Window Install Delays.. What Causes Them?
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Snowstorms are just one reason your window install may be delayed. Read this blog for more reasons.
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Window Replacement: Why does it take so long to get my windows installed?
/As technology continues to get better we seem to be retraining our brains to get everything we want very quickly. Gone are the days when you take all 36 pictures on your role of film and drop then off at the drugstore .. only to wait several days to be delighted to see birthday pictures from 4 months ago. Heck. I may have taken 36 pictures yesterday. And not only have I seen all of them, but so have my family and friends. We live in an instant gratification era.
But not with home improvement.
Nope.
Not with home improvement.
Home Improvement is still run by humans. All humans. Humans who get sick, who make mistakes and get delayed by things out of their control. All the time.
Waiting for your windows to be installed is the worst. We get it. For every person who has finally made the decision to replace windows in their home that decision has been a long time coming. Windows aren’t an impulse buy. They aren’t sexy. They aren’t necessarily even fun. And the process to make the decision can feel complicated and confusing because it is new. So when you choose a company and you sign the contract you feel like you’re done waiting.
But window replacement isn’t as easy as waving a magic wand… even though we wish it was. You’ve heard our latest radio ad, right?
So what is happening while you’re waiting? Enjoy this peek behind the curtain. After you make the decision and sign the contract the following things are happening back at the office.
Final measure and materials checklist appointment is scheduled. That appointment reviews the job, takes exact measurements for ordering, and creates a checklist for other items that will be needed when the install date arrives.
The order is placed with the factory. It goes through a 3 step review process for accuracy and then your custom windows are produced. By people. Awesome hardworking Midwestern people
When they are finished they are loaded on truck, which we receive weekly into our warehouse.
We prep for installs by purchasing all non window and door items separately. This includes gutters, gutter topper, caulking, coil, custom jamb boxes, jamb material, stops, paint or stain for touch ups, door hardware, keys, and storm doors. Depending on the job, we could be ordering and coordinating with up to 8 different suppliers to get everything set for you. The idea is that when the installers show up they have everything they need to complete the job for you.
Administratively we schedule the measure appointments, complete all bookkeeping and data entry requirements, manage status on all pieces of the job ordering, obtain permits, complete required lead abatement documentation, create invoices and collate install folders. Amidst that we do our best to provide updates to you so you know we are working on the job
Installs are scheduled in as close to the order they were sold in as possible. We generally call you to schedule the exact install date 1-2 weeks in advance. On odd occasions we have a next day install open up so if you are available for short notice, tell us!
Still with me? I know. It’s so much. But all of it is happening behind the scenes after you place your window order. All of these things are why you’re waiting. There are no shortcuts. Window replacement is the opposite of instant gratification. It takes time. It just does.
The one thing we know though… it’s worth it. Every time. And you’re gonna be so glad you did this.
For a more in-depth guide on window options along with some insider tips and tricks on buying Download our FREE eBook.
We are a shop at home company specializing in replacing windows, siding, roofs and front entry doors. As we sit with you and learn about what you want to change on your home we can provide the best product and color options to you. You can expect lots of questions from us as we try to understand what you're looking for. For that reason, it is best if both homeowners are there. We commit to giving you a detailed, same day estimate.
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 catupulted to the 11th largest* 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 throughtout 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 2018.
Innergy: Introducing Innergy in all UniShield Replacement Windows
/This blog introduces Innergy rigid thermal reinforcement for Unishield replacement windows.
Innergy technology has arrived! The UniShield vinyl replacement windows, offered exclusively by Universal Windows Direct Dealers across the country now offer Innergy as the latest must have upgrade. What is it? It is an advanced fiberglass reinforced resin insert that is specially designed to slide into window and door chambers to provide greater insulation AND greater support to your window frames.
Why is Innergy better?
Thermal Break and Energy Performance: Think of Innergy as a secret weapon against wasted energy. By providing a strong thermal break in your frames it makes sure that you stay as comfortable in your home as you deserve to be. Not only that, but it provides another layer of protection against indoor condensation that can build up.
Strength. The Innergy composite provides strength and structural reinforcement in your window or door frames. It also provides a superior impact performance – keeping your home safer in extreme weather situations.
Innergy is green. Inside and out. As a soy based resin component it is an environmentally safe green product. It is plant based, made of renewable products and fully made without the use of styrene or peroxides.
Simply put, better construction equals a better window. Isn't that what you want?
Contact Steve the Window Guy from Universal Windows Direct for your free, no obligation estimate of UniShield replacement windows with Innergy. He can come out to your home, talk to you about your project, and provide a free - hands on demonstration of what Innergy looks like. We are confident that after you see this amazing technology for yourself, you won't consider buying replacement windows without it!
