THAT is the great question. CAN YOU PICK YOUR BUILDER?

I don't believe you can pick your builder.

Oh I am sure they will put the ixnay on that.

I hesitate to name my builder publicly - I still need stuff done and I don't want any problems. Send me a private message. What I DID learn is that the builder uses the products supplied by his project manager. The project manager on my house told me that I have the right windows, that they were expensive, and that there's nothing wrong with them. I am now going to conact his supervisor. I have his name also.

I speak fluent pig latin....the truth.

Do you suppose you could take a picture of your windows? Here is a picture of mine.

Window Lips
 

We bought our Wisteria last summer, and our windows have top and bottom lips- very easy to open. Do your windows have the grids in them? Ours do- I was wondering if the different style windows (gridded vs no grids) match up with the lips/no lips. Interesting- I hope you get your windows adjusted so they're easier to open.

Here is the answer I FINALLY recerived regarding my windows...and I got it from the distributor and manufacturer. Supposedly, the windows were chosen because they can withstand winds of up to 120 miles per hour (in case of hurricanes), which is helped because there is no lip at the bottom. Let's hope I never have to see if it's true. Why the project manager couldn't tell me this, since he chose this type of window in the first place, remains a mystery.

Would an engineer please come in and tell me how an interior lip would affect the window's ability to withstanding high winds? (Where's Tony when you need him?) Was the manufacturer blowing gale-force smoke or does that explanation for the window being designed without a bottom interior lip make sense? :undecided:

I can get the windows up and down (I'm 5'4") but the locks are very hard to open and close, so for fresh air I just open the lanai door and the front screen door. I never touch the windows.

Oh, Pturner, if I only knew who to believe about this. All I know is that these are the windows I have, that was the explanation I received, and if I want them replaced (all 11) then it's my dime.

what does the wind outside have to do with a lip to open/inside have to do with it?

you add small handles that match color wise.

But I would continue to demand a fix or or take them to small claims court, I guarantee that when they get a notice to appear in court your windows will be fixed.

Hi judge here's a picture how can I open them???

The Honey Approach
 

Since it appears arguing isn't going to work, here's a thought. It might not work either, but you have nothing to lose by trying. What if you were to call Janet Tutt-- if that's not the right person, somebody please suggest another name.

Tell her that you've purchased here and love everything except one really big disappointment. Explain what you've told us about your windows and about the bad luck in having this type window installed when windows with bottom ledges are also commonly used by TV builders. Ask her if there is any way TV would be willing to ask the builder to change out your windows for the other type. If she says no, ask her if for advice on whether someone else might be able to assist you.

It might be a long shot, but why not ask. If it doesn't work, you might want to seriously consider biting the bullet and buying windows you like and having them installed. It might be worth the cost rather than letting the windows dampen your enthusiasm for your new home.

Oh no. All these windows in the 60,000 previous homes will blow out if the wind gets to gale force. Such a crock. The bottom lip that is "normally" used to lift the window to open it has nothing to do with the strength of the glass to protect you from wind. If anything that lip which adds a 90 degree bend in the bottom support would slightly improve the strength of the frame. It may be a stronger window just with a different design, but the ability to open and close them can be built in to any window. Someone is blowing smoke up you know where.

Go after it as a safety issue. I can't get out of my bedroom window if the home is on fire because of the difficulty in opening the window. The only chair I have to throw though it is an over stuffed one I can't lift. If they suspect a liability issue, those windows will be gone.