Vinyl Windows, Siding and other great investments for your Home.

You’ve just bought the worst house in the best neighborhood. Now it’s time to spruce the place up a bit. But deciding how to split up your budget could make a lasting impact.

Kitchen & Bath.

Remodeling your Kitchen or bath is sure fire way to WOW guests and also give you a pretty nice return. Kitchen and Bath remodels are usually the most expensive when comes to construction with an average recouped cost of 66.75%. So what are the best investments when redoing your Kitchen or Bathroom? Keep the finishes traditional with all-wood cabinets and stone countertops. Save square footage by skipping the whirlpool tub and going for a walk-in shower. If you recently purchased an old home with a lot of charm but only one bathroom, it is a smart investment to add more Bathrooms rather than remodel your current one.

Home maintenance.

The major thing that homeowners often overlook is the structural things like windows, roofing, and a front door. Although choosing the right windows might not be as glamorous as choosing colors of granite countertops, it will improve the livability of the home as well as increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell. Investing in Home maintenance like windows or doors will give you the largest cost recouped in the metro with an average of 73%. It is important to remember that not all windows are created equal. Universal Direct windows are custom made for each home, while other window providers have one size fits all windows, Universal Windows Direct windows look like they were original to the home. An effective replacement window will keep the inner pane of glass warmer to the touch during winter and cooler to the touch during the summer. Our exclusive UniShield® system has been proven to be more effective than comparable products on the market today, which in turn, means more energy savings for the homeowner.

Curb appeal.

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions count. If the exterior of your home is lackluster, it doesn’t matter how nice the inside is, most buyers won’t get past the front door. That’s why siding has a recouped cost of 74.9%. Make smart decisions when it comes to siding, Vinyl siding looks great and is guaranteed to be maintenance free. Our exclusive UniShield Vinyl Siding offers endearing looks and enduring performance, making your vision for your home a reality. All of our vinyl siding delivers the warmth and quality appearance of wood without the costly, time-consuming maintenance and repairs. Superior panel thickness and an advanced lock design provide superior rigidity and exceptional holding power, keeping panels straight and tight in the most extreme of conditions. UniShield siding has been tested extensively and rated to withstand virtually anything that Mother Nature may throw at, including Gale-force winds, hail, as well as snow and ice during the winter.

Extra space.

A common problem for homeowners is running out of space. If you are living in a booming housing market, it might be to be too expensive to stay in your desired neighborhood while increasing your square footage. Make your current home, your dream home by investing in additions like extras bedrooms or bathrooms. Every 1,000 square feet added to a home boosts the sale price by more than 30 percent, according to the 2005 study for the National Association of Realtors. A new trend for home additions is hobby rooms. Whether it's an exercise room or room devoted solely to your antique stamp collection, it will increase the value of your home. The average cost recouped for home additions 53.4% But don't go square footage crazy, you don't want to price yourself out of your current neighborhood.

Call today Steve for a free in-home estimate

(612) 866-2888

Heat Stopper Technology: UniShield Windows Now Offer Heat Stopper Technology

This blog provides a brief overview of the Heat Stopper Technology found in the exclusive UniShield line of Windows from Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities

The heat stopper technology, as shown in a window sill

Heat Stopper technology.   It’s one of the latest enhancements to the exclusive UniShield line of replacement windows!    We know you have so many options when choosing a brand of replacement windows for your home; and we are confident that the heat stopper technology is going to make you love the UniShield windows even more!

What is heat stopper technology?  Simply put, it is technology that will stop the heat from escaping your home, keeping you more comfortable all winter long.  Put another way,  It is an ENVIRONMENTAL GREEN™  polyurethane foam-filled window frame and sash.

Replacement windows with heat stopper technology will provide you with increased energy savings all year.   This is because windows with heat stopper actually have an increased level of thermal performance.  They stop any cold air from circulating inside a hollow frame, which would cool down the overall window unit.  Stopping that cold air keeps the window warmer.  The performance of the heat stopper technology will lower the window’s U-value and increase the R-value.    Savvy homeowners know that better ratings equal better investments and lower heating and cooling costs.  The UniShield line of replacement windows can do both.

Heat Stopper technology is environmentally safe.   It provides a higher energy efficiency rating.   And it’s available exclusively in the UniShield window offered by Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities.  Take advantage of our factory direct pricing and start saving  money this winter!

What are you waiting for?  Contact us today for an in home demonstration and free, no obligation estimate.     We will show you samples of the windows and you can see the benefits of the heat stopper with your own eyes.

Author:  Melissa Brager, Universal Windows Direct, MN

Related Articles

Reasons to love a UniShield

Replacement Window Options

Universal Windows Direct: Making us Memorable

Window replacement companies in the Twin Cities.   Do you want to guess at how many there are?   It seems like there are thousands.   I can only imagine how confusing it must be for a homeowner to make a decision on which company to call for an estimate.     Even when a homeowner goes to a home show to look at windows it can be overwhelming because (and I swear I am not exaggerating here) 25-50% of the vendors at some shows will sell you a window.  Is it easier if you are looking for a siding or roofing contractor?  I don't think so.

