to worry about on the construction site. There will definitely be more to come.
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