Paying final balance on windows/doors

daisymac

Just need some advice.
What is the norm in terms of paying final balance for windows and doors? We paid a deposit when we ordered them, and then another lump sum when windows fitted, but kept back €1000 which we intended to pay once the front door was fitted and all adjustments made to the windows.

However window company now insisting that we pay this balance before the front door is fitted. Unfortunately there was nothing agreed in writing about when this balance was to be paid, so im just wondering what is your experience?
I'd like to have some 'hold' over them to make sure thay will come back and do the necessary adjustments to the windows once the plastering indoors is done.

DOCARCH

I'd be pretty sure when you ordered they set out there terms and conditions?

Most, if not all, windows companies insist on 100% payment on installation.

martinn123

I'd like to have some 'hold' over them to make sure thay will come back and do the necessary adjustments to the windows once the plastering indoors is done.

What "adjustments" will be necessary, as a result of Plastering, and is the responsibility of the Window Co ?

daisymac

No set payment T&Cs agreed - I'll know better next time!
Excuse my turn of phrase, The adjustments are not actually to do with the plastering, but just snags that we have found, but are happy to wait to have fixed until further along on the build.
The main adjustments are that the some of the window openings have not been set wide enough for fire exits, so they have to be readjusted, and few issues with handles.
We have had more problems with the doors, having had to have the back one removed and refitted, so I am keen to ensure that the front door is perfect before parting with full balance. Based on coversation today with company it seems like we can compromise to suit us both.

Gmol

1000 is a lot to hold back, can you comprise with 150 or something and they might be more receptive. Also confirm in writing what needs to be done prior to handing over the balance

daisymac

We have now agreed on an amount but good suggestion re confirming in writing what remains to be done - thanks

martinn123

daisymac wrote: »

No set payment T&Cs agreed - I'll know better next time!
Excuse my turn of phrase, The adjustments are not actually to do with the plastering, but just snags that we have found, but are happy to wait to have fixed until further along on the build.
The main adjustments are that the some of the window openings have not been set wide enough for fire exits, so they have to be readjusted, and few issues with handles.
We have had more problems with the doors, having had to have the back one removed and refitted, so I am keen to ensure that the front door is perfect before parting with full balance. Based on coversation today with company it seems like we can compromise to suit us both.

That's not an adjustment, that's a new window.

manufan16

From my recent and still ongoing experience with TG alu clad windows and doors I had installed on my build I would definitely hold back a minimum €1000.
When the external render was being installed to my house a couple of months after my windows and doors were fitted the render contractor noticed a warp in my door frame , for me this means unless my door is fully locked I can hear the wind blowing outside.
Not exactly ideal for your new air tight home.

The supplier made a number false promises and dates for repairing it and then stopped answering calls from me. Totally unprofessional in this day and age and considering the windows are doors are probably the largest single expense on your build you need to be extremely careful or you will suffer like me.

Unless your supplier has something to hide I don't see why they could not defer the final payment for a week or two after installation to confirm you are happy with everything and any issues identified are resolved.

Territo

Pay when your 100% content when job is complete,Im in the building game all my life and would not expect final payment until complete

martinn123

manufan16 wrote:

From my recent and still ongoing experience with TG alu clad windows and doors I had installed on my build I would definitely hold back a minimum €1000.
When the external render was being installed to my house a couple of months after my windows and doors were fitted the render contractor noticed a warp in my door frame , for me this means unless my door is fully locked I can hear the wind blowing outside.
Not exactly ideal for your new air tight home.

So you recommend hanging on to a payment for windows, for " a couple of months" until another contractor, finds a problem.......Strange.

Territo wrote:

Pay when your 100% content when job is complete,Im in the building game all my life and would not expect final payment until complete

I guess in your long life in the building game you don't buy many windows.

Territo

Im talking about when window and doors are finito and are finished to spec fitted plasterwork around reveals done etc, you not think so Martinn

martinn123

Territo wrote: »

Im talking about when window and doors are finito and are finished to spec fitted plasterwork around reveals done etc, you not think so Martinn

That depends if it's a new build, where the plastering, reveals etc, are at a later date, or replacement, where the window contractor does that work.
In the second event, I agree with you, in the first event, I disagree.

manufan16

martinn123 wrote: »

So you recommend hanging on to a payment for windows, for " a couple of months" until another contractor, finds a problem.......Strange.

Did you mean to quote me? Since when is one or two weeks " a couple of months"

imo final payment , even if just say 5% of total cost is held back until one or two weeks after installation it should be acceptable for any decent supplier to stand over their installation. it gives the buyer a chance to use the windows and doors on a daily basis to note any issues and fixed with some security that it might actually be done.

Territo

Yea Martin,I made a boo boo half watching the match and not reading the full thread.
On a new build if the client is waiting on door to be fitted in my opinion I would not pay the balance until it was fitted,Id give it to the window fitter on finish and if there are snags a reputable company should stand over them.

martinn123

manufan16 wrote: »

Did you mean to quote me? Since when is one or two weeks " a couple of months"

imo final payment , even if just say 5% of total cost is held back until one or two weeks after installation it should be acceptable for any decent supplier to stand over their installation. it gives the buyer a chance to use the windows and doors on a daily basis to note any issues and fixed with some security that it might actually be done.

The reference to a " couple of months " comes from your post, as quoted above.
It referred to a warp being discovered by the external render contractor.
In the light of your more recent post, a couple of weeks seems reasonable. At say 5%