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...
B
Bauexperte4 Mar 2016 14:37@Peanuts
I find your assessment of my work—mildly put—arrogant! As if I were the poor lamb being led to the slaughter.
People aren’t machines; they make mistakes and don’t always think of everything all the time. Your execution plans clearly show which window is installed where in the townhouse; most likely, they even include a note like "no roller shutter." You certainly must have discussed the townhouse’s lighting. If I recall some of your initial posts here correctly, you were not the easiest person to work with. So, it’s possible that your planner assumed you were knowledgeable enough that the drawbacks of that window solution didn’t need to be explicitly pointed out—or simply forgot to mention it. Neither of these constitutes a defect.
And since you are coming up with a change _after_ the windows were installed—one that only you could have ensured was implemented on time and would have only added the extra cost for film or frosting—you are now looking for someone to blame for the additional costs? I’m sure you have a mirror.
Regards, Bauexperte
Bauexperte
I find your assessment of my work—mildly put—arrogant! As if I were the poor lamb being led to the slaughter.
People aren’t machines; they make mistakes and don’t always think of everything all the time. Your execution plans clearly show which window is installed where in the townhouse; most likely, they even include a note like "no roller shutter." You certainly must have discussed the townhouse’s lighting. If I recall some of your initial posts here correctly, you were not the easiest person to work with. So, it’s possible that your planner assumed you were knowledgeable enough that the drawbacks of that window solution didn’t need to be explicitly pointed out—or simply forgot to mention it. Neither of these constitutes a defect.
And since you are coming up with a change _after_ the windows were installed—one that only you could have ensured was implemented on time and would have only added the extra cost for film or frosting—you are now looking for someone to blame for the additional costs? I’m sure you have a mirror.
Regards, Bauexperte
Bauexperte
EveundGerd6 Mar 2016 10:07Last week, our neighbor had three window panes replaced. All of them were replaced from the inside.
If you have any doubts, you should hire a glazier to inspect the work. Maybe you also have an expert supervising the construction? Then ask them.
You are neither the first nor the last with fixed glazing. And from personal experience with a 3.5m (11.5 ft) pane: it works without any problems.
If you have any doubts, you should hire a glazier to inspect the work. Maybe you also have an expert supervising the construction? Then ask them.
You are neither the first nor the last with fixed glazing. And from personal experience with a 3.5m (11.5 ft) pane: it works without any problems.
P
Polle 19676 Mar 2016 18:39How about possibly using a decorative window film if you are unsure whether the renovation will work out? That would be an alternative.
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Peanuts747 Mar 2016 06:56Sebastian79 schrieb:
Piece downwards, then diagonally and out.
I would simply ask the window manufacturer what they say about it.The other day, a customer service representative came by and said that the pane can’t be removed that easily...
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Peanuts747 Mar 2016 06:58Polle 1967 schrieb:
How about maybe a decorative film on the glass if you’re not sure that the construction will work out. That could be an alternative.It’s not about how we replace or tint the glass now. Of course, that can be done with a film. The question is what happens if the glass breaks later...
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Peanuts747 Mar 2016 07:00Neige schrieb:
No designer or window manufacturer is crazy enough to install a window that cannot be replaced later.Apparently, that’s not always the case. A friend wanted to have his garage built slightly higher or lower, and the “architect” planned it in such a way that there would have been a “step” in the street!
That’s why “impossible” doesn’t exist. And I really don’t understand why some people (which sounds very arrogant to me) claim that I could surely figure it out.
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