Advance payment for the window installment

Hello everyone

Our general contractor has informed us that the window manufacturer is offering a discount and wants to pass it on to us. This discount only applies to orders that are confirmed and paid before the end of this month. We are still far from the phase of installing the windows (we are just getting started).

What risks are associated with making such an early payment for the windows before they are actually installed in our house? Are there any ways to mitigate these risks?

Thank you very much Best regards

If the discount is so great, one might wonder why the general contractor does not advance the payment and secure the discount for themselves. If even the professional does not want to do it, why should you?

That is a completely different perspective. But the [GU] may have its own reasons that do not apply to me. These could be, for example, problems with cash flow or whatever.

I do not have cash flow problems, but other risks could come my way.

I am only thinking of the risk that the [GU] or the window manufacturer becomes insolvent before the windows are actually installed. I am not sure if there is any protection here or if there are other risks.

Under no circumstances pay in advance. A reputable window supplier wouldn't need something like that at all. For a few bucks saved there, I definitely wouldn't take the risk.

That is a completely different perspective. But the GU may have their own reasons that do not apply to me. These could be problems with cash flow or whatever.

If the GU has such cash flow problems that they can't make a payment for the windows of a single-family house, you probably already have a problem anyway.

Ask the GU again carefully if they can send you a copy of the offer so that you know it's legitimate. You can say that various people have advised you against making advance payments.

What risks are associated with such an early payment for the windows before they are actually installed in our house? Are there any ways to mitigate these risks?

On the one hand, you have the risk that the general contractor goes bankrupt in the meantime. Then you can dispute the money with the insolvency administrator. As has already been said, normally a general contractor would advance the payment in such a case and pocket the discount for themselves. On the other hand, you order windows according to the plan. Masons are not necessarily a trade known for millimeter precision. While it is then the general contractor's responsibility, in the worst case, two windows might not fit.