Remember Us?

The challenge for us is being memorable.  So what can we do to become memorable?  When you see us at a home show what makes you stop and talk to us?   When you are surfing online for information what makes you stop on our page and explore for awhile?  What can we do to help you remember us?

I overhear sales guys on the phone making calls to homeowners they just met last week.  Those phone calls oftentimes start like this.  "From Universal Windows Direct. Universal Windows Direct.  Universal.  Windows. Direct." Our name just isn't ringing any bells to them.   They have looked at and talked to so many different window companies that everybody has started to sound alike. No matter how much fun they had in their home talking about their project with us, they just don't remember that the guy calling them on the phone is the one they liked.  Sometimes the homeowners actually say "Hold on while I get my notes"  and then they come back and say "OH HI!!  We like you!  Thanks for calling!"

Sure, it sounds a bit crazy but it makes sense.  It is human nature.   Shopping for windows can be like shopping for that perfect pair of dress pants.   Do you remember the last time you ventured into the Mall looking for pants?  After shopping for hours you finally decide on the perfect pair and you get ready to make your purchase.  But where was that store again?   What was the name of it?   Suddenly every store you go in to looks the same.   All the pants look the same.   All the sales people  sound the same.   You're so overwhelmed that you don't care anymore.  "These pants are fine", you tell yourself.  "The price isn't what I wanted but it is fine" You just want to be done.  You make the purchase and cross it off your list.

So here is my point.   We have plans to make us more memorable.  Big plans.  Plans to make us stick in your head..  catchy plans if you will.   Plans to make you smile when you see us.      We want you to know that when you are looking for a window  siding or door contractor we are the ones you are looking for.   We don't want there to be a doubt in your head that its us.  You are going to love working with us and we are going to take good care of you.

We can't wait to show you what we've been working on.   Next week's blog is going to be a doozie.   See you then!

Author:Melissa Brager

Tips on Visiting Home Shows

Replacement Window Contractors in Twin Cities

Hiring a Window Contractor

Shop Replacement Windows at a Home Improvement Show

Windows, Siding AND Doors!

Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities works home improvement shows and expos throughout the Minneapolis and St. Paul Metro area.   It doesn't matter if we are in a huge convention hall, driving in a parade, or sitting in a tent at an outdoor event.   We love to display our great product!

Here are just a few examples!

Hey Steve!

Looking for a new Entry Door?

Universal Windows Direct offers Wood Grain Vinyl Interiors

Wave at us in a local parade!

Entry Doors and Patio Doors? You bet!

View all of our available colors in windows, siding, and exterior wraps.

Dreaming of a bay window?

Factory Direct Windows: Aren't All Windows Factory Direct?

Window replacement can be a tricky business.  We work a lot of different events and home improvement shows to show our product and talk to homeowners.   I am always surprised when someone walks up to me and says “Universal Windows Direct…. What does that mean?”.  “Well,  it is the name of our company.   We are part of a national group of dealers that offer an exclusive product.  We buy directly from the factory and pass the savings on to you.”   Then the next question comes.  “Doesn’t everybody buy direct?”

Actually, no.   I mean, every window is purchased from some place, but each time it moves from the factory and touches someone else’s hands, the price goes up.   When you buy windows you are involving yourself in one of a few different scenarios.

1)          You are buying from a contractor who is buying from a supply house who bought them from the factory.   The factory just made a bunch of windows and if the supply yard or big box store happened to have them in the size you needed the contractor bought them and resold them to you.   And the price reflects his markup as well as the supply yard markup.   You can see the price getting higher, can’t you?  (Cha-ching!)

2)     You are buying from a big box store because they have a great sale going on.  I bet.   It is no secret that retail markups to consumers are extraordinary.  Constant sales and deep discounts only prove this to you.   Not only that, but even a brand name at a box store can be a lower end version of that brand.   It’s like buying brand name women’s clothing at a low end retail outlet.   The tag might be the same (or close) but you the quality just isn’t there.

3)     Or, you could buy your window from a brand representative who does work directly with the factory.  Every.  Single.  Day.   That’s how it works at Universal Windows Direct.  Not only do we have an exclusive product that no one else in the Twin Cities offers, but over 90% of our business is selling that product.   The volume of work we do, combined with the volume of our group  of dealers throughout the country allows to keep the  costs way down.   The price reflects when you buy direct. Seriously.

So how do you know?   Ask where your new window is right now.   If it is somewhere stacked up with all the other windows just waiting for you to choose it  (like the last Christmas tree on Christmas Eve)  it isn’t factory direct.   It’s warehouse direct.

The price reflects when you buy direct!

When you buy windows from Universal Windows Direct our sales representative discusses the styles, colors and options that you want in your home.   Once the decision is made, we have a trained installer come to your home to get an exact measurement of the size of your replacement window, and then the window order is sent to the factory to be built for you.    It literally has your name put on the window the second it comes off the line.   Here is a window recently made for the Peterson family.   Personally, I think that is very cool.   Higher quality, exactly what you want, the perfect size for the opening in your home.   At a lower price.   What more do you want? Get started today.

