Windows and Doors-when to order?

stilltryingit

We are starting a building project (floors poured) but no blocks laid. Builder would like us to wait until opes are completed then order windows from a local supplier. We prefer a non local supplier in terms of quality but would need to order from plans to have windows at the right time for the builder. Do people order from plans or should we wit til opes are complete and then measure? Its a block built, renber finish with no very complex windows/doors.

Gumbo

Start calling to your preferred suppliers now and ask what their lead in times are.
Some window companies have 12 week lead in times, some have 2, depending on styles etc

You need to be making a preliminary order soon and when the ones are in place the window guys will call out and measure themselves.

Arddon

On the when to order issue, I guess the fear is that the actual built opening does not match the plans, resulting in a window/door that doesn't fit which would be a disaster...

On a Timberframe build, is it safe to order off the plans, where the tolerance on the timberframe opening should be well controlled?

Arddon

On the when to order issue, I guess the fear is that the actual built opening does not match the plans, resulting in a window/door that doesn't fit which would be a disaster...

On a Timberframe build, is it safe to order off the plans, where the tolerance on the timberframe opening should be well controlled?

Gumbo

Arddon wrote: »

On the when to order issue, I guess the fear is that the actual built opening does not match the plans, resulting in a window/door that doesn't fit which would be a disaster...

On a Timberframe build, is it safe to order off the plans, where the tolerance on the timberframe opening should be well controlled?

No, never ever order from plans. Only order from as built works.
Plus, all window companies carry out their own survey and they will not put the windows into manufacturer until on site dimensions are taken.

4odh4n

sent plans to window company when building work started on my house in July, got provisional quote and was told to let them know when walls where up if I was going to use them. they were out last week measuring up, all openings are complete (block work) and roof is currently under way. agreed cost for a few changes etc, will be a 2 week turn around from them at the min

Gumbo

4odh4n wrote: »

sent plans to window company when building work started on my house in July, got provisional quote and was told to let them know when walls where up if I was going to use them. they were out last week measuring up, all openings are complete (block work) and roof is currently under way. agreed cost for a few changes etc, will be a 2 week turn around from them at the min

^^^^ Normal Practice.

ht9zni1gs28crp

kceire wrote: »

No, never ever order from plans. Only order from as built works.
Plus, all window companies carry out their own survey and they will not put the windows into manufacturer until on site dimensions are taken.

Ordered mine from plans. :cool:

Obviously no confidence in the blockies, site manager or detail plans themselves means a site measure before order which can add unnecessary delays to becoming watertight.

Gumbo

Catalina Ambitious Segregation wrote: »

Ordered mine from plans. :cool:

Obviously no confidence in the blockies, site manager or detail plans themselves means a site measure before order which can add unnecessary delays to becoming watertight.

Its one thing been confident in your own work, but to tell a client to order 20k worth of windows based on my plans and then hope that the blockie is as good as his last job, no, I couldn't risk it.

Theres not much of a delay in most cases, as the preliminary order is already in place, the factory/fabrication slot in the warehouse is already booked, so you are simply confirming ope sizes.

Kudos on ordering from your plans though.

Staph

4odh4n wrote: »

sent plans to window company when building work started on my house in July, got provisional quote and was told to let them know when walls where up if I was going to use them. they were out last week measuring up, all openings are complete (block work) and roof is currently under way. agreed cost for a few changes etc, will be a 2 week turn around from them at the min

Just wondering what company you used? I am renovating a house and we are considering changing the windows. Is 2 weeks a standard turnaround from order?

Gumbo

Staph wrote: »

Just wondering what company you used? I am renovating a house and we are considering changing the windows. Is 2 weeks a standard turnaround from order?

No not standard. Could be more depending on styles and size etc
Every company will be different.
Some may be less.

JonathonS

Staph wrote: »

Is 2 weeks a standard turnaround from order?

Possibly on locally produced plastic windows in standard colours. Locally made aluclad could be 4 weeks. Aloclad made in Denmark etc allow min 8 weeks.

fatty pang

kceire wrote: »

Its one thing been confident in your own work, but to tell a client to order 20k worth of windows based on my plans and then hope that the blockie is as good as his last job, no, I couldn't risk it.

Theres not much of a delay in most cases, as the preliminary order is already in place, the factory/fabrication slot in the warehouse is already booked, so you are simply confirming ope sizes.

Kudos on ordering from your plans though.

It's standard practice to order 'off plan' on large projects and has been for years. Small domestic projects with questionable project management might justify a site measure.