“We had new steel framed windows installed in our flat in Brighton in October 2022. The apartment is in a Grade II listed building and the windows needed to be like-for-like replacements. However, within 12 months of their installation, we noticed signs of rusting.
In August 2024, I approached the firm who had supplied the windows - which cost over £30,000, with installation in addition to this - and asked for their comments and proposals for rectifying the situation.
Their response - several months later - was to deny liability, as we had ordered standard finish not marine finish, and our flat is within 500m of the sea. This was despite their director having said that the repainting schedule at our block made marine grade an unnecessary expense.
Next, I approached the architect who had prepared the drawings to identify a specialist surveyor to produce a defect report, which was received by April this year (2025). I again put this to the supplier but their response was unchanged - no marine finish, so no liability!
I asked the surveyor for a recommendation for solicitors to take the issue further and he recommended CooperBurnett LLP. I spoke with David Brown and provided him with details of what had happened, along with the defect report and the bill of sale.
He acted very promptly and wrote a Pre-Action Protocol Letter of Claim to the supplier, demanding replacement. In the event, the supplier agreed to refund us – repaying the cost of the windows, expert report and legal fees. It was a very rapid and acceptable result.
I couldn't have asked for a more efficient and professional - and effective – service from David Brown and would recommend CooperBurnett without hesitation.”
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