Windows

I had not seen the windows that Jan has chosen so she took me up to the workshop where they are made to see their displays. I was very impressed. The windows are steel frames, with powder coating in black, and a choice of very nice window furniture. They had a mock up of a three section mullioned window which looked really good with stone mullion frame and and two vertical mullion pillars.

Unfortunately I believe that our large windows are not going to feature these centre pillars. To include them, against the dimensions given in the plans, makes each individual window too narrow to meet the fire regulations for an escape window (minimum opening width 450mm, minimum opening height 450mm, minimum opening area 0.33m^2). This is very depressing as they look really good. I think I may talk the builder into changing the sizes tomorrow. He won't be happy about this as he has already posted an order with the mullion supplier as there is a long lead time.

Speaking of lead times, the window supplier also spoke of long lead times. Possibly up to 12 weeks. This is not good news, as they like to work from the dimensions of the actual appertures, and the lead time starts arter they have measured up. This means a wait from the time when the last window opening has been constructed, which could be a long time from now. We need to try and do something about this. I don't see why we can't pay a deposit and start the clock ticking now. We need to speak to one of the sales team, rather than shop-floor, to sort this out to our mutual satisfaction.

On the way home we stopped and photographed various houses that have windows that we liked, just to show what was possible. I even spoke to a builder working on a particularly nice new build near Chipping Camden. The windows he had used looked just like what we wanted, and he said that he had had no problems with fire regulations. Surely it can't vary from South to North Gloucestershire ?

We are deliberately choosing a window design that is completely different to the existing house, in order to create a contrast. The current Victorian cottage, with it's sash window style (pity that - the originals would be nicer) should still be clearly defined when we have finished. It is a gamble that we hope will pay off.

We have not seen much of the builders in the last week. They are waiting for the steels to be delivered as most work is now dependent on them.