Ordering windows before opening is built?

Phibsboro

Hi,

Apologies if this question has come up before. I am getting an extension done and the builders are pushing for a particular window/sliding door supplier as they manufacture here in Ireland and are able to do a quick turnaround, particularly on the sliding doors. They are saying that they will only order once the openings are actually built and so the turnaround time is key as the building will be open for that length of time.

So my question - is that standard? Is it ever possible to order windows/doors to a given size and then make sure you do the opening to that size?

If it is standard, does anybody know of any Irish manufactured aluclad systems where the windows are rebated (i.e. the opening ones are flush with the frame). That one feature is why I am looking beyond the crowd the builder wants to use.

Gumbo

Phibsboro wrote: »

Hi,

Apologies if this question has come up before. I am getting an extension done and the builders are pushing for a particular window/sliding door supplier as they manufacture here in Ireland and are able to do a quick turnaround, particularly on the sliding doors. They are saying that they will only order once the openings are actually built and so the turnaround time is key as the building will be open for that length of time.

So my question - is that standard? Is it ever possible to order windows/doors to a given size and then make sure you do the opening to that size?

If it is standard, does anybody know of any Irish manufactured aluclad systems where the windows are rebated (i.e. the opening ones are flush with the frame). That one feature is why I am looking beyond the crowd the builder wants to use.

Builder is correct.
Never, ever order any doors or windows without measuring the ope on site as constructed. Same goes for furniture, kitchens etc

BryanF

It sounds like there is no designer/specifier /contract administrator involved?

reniwren

Unless your builder is incompetent, you should be able to order off plans, you just give the structural opening sizes to whatever manufacturer and they allow a tolerance. Also don't just go with what the builder what's to order and gets cheap, its your house there are far better windows out there than M,J.

DOCARCH

reniwren wrote: »

Unless your builder is incompetent, you should be able to order off plans, you just give the structural opening sizes to whatever manufacturer and they allow a tolerance.

Agreed.

On small jobs it would be not unusual to order windows/external doors prior to external walls being built. Builder and window supplier would usually agree making sizes for the windows/external doors and ope sizes to be built (allowing suitable tolerances).

Phibsboro

There is an architect, going to meet him and the builder this morning. The builder is open to splitting the order so the existing front of the house is done by the firm I want, but then both firms raised their prices on their parts of the order and the whole thing would be too expensive. My gut feel is to go with whatever the builder is comfortable with, though it is interesting to see a diversity of opinion on here.

reniwren

I'm probably coming across as an arse but again its your house, your builders opinion on the windows you want is irrelevant.

Calahonda52

Phibsboro wrote: »

There is an architect, going to meet him and the builder this morning. The builder is open to splitting the order so the existing front of the house is done by the firm I want, but then both firms raised their prices on their parts of the order and the whole thing would be too expensive. My gut feel is to go with whatever the builder is comfortable with, though it is interesting to see a diversity of opinion on here.

The builder is open to ........suggests a massive kickback to his preferred supplier

SC024

Order off the plans, we do it all the time.

Phibsboro wrote: »

Hi,

Apologies if this question has come up before. I am getting an extension done and the builders are pushing for a particular window/sliding door supplier as they manufacture here in Ireland and are able to do a quick turnaround, particularly on the sliding doors. They are saying that they will only order once the openings are actually built and so the turnaround time is key as the building will be open for that length of time.

So my question - is that standard? Is it ever possible to order windows/doors to a given size and then make sure you do the opening to that size?

If it is standard, does anybody know of any Irish manufactured aluclad systems where the windows are rebated (i.e. the opening ones are flush with the frame). That one feature is why I am looking beyond the crowd the builder wants to use.

antiskeptic

Phibsboro wrote: »

Hi,

Apologies if this question has come up before. I am getting an extension done and the builders are pushing for a particular window/sliding door supplier as they manufacture here in Ireland and are able to do a quick turnaround, particularly on the sliding doors. They are saying that they will only order once the openings are actually built and so the turnaround time is key as the building will be open for that length of time.

So my question - is that standard? Is it ever possible to order windows/doors to a given size and then make sure you do the opening to that size?

If it is standard, does anybody know of any Irish manufactured aluclad systems where the windows are rebated (i.e. the opening ones are flush with the frame). That one feature is why I am looking beyond the crowd the builder wants to use.

I'd check out other suppliers than that very well known Irish manufacturer. They do make stuff from hardwood, which is a plus, but after that it goes downhill:

- a window which I've opened perhaps 3 times a year saw the hinge break 3 years in

- the ironmongery for another window which was more frequently opened started pulling away after a similar amount of time: threads in the metal into which the mounting bolts go is thin and wrung

- another job, two identical windows were made to different dimensions: different profiles used in the frame. Didn't notice it until much later and too late/difficult to call them back

- had difficulty closing two windows: lot of force required. Called back and fitted a different size receiver for the locking mechanism (the bloke says they have about three different sized one to account for manufacturing tolerances. Nice an easy close. Until winter, when I notices the close was so easy, it didn't actually close the window at the top and the wind was getting in

I've used other companies on other jobs and the windows, though more expensive, are much better. Never again that Irish joinery company.