Author: Melissa Brager
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Hiring a Window Contractor: Why going with your gut is a good idea
/Hiring a replacement window contractor can be tricky. Go with your gut. In my “former life” as an HR professional we had to always make decisions with facts. Facts. Facts. Facts. Hiring decisions were based on skills and work experiences.. We were literally told to ignore our gut. Guess what? When you are the homeowner and you are considering making an investment into your home GO WITH YOUR GUT!!
He seems friendly, right?
Like it or not, any home improvement project, from just a window replacement or door replacement or new vinyl siding to a full on room remodeling project means your home is exposed. Your life is disrupted (if only for a day) and your home undergoes change. You don’t want to trust that to just anyone. You certainly don’t want to trust it to just the “guy with the lowest price”. What DO you want?
The best product. The product that looks and feels like “your house”
The best warranty. You don’t want to buy the cheapest stuff and then go through this all again in a few years, do you?
The contractor with a good reputation. You checked him out, right? He isn’t the guy the BBB has listed with an “F” rating, or the guy with unresolved complaints against him in the double digits, right?
The contractor who is punctual, clean, put together, and well… likeable. If he is in your home to give you a quote and you ALREADY don’t like him (because he is rude, or talks down to you or talks over your head, or who you catch in a lie, etc) why would you invite him back?
The contractor who listens to you. It’s all any of us want, really. To be listened to. Ask questions.. Tell him your concerns. Give him a chance to answer everything and put any concerns you have to rest. Sometimes the sign of the best contractor isn’t the one who necessarily tells you what you want to hear, but the one who responds to you the most honestly
So next time you or someone you know is ready to talk to a window, siding, or door contractor they can trust, contact us. Experience what a non pushy, honest, and trustworthy home improvement contractor can be like!
Author: Melissa Brager, Universal Windows Direct
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Color options for replacement windows
Replacement Windows: Twin Cities Home Show Window Company
/Your mind is spinning.
You spent hours in the Metrodome over the weekend talking to vendor after vendor after vendor about every project on your wish list. You looked at so many pictures that your window replacement project suddenly turned into a bathroom remodel, a new deck, and some custom roll-outs for your kitchen. You bought salsa mix, a new pillow and some new sheets. You gathered business cards and company literature like crazy and once your bag was full you decided you were done. As you walked up the 79 steps (or so) to get out of the Dome you started wishing you had also bought a hot tub or a sauna to soothe your aching muscles.
But the instant you stepped outside and that biting cold hit your face you were back in reality. Windows. All that dreaming was fun but the fact remains that you still have that super drafty window in the living room by your favorite chair. And don't forget that window in your bedroom that is not only completely fogged up but actually has frost in between the panes of glass right now. You wish you would have set appointments to get it priced out. Back to reality.
So here you are sorting through information and looking up companies online. We thank you for stopping in our booth and we thank you again for looking us up online today. Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities, is a family run business offering the exclusive UniShield line of windows and doors.
We offer a foam filled main frame for extra insulation
Super spacer is standard in the glass package for longevity in window performance.
Options are available for every home and budget - including white, tan, and brown windows with maintenance free wood grain interiors.
So if you are a homeowner looking for replacement windows in the Twin Cities, contact us today and get started with a free quote. In as little as 6 weeks you can be enjoying your new, energy efficient windows.
Considering a new patio door and/or entry door? No problem! Quotes are always free, and you'll quickly see that the price does reflect when you buy direct.
Thanks for checking us out and we'll talk to you soon!
Author: Melissa Brager
Operations Manager, Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities
Townhome Window Replacement: Universal Windows Direct replaces windows in townhomes.
/Customer spotlight: Jerry and Linda.
We met Jerry and Linda at one of our outdoor events this summer. They are a couple living in a town home development. A town home development with windows in dire need of being replaced. After seeing a quick demo of our UniShield window they really liked the quality they saw and they wanted to get an estimate on replacing their windows. But…. Being in a town home they were worried about your windows conforming to the rules.
No problem.
We have worked with multiple town home communities throughout the Twin Cities to replace windows, patio doors and entry doors. We have met with town home boards to pitch our product and we have met with groups of homeowners to help them gain consensus.
What we have found is that the outside appearance of the windows is generally the determining factor in buying decisions. The town home community wants the look to remain consistent. I get it. If everyone has dark brown windows, the guy who replaces his with white stands out like a sore thumb. Similarly, if everyone has their white windows wrapped in white, but suddenly someone wraps theirs in dark green, the conformity of town home living is gone.
Our UniShield replacement windows and doors are 100% pure virgin vinyl with a smooth, streamlined exterior. Standard colors are white, tan and dark brown. Available upgrades include exterior paint colors including black, bronze and dark green, which tend to be very popular colors at town homes.
