Experiences of Importing windows

Just received my second and final delivery for windows from Latvia about two weeks ago. Like most people who decide to go down this route the decision was mostly based on cost. I needed some large aluclad triple glazed sliding/folding units and about 18 fairly large windows. The cheapest quote i got here was about 36K. I got them for 19k from Latvia. Now I had to add VAT (via builder at 13.5% - initially thought we might be VAT exempt but after discussions with those in the know we were liable) cost of transport about 1.5k & transport insurance €100. I knew someone who dealt with this firm previously so I had a go between and felt comfortable enough. Overall experience wasnt great , we got all our windows ok but it took 6 months from start to finish. Luckily the build had stopped anyway due to other circumstances but if we were waiting for them to continue building it would have been a disaster. I had no problem with communications, as they spoke good english, but the firm was careless. We only received half the windows on the first shipment in may, as they managed to break some of the windows trying to load them on the truck , so these had to be remade. Also they got some of the sizes wrong on the first shipment so these too had to be remade. In fairness they did correct all their mistakes and paid for the cost of transport on the second shipment themselves (1K)but it was very stressful. I went so far as threatening them with the ECC (european consumer center) at one point but them came good eventaully. Its not that they were going to screw me but they were just very slow and careless. That said the window I received are of superior quality and have been commented on as such by most in the trade who have seen them. Its easy to say I would do it all again now that I have my windows all nice and safe but be warned, its not for the faint harted.

I saw mention of this issues before with sliding doors and letting in water. My largest single panel is 6 meters in lenght with a 3 meter sliding section. Its currently sitting on a pallet in my neighbours hayshed. Im already having nightmares about the the possibility of the same scenario, as anything that could go wrong did go wrong in my experience. Hopefully I catch a break on this though as im sure my luck is about to turn!
+1 on the installers too, Ive already had one guy who looked at the sections and said the the best thing he could do for me was to walk away. mmmmm, these things always look great on plans and in your head, however the pratical implications of these decisions are ones which are easily overlooked.

Just wondering if you have had any issues with your imported windows and doors since your last post. Can you pm me the suppliers details as well please.

One problem I have seen with these before is that they sometimes do not comply with Irish building regulations, having been made for a different market. Things like safety restrictors, trickle vents, provision of toughened glass, fire escape areas - important things you need to get right.

-snip-
did you go with these windows in the end? how did they work out?
i see -snip- are the supplier of their diffusers.

hi we don't mention company names, have a read of the forum charter

Can you please pm me company names that your happy with for your windows please? TIA

newstyle wrote: »

Hi, no ones lacquered wooden windows and doors like humid Irish winter, even Irish made . About seals I think in todays world they can be ordered even from china with no problem.

Only an idiot would lacquer the outside of a window. As with everywhere else, China produces goods of various degrees of quality.

I know of a house with Windows of about 10-15 years old from a well known company. A window was broken and butchered a bit. Trying to get replacement slips to hold in the glass was a nightmare

It was a case of old window - no spare parts

galwaytt wrote: »

I'm not in the window business, and I don't supply them, but we do put up structures where people have bought them and used both domestic and imported suppliers. We have also used, in a small building of our own, some imported windows, whilst our new offices used Irish-made windows. In my own house I imported internal doors.

I have seen entirely successful implementation of both, but I've also seen some disasters.

My 0.02 would be this: unless the importer has people on the ground here, backup, warranty and so forth will be difficult. Think 5 years down the road when you need a replacement handle or hinge. That fits. That's when the fun starts. Or you break a window (kids/football .. ??). Who will make and fit the replacement pane and fit it as per the factory ?

Just like here, there is good & bad abroad, but I tend these days, whether buying anything from a TV to kitchen unit, to value some support and backup. Your house is not a commodity, and you really don't want to revisit some items in a few years time and only then discover you have issues.

sheff the ref wrote: »

I second that!!

I researched a load yesterday, PM me if you want details.