Builder Claims “Wear and Tear” on Faulty Window Winders?

GourmetFoodie on 19/01/2023 - 22:22
Last edited 20/01/2023 - 09:05 by 1 other user

So we built a new house and moved in about 1.5 years ago. Flame me all you want but as I’ve mentioned in previous threads, this was a high end custom build with a boutique builder so having issues feels extra frustrating as I thought I paid for quality. Fortunately the water leak issue has been resolved but now onto the latest problem…

Since day 1 we moved in, we had issues with 2 window winders in a room not shutting properly and they were noted on the defect list and they were replaced. More recently these same winders have failed again and in strong gusts of wind, the windows are opening themselves! We have also had a window winder in our bedroom break off completely a few days ago and noticed at least 2 other winders in the house don’t close securely (you can hear the window is not shut 100%/air draft coming through).

Obviously they are all (profanity) quality but the builder is claiming it is “wear and tear” and not covered under builders warranty and he has no duty to fix or replace.

Hence I come to OzBargain for your expert advice.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Benoffie on 19/01/2023 - 22:33
    +18

    Window winders should not be failing after 12-24 months, even with regular use.

    What brand are the windows? I ask as my Stegbar awning windows are still going strong after 15+ years, even with the resident spiders, geckos and dust build up.

    • GourmetFoodie on 25/01/2023 - 19:21

      I know he went cheap…sigh…

  • bloom on 19/01/2023 - 22:35
    +3

    Same with every new build, if you didn’t spec the component on the contract your gonna get the cheapest

  • AustriaBargain on 19/01/2023 - 22:44
    +5

    Why would a "high end" home have window winders anyway.

    • jv on 19/01/2023 - 22:53
      +6

      I would have expected Bluetooth ones at minimum.

    • bobbified on 20/01/2023 - 01:06

      High-end homeowners still need arm exercises.

    • boomramada on 20/01/2023 - 12:52

      I'm not sure what OP try to achieve from the builder. After the first few months (Defective work claims), builder wouldn't care anything unless its structural and coming from a tribunal during the building warrenty period. Best is to contact the product manufacture and try to get a replacement, if you lucky.

      You are even lucky to get a response.

    • GourmetFoodie on 25/01/2023 - 19:21

      Yes. I didn’t think the windows through.

  • randomusername2017 on 20/01/2023 - 06:09
    +2

    windows are opening themselves!

    Poltergeist

    • Brian McGee on 20/01/2023 - 08:21
      +2

      "Automated with the wind"

    • Chandler on 20/01/2023 - 12:30
      +2

      windows are opening themselves!

      Some people actually pay more for this feature!

  • Porker on 20/01/2023 - 08:19
    +3

    My window winders failed just after a year of build. Volume builder said warranty was only 1 year

    I contacted the supplier and they said they had a bad batch roughly at the time when my house was built.

    I asked for a replacement winders and they said no. I went to their showroom and showed them the failed winders and they confirmed it was the bad batch unit.

    To progress the issue, i bought some new replacement winders from the manufacturer so easy re-install (dame drill holes etc). Winders were $30 each.

    As such, might be easier to simply replace than waste time trying to find a party willing to take ownership of the issue.

    • ihbh on 20/01/2023 - 08:24
      +10

      Depending on the amount of traffic into the showroom, you could have stood outside the door and showed your faulty winders to potential customers. They would have replaced your faulty ones quick smart.

    • GourmetFoodie on 25/01/2023 - 19:22

      Thanks mate. Sounds like they all play hardball. So frustrating.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/01/2023 - 08:22
    +2

    You overpaid for cheap junk. After 1.5 years, your boutique junk is now ready to be replaced. Try replacing it with solidly built items that have a long history of not breaking, or hand in your OzB license.

    • GourmetFoodie on 25/01/2023 - 19:23

      We did get some awesome things but the windows were a big mis-step. First ever build and learn the hard way. I have an excel spreadsheet of mistakes made so if I ever build again hopefully I’ll avoid the worst ones.

      • BlueGlass on 27/01/2023 - 22:25

        Share the spreadsheet! Just built a home myself, thing for me was not upgrading the garage ceiling. I thought that would be included when I asked for raised heights.

  • Krankite on 20/01/2023 - 08:27
    -5

    Are you using your window winders correctly? I know a lot of people get their window windows to do other household tasks such as cleaning or meal prep when they don't need their windows opened/closed? This will increase the wear and tear on the winder and will also see an increase in food costs.

    • 87percent on 20/01/2023 - 09:01
      +2

      Is this an attempt at a joke?

  • MrFrugalSpend on 20/01/2023 - 09:03
    +3

    If they were listed on the defects list, has it been less than 12 months since they were replaced?
    Often it resets the warranty when the particular part is replaced.

    Pity you aren't in NSW - there's statutory 2 year warranty on most things and longer on major structural things.

    • GourmetFoodie on 25/01/2023 - 19:20

      Thanks mate. I’ll look into this.

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