So what should you do first? Check with your town home association about the rules they have. You might get lucky and be in the same situation as Jerry and Linda. They learned that as long as they replaced their windows with WHITE 2 lite sliders, and then wrapped them in maintenance free smooth aluminum in a coordinating tan they could replace whatever they wanted. The appointment started with matching exterior wrap colors, and once we knew we could meet the requirements, we continued the discussion, and ended up replacing all of the windows in their town home. The neighbors liked how they looked so much, we ended up doing work for a few of them, too.
What is the moral of the story of Jerry and Linda? Don’t be afraid of calling us if you live in a town home. There may be a few extra hoops to jump through, but we are more than happy to do that. It is all in the name of new windows! Contact us today to get started!
Melissa Brager
Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities
Replace just a few windows at a time!
Aren't all windows factory direct?
Window install: How to prepare for your window install
/Getting your windows replaced can be really exciting. My favorite phone calls to make are the “your windows are here! Let’s schedule your install date!” phone calls. Often, the next question is “How do I prepare?”
Top 5 ways to prepare for your new window installation:
1) Clear a path for the installers to get to the windows. I am not calling you a hoarder. But most of us have piles. And once in a while those piles end up in the basement or in the corner of the bedroom. Right under that drafty window. If that happens to be the place at your house, just move the piles somewhere else so the guys can have easy access to the window without worrying about disrupting your things.
2) Take down any blinds, curtains or window treatments. The goal is to have a clean working space for the installers. If they have to stop and take down your window treatments, it is an unnecessary delay and an additional charge will be assessed to you.
3) Do you have a home alarm system wired to any of your windows or doors that we will be working on? You will need to call your alarm company before the install to have those wires disconnected (and then re-installed after the windows are in).
4) Clear the walls and shelves around the work area. This includes pictures on the wall, as well as trinkets or collectibles on shelves near the window. It is just better to be safe than sorry.
If you care about your items, protect them. That may sound harsh, but it is also common sense, right?
5) Dogs and Cats. Oh the stories we have. Window installation is loud. There are tools, there are strange voices, there are strange men in and out of the house. Dogs and cats can get skittish. They can bite. They can try and escape. Sometimes they do escape. And they RUN. So kennel them up during the install and don’t worry.
Sound easy enough?
Operations Manager, Universal Windows Direct
Check out these other great blogs:
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
Severe Weather: Universal Windows Direct MN can help after Severe Weather Strikes
/Did you do it?
Yesterday when the severe weather sirens went off did you look at the sky? Or did you quickly try and remember what day and time it was? I did it. I heard the siren, I turned my head to the window, then back to the person I was talking to as I realized it was not 1:00 on a Wednesday. My very next thought was.. “It really IS spring!!”.
I don’t like severe weather. Tornadoes scare me.
I’m not one of those contractors that gets the glimmer in her eye when she sees a storm might roll in. You won’t find me devilishly rubbing my hands together in anticipation of serious damage in a neighborhood. I’m too soft hearted for that. I don’t want anyone’s home ripped apart or destroyed and I certainly don’t want anyone getting hurt or forced to move. It happened to me once and it was too stressful. I didn't like it one bit.
But I digress.
National Severe Weather Awareness week is an important right of passage into spring storm season. Cities check their sirens, school children practice their “duck and cover” and evacuation routes and families talk about what would happen if they were home when they heard the sirens or experienced bad weather. The best way to stay safe is to have a plan. Know where to go. Stock the freezer with popsicles so in the middle of the night when you hear the sirens and grab sleeping kids out of their beds to rush to the basement at least you can offer them an icy treat. Life is less scary with a Popsicle. (right, Mom?)
When the storm has passed and you realize your home has seen some damage you don’t need to dread the onslaught of hungry contractors knocking on your door every 5 minutes. Just call Universal Windows Direct. We’ll stop out and give you our factory direct price on replacing your windows, siding, front doors or sliding glass patio doors. We can price the job with or without installation. Take that price to your insurance company or to your contractor and call us when you’re ready. We know you’ll love our prices and our non pressure sales after a storm. We also know you’ll love the solid construction and energy efficiency of our UniShield Windows, the construction of our doors that repel moisture from getting in to your home, and the hail resistant properties of our insulated backed siding products.
Here is to a safe and storm free spring! (eat a Popsicle anyway!)
Melissa Brager, Universal Windows Direct
Related Blog Posts:
How Universal Windows Direct can repair your home after a storm
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!
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?
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?
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.
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!
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
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Tempered Glass: Do My Windows Need to be Tempered?
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It always surprises me when homeowners and even some contractors are confused about why they need tempered glass. So here we are on the blog and I'm going to lay it all out there. Me. The wife of the window guy. The advocate for tempered glass.
