ASHP & triple glazing

[Stinsy]

Checked with installers and the second trapezoidal glazing unit that should have shown up on Monday is nowhere to be seen. I am now mentally bedding in for a 12 week wait before the second unit shows up and i allow installation (part 3) to commence..

It was being 'fast tracked' via a company in Ireland. What could possibly go wrong by shifting the manufacturing one island over?

It's odd how all the grand designs shows highlight the enormous hassle and lead times with glazing. Yet living through it is a whole new level of pita to me. If i've learned anything it's that rectangular wins.

We are fans of Grand Designs in this house! And the glazing always features prominently. Sorry Joe, but I'm the one shouting at the telly: "Why did they need a silly shaped window in the first place? Two smaller panes would've been way cheaper!"

, yes indeedy! Even stranger, it was one of the installers (the one having the nightmares) that suggested we go full size one piece for the trapezoidal spaces. Oh the regrets he must be having...

Too late now laddie, crack on!

BTW, building off grid from the US is worth a look too. Some stunning locations.

I went through a stage of watching the various "Building off-grid" US TV shows. The fantasy of building your own homestead is a strong one. I was always bewildered at the complete and utter inability to use a hammer or handsaw across the pond. Every nail must be driven home by the biggest nailgun you've ever seen and even the smallest piece of wood must be cut with an enormous circular saw. This often follows a painstakingly long-winded explanation of how far from civilization they are. So that air nailer and its compressor was carried in a mule?

Still makes compelling viewing! I quite like "Wild Wonderful Off Grid" on yoooochooob if you like the American self-build thing...

[Joeboy]

We are fans of Grand Designs in this house! And the glazing always features prominently. Sorry Joe, but I'm the one shouting at the telly: "Why did they need a silly shaped window in the first place? Two smaller panes would've been way cheaper!"

, yes indeedy! Even stranger, it was one of the installers (the one having the nightmares) that suggested we go full size one piece for the trapezoidal spaces. Oh the regrets he must be having...

Too late now laddie, crack on!

BTW, building off grid from the US is worth a look too. Some stunning locations.

I went through a stage of watching the various "Building off-grid" US TV shows. The fantasy of building your own homestead is a strong one. I was always bewildered at the complete and utter inability to use a hammer or handsaw across the pond. Every nail must be driven home by the biggest nailgun you've ever seen and even the smallest piece of wood must be cut with an enormous circular saw. This often follows a painstakingly long-winded explanation of how far from civilization they are. So that air nailer and its compressor was carried in a mule?

Still makes compelling viewing! I quite like "Wild Wonderful Off Grid" on yoooochooob if you like the American self-build thing...

I'll have a look at that, cheers. Watched one last where earthbag domed house was built in the Arizona desert. I had no idea that earthbag homes were an offshoot of plans when we finally get to other planets?

I also like a debarker run off a chainsaw and any onsite board cutting. Something incredibly fundamental about that.

Not seen a twinfall pulley in action yet (1/2 speed/twice the load), big old gear they hoy about on a single string and apparently taglines haven't made it there yet. Some of the cranelifts (likely come in on the same donkey as the compressor) are sketchy beyond belief and they stand there grinning. Dodged death again Ma, look at me go!!

Nonetheless, hugely entertaining!

[Joeboy]

Friday passed by without update on the second trapezoidal glazing unit. I don't expect the second unit to show up before Monday 26th May which is the current agreed date for Part 3 installation to commence. I'm not letting them back onsite until they have both trapezoidal units and are ready to do the lot.

The unit manufacturers are already 1 week late in supplying the hot shot guaranteed 1 week turnaround replacement glazing unit. The question is, how long will it actually take?

We are currently two weeks in, week 3 commencing Monday. I'm saying the full 12 weeks (Monday 21st July) before they fit. Anyone?...

On the upside the electric blinds are on their way North. I can fit them on my return.as they are twist n go lock in place.

Easy enough removed come the day.

[Bugtownboy]

I’m sure you’re on this Joe, but before you accept he new units, check that they look exactly the same.

Being produced by different suppliers may give slightly different looking units.

Small differences can really grate over the years you’d have to live with them.

[Stinsy]

Friday passed by without update on the second trapezoidal glazing unit. I don't expect the second unit to show up before Monday 26th May which is the current agreed date for Part 3 installation to commence. I'm not letting them back onsite until they have both trapezoidal units and are ready to do the lot.

The unit manufacturers are already 1 week late in supplying the hot shot guaranteed 1 week turnaround replacement glazing unit. The question is, how long will it actually take?

We are currently two weeks in, week 3 commencing Monday. I'm saying the full 12 weeks (Monday 21st July) before they fit. Anyone?...

On the upside the electric blinds are on their way North. I can fit them on my return.as they are twist n go lock in place.

Easy enough removed come the day.

I like to phone them up every day, asking politely for an update. If they have no progress to report, then ask them to get on it and you'll ring again in an hour.

Hopefully you've only paid 50% (or whatever) of the entire project so they have a large financial incentive to get it sorted.

[Ronski]

I thought it was the glazing units, not the frames.

[Joeboy]

I paid 20% deposit. Thanks lads, we've spoken about the glass, colour, thickness, kite mark positions, glazing bars etc. Nonetheless, it will all be thoroughly inspected and rejected if not bang on. If they don't match perfectly it will be back to the drawing board and the full 12wk wait again. At that point they may cut losses and run.

The frames (which were remade) to the correct size are OK apparently. The forklift smashed single trap glazing unit is being re made in Ireland.

They say they are on it all and it's the window supply company that have fuct it up.

Maybe true but they've played a strong role themselves by not pursuing and letting apathy rule, due diligence has been completely absent.. I'll head in past window supply once home from Edinburgh and see what's what.

This is truly a test for me and one I'm trying hard to embrace as a learning moment. I'm getting better at it but will never be great.

Swmbo says they are a shower of useless bas**rds but that is just her high standards and low tolerance shining through!

At the end of it there is the option of "you've got the 20%, there's another 10%, now f**k off, see you in civil court" but I don't want to go that route. It's toxic and being pragmatic causes more delays and hassles for me. We'll get there. Its worth sharing here for others to avoid any same/similar trip hazards and tbh acts as a great vent for me.

Right now they are in strong financial debt for this job and have a strong incentive to complete correctly.

I tell myself I'm closer to the end in the job than the start and go wooosahhhhh. But I am very glad i'm holding 80% of the money and not relying on their honour only.

They've got two traps, a HUGE recantuglar and a small fixed rectangular unit to install as well as trim etc, then they're done.

It really is a pisser as the product and installation itself have been excellent.

As Granny said "Nothing worth having should be easy".