Melissa Brager

Operations Manager, Universal Windows Direct, MN

Other Articles you might find interesting:

Why all windows are the same, and different

Why your windows may be fogging up

Why customers love Universal Windows Direct

Home and Garden Show: Tips for Visiting Companies at the Home & Garden Show

Are you ready?   The Minneapolis Home & Garden Show starts today and extends through the weekend.    This amazing show fills up the Minneapolis Convention Center with hundreds of companies poised to show you their best.     It really is a massive sight and it can be easy to become overwhelmed...  especially if you have a specific project in mind, like replacing your windows, siding, or doors.

Visiting The Home & Garden Show is a fantastic way to talk with company representatives, see their products and determine who you want to get estimates from and work with.  But with so many different companies available how do you choose?  Fear not, dear reader, we have tips for you!

1. Evaluate their booth and display.   Think about that booth being your home during the project.    It is dusty, disorganized and cluttered?  Or is it clean, approachable and bright?   How has that company chosen to give you their first impression?

2. Is the booth staffed with knowledgeable and friendly staff?   Are they able to talk to you about the company and their products or does it seem they are just warm bodies working their hours?

3. When the booth staff is knowledgeable do they spend their time with you educating you on their product and the value they can provide or are they too busy pointing out flaws in the competition?   If it seems that the only way they think they can earn your business is by lying about the competition is that really the type of company you want to work with?  Consider how important professionalism and integrity is to you. 

4. Avoid signing up for "FREE" prizes or giveaways.   While there is a chance you could win the stated prize,  you know for sure you will win solicitation phone calls and emails from those companies for months or even years.  Unless you change your phone number.    Choose carefully who you provide your contact information to!

5. Do you LIKE what you see?  What better opportunity to view examples of work, or to touch and feel the various products side by side.  When shopping for windows, for example, you might think they all look alike...  but when you start opening and closing them and viewing the details in construction, you'll notice in a hurry what cheap feels like.    Don't you deserve quality?

Enjoy the Minneapolis Home & Garden Show and when you're there..  stop by and say hi to Universal Windows Direct.   We are located in Booth #3537...  not far from the kitchen stage at aisle 3700.    See you there!

Melissa Brager, Universal Windows Direct

Related Blog Posts:

How windows are the same, and different

Questions asked about windows

Window Terminology: Window Terms Starting with "V"

Vent

The movable framework or sash in a glazed window that is hinged or pivoted to swing open.

Vinyl

Polyvinyl chloride material, which can be both rigid or flexible, used for window frames.

Visible Light

The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that produces light that can be seen. Wavelengths range from 380 to 720 nanometers.

Visible Transmittance (VT)

The percentage or fraction of the visible spectrum (380 to 720 nanometers) weighted by the sensitivity of the eye, that is transmitted through the glazing.

For more information on window terminology, and to get your free quote on replacement windows from Steve the Window Guy click the button!

Steve the Window Guy for Universal Windows Direct is a full exterior remodeling company focusing on replacing windows, siding and roofing. Steve and his team of are experts in working with people just like you to create a plan for the most cost efficient way to complete your exterior remodeling project. We are part of a national dealer network that has catapulted to be a top 10 remodeling company in the nation. Locally we have an A+ rating with the BBB with zero complaints. Steve has been recognized by Universal Windows Direct as National Dealer of the Year three times for his hard work and dedication to getting things right. We are locally owned and operated in Bloomington, MN and work throughout the Twin Cities Metro. Updating your home can be easy.

We believe Steve the Window, Siding and Roofing Guy was just too long of a name.

*Source: Qualified Remodelers Top 500 List, Published September 2021.

Ideal Customer: Who is the ideal customer of Universal Windows Direct?

We laugh sometimes when people ask us "who is your ideal customer?".   The answer seems obvious - because our ideal customer is anyone who is looking for windows, siding, or doors at factory direct prices.

BUT.....   what that person looks like can be a whole different story.    What do I mean? Check it out.

Top 10 "Ideal Customers" of Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities

1. Your niece, the first time home buyer, who wants to update her old single pane windows that came with the house.

2. Your neighbor, who is selling their house,  who wants to upgrade the front door to something more inviting.

3. Your cousin, the Contractor, who is looking to get a better price on a great vinyl windows and keep a bit more cash in his pocket.

4. Our previous customers who replaced windows on the first level of the house last year, and are now ready to replace windows in the upper level.

5. Your co-worker in North Minneapolis, Fridley, or Forest Lake who was affected by the recent tornadoes and literally needs to replace the windows and siding in their home.

6. Your Mom or Dad who are looking to add a bay or bow window to the front of their home.

7. You.  Because you have spent your last winter with cold drafty windows.

8. Your aunt and uncle, who are building a 4 season porch full of windows.

9. Your boyfriend, the guy who can do anything - even install windows,

10. Your sister who has lived with that hail damage on her siding for two years too long.

No matter who you know or what their reasons are for calling, Universal Windows Direct will come to your home, discuss your project, answer your questions and leave you a price.   The price reflects when you buy direct.  Contact us today!