Handle position on the window not centered - defect?

Hello,

we have chosen anthracite-colored windows (outside) for our single-family house currently under construction. Inside, they are white. Furthermore, we have also determined the opening directions. In addition, we have not specified or approved anything else with our construction manager regarding the windows.

The windows were delivered and installed. They also look great until we saw the position of the handles. These are not centered (vertically) but are rather located in the lower third of the windows. Here are a few pictures:









We, of course, expected them to be in the middle of the windows. Our construction manager says this is standard and that the company "has always done it this way." Therefore, this would not be a construction defect.

However, when we look at the handle position in our current rental apartment and speak with other builders, construction companies, and window manufacturers, we come to a different conclusion. Here, the positions are centered, or, if nothing else is specified, the centered position is assumed.

Our construction manager and the commissioned window manufacturer justify this with a certain grid, by which the position depends on the window height. Here is the document that was sent to us after installation and inquiry:



This sounds logical, and I can understand it. In this way, costs are saved because only a certain number of standard drives need to be produced.

However, we were not informed about this situation and are very dissatisfied with the result. After all, we will see these windows several times every day for a very long time.

Does this fact constitute a defect that must be remedied?

Thank you in advance. Benjamin

Does this circumstance constitute a defect that needs to be rectified?

Did you explicitly order windows with handles in the middle? If not, it is not a defect. It sucks, but it can't be changed.

This is not a construction defect, but a lack of coordination. The construction company delivered the ergonomically better solution to you without being asked. It would be quite normal if this no longer bothered you after a short time.

Did you explicitly order windows with the handle in the middle? If not, it is not a defect. It’s sh..., but it cannot be changed.

Thank you very much for the quick response. No, the handle position was not discussed. We (as laypersons) also did not think about this point because until then we did not know any other position. Is there no obligation to inform on the part of the site manager/window manufacturer? We did not receive an offer/order confirmation that shows the position of the handles.

This is not a construction defect, but a lack of coordination. The construction company delivered you the ergonomically better solution without consulting you. It would be quite normal if this would no longer bother you after a short time.

Yes, I hoped that at first as well. Ergonomically, this definitely makes sense. (At least I'm trying to convince myself of that.) But so far, it bothers me every time I am in the house and see the windows.

What does the offer say about the handles and fittings?