Read MoreWindows at the Fair?: Top Questions asked about Windows at the Dakota County Fair
/How many replacement windows and siding companies are at the Fair? If you are anything like me you're freaking out about the fact that its mid-August. County Fairs mean that summer is coming to a close. As much fun as we have looking at the animals, watching the demo derbies, eating the fried food and looking at all the cool stuff in the exhibitor buildings we can't deny that school is around the corner, and winter isn't far behind.
As a window girl the County Fairs mean that I basically leave home for a week. I pack fruit, healthy snacks and sandwiches so I am less tempted by all the Fair Food. (If you've ever met me, you know this doesn't work very well.) I bring a book for the hours where no one is around, and I look forward to meeting my neighbors. I also do my best to tell interested fair -goers about our awesome UniShield windows and doors and answer their questions the best I can.
After 5 days and 55 hours at the Fair, I have compiled this list of Top Questions asked at the Universal Windows Direct Booth at the Dakota County Fair.
Q: Is that a wood window? A: No, the UniShield window is a vinyl replacement window. We are excited to offer three different wood grain finishes that give you the look of wood to match your cabinets, floors or woodwork, but in a 100% maintenance free vinyl finish.
Q: Are these replacement windows or new construction? A: Both. The majority of the windows we sell are replacement windows, but we do also do also sell to remodelers and we can order any window you need with a nailing fin.
Q: What if I want to install the window myself? A: We do sell windows directly to individuals and contractors. However, installing windows isn't for amateurs. If you're not totally comfortable installing a window please allow us to install it for you.
Q: What is your warranty? A: Universal Windows Direct offers the double lifetime warranty on windows. This means that your new windows will be covered for as long as you are in your house, and 30 years to the next homeowner. This is a non-prorated warranty. We stand behind the quality of our windows!
Q: Do you make awning windows? A: Yes. We can build any style window you need. Double hungs, sliders, casements, awnings, hoppers, garden windows, bays and bows.
Q: Where are the cows? A: The did leave for a night for a barn cleaning, but no worries... the next afternoon we had a huge cow trailer parade and they were all returned, safe and sound.
The cows are back!
Q: My window is really weird size. Can you do custom sizes? A: Yes! All of our windows are custom ordered to fit your rough opening. So bring us your weirdest size window and we'll replace it.
To everyone who stopped by our booth at the fair, thank you. I appreciated the chance to tell you about our great windows. If it was a particularly slow time of the day, I appreciate the visit. If you have any additional questions, or are interested in a free quote, contact us today.
Replacement Windows: How replacment windows are the same and different
/Isn't a windows just a window? Let's clear this up once and for all. Yes and No. Every window you see is both the same and different. As you're evaluating windows for your home, focus on what is different. Focus on the construction and the quality of the window See below.
Not all windows are created equal.
Windows all have the following things in common!
They all open and close, letting the fresh air into the house. (unless they are painted shut or the weights are shot so they can't stay open on their own)
They all have glass in them allowing you to see outside. (unless the glass is broken and the window has been taped shut)
They keep the bugs out. (unless the screen is damaged)
They let the light in. (and sometimes the UV rays too, which is why your sofa is faded).
They sit in frames in your house. (Sometimes they sit crookedly in the frames because the wood is rotting)
I think that is it. Now here are what windows have that make them different
Windows are built with materials ranging from wood to fiberglass to aluminum to vinyl
Windows may have one, two , or three panes of glass.
The glass package may be spaced using metal, aluminum, or structural foam.
The glass package may be insulated with nothing at all, argon gas or krypton gas.
The "fill rate" of the insulating gas varies by manufacturer. Yes, argon gas is nice but would you rather have a window with 50% or 98% fill rate of gas? (hint: this is not a trick question)
The window sash and frame may be glued or screwed together or it could be fused together for ultimate strength.
Window glass may be clear or glazed with multiple coats of Low E, which is basically sunscreen for the glass; protecting your living space from the harmful UV rays.
We all have a window that sits behind furniture. Some windows require two hands and a little strength to open and close. Some require just a finger. Construction matters.
Warranty is essentially how long the manufacturer expects the window to last. Some windows that look exactly the same will fail after 3 years. Some will not fail after 5o years. Which would you rather have? (again, not a trick question)
Finally, we have price. You can get a poorly made cheap window for anywhere from $189 to $900. Or you can get an excellent high quality window that will last for anywhere from $500-$1000. Don't be fooled by price. Choose a high quality window at a factory direct price and you'll be glad you did.
If you've been dreaming about replacing windows in your home and you've been overwhelmed by the options on the market, we understand. Contact us today for a personal consultation in your home and a free quote.
