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!

MN Storm Damage: How Universal Windows Direct will fix your home after a storm

Ah, Minnesota in the spring time.  Daffodils, street sweepers, warmer temps and ……severe weather.  We get it all... severe thunderstorms, hail, high winds, and sadly, tornadoes.  We know there are lots of companies in the Twin Cities area that are storm chasers.  Their business relies heavily on repairing homes after the big storms sweep through and leave entire neighborhoods devastated.

We think storm chasing is a little bit creepy.   We envision these contractors glued to the weather channel, gleefully rubbing their hands together and giggling with delight as the latest tornado warning is posted.  They fire up their trucks and show up in your yard just as you’re looking at the damage and feeling overwhelmed.  In the heat of the moment you will pay anything to have your house put back together again and they know it.

Universal Windows Direct, MN isn’t like that.

We understand how stressful it can be to have your house torn apart.   We are that company who says “Hey, a terrible thing has happened here.   I’ve been there and I can help you fix it”.

When you are ready to fix your house – to replace the damaged windows, siding, front doors or patio doors, then call us.   We work 7 days a week, night and day.   We will answer all your questions, we will show you our exclusive UniShield products, and will never leave without giving you a price.

We believe you can  put your home back together again with high performing, energy efficient products at  factory direct prices.  We will work with you to give you and your family whatever you need to get your home put together again.

The price reflects when you buy direct.  Quotes are always free and no job is too small!

Just another day in the office: Behind the scenes with Universal Windows Direct

Hi!  Welcome back to our blog.   I know I promised a more personal glimpse into the business, so here I go.

I started work today at 8:30 and this was my morning:

• General administrative paperwork

• Finishing up the blog on vinyl siding

• Receiving the latest window and door shipment   (everything we expected arrived, except the brochures for the upcoming show, of course)

• A meeting with a potential new credit card processing company.

On the way to the meeting we got a call from a lady who was referred by a customer of ours we installed a year ago.  I love that!   She was hoping someone had time to meet her at 1:00 today and luckily Steve was open.   He spent the afternoon with her talking about windows and ultimately selling them to her.   Of course, on the way he stopped to drop off some materials for the installers and on the way back he visited the install site again to check on progress and make sure the customer was thrilled.

Meanwhile, I ate my lunch (leftover spaghetti!) and planned out menus for the next week. You see, we have a big home show coming up this weekend and nothing - I mean NOTHING - makes you want to plan a menu more than the thought of being trapped in the convention center eating grease for 3 days.   Not only that, but I have learned that a person who works quite a bit from her home office gets much lazier about meals than a person who leaves to work in a cube.   If I don't have a plan, nothing happens.   But I digress.

I ran to the bank to make our deposits from yesterday, dropped off a cable box at the cable company, completed the grocery shopping ($35 in coupon savings!) and then ran to meet a remodeler at our warehouse to pick up the windows he ordered.

Since I was so close I went into the office to check on the status of a few orders and to check emails.   I didn't get the email I was hoping for.  Apparently L&L Exhibition Management, the promoters for the home remodeling show this weekend,  are running a TV ad to promote the show that features Steve at the beginning of it!     A friend of ours called to say she saw it today while watching "The View".   I'm dying to see it and so I called the company asking if they could email me a copy of the commercial.  Stay tuned.  If I get it I'm posting it!

Here it is, 4:00pm on this beautiful day I'm finally back at home and ditching the office in favor of the sunshine and the fresh air.   This is my favorite part of the day because I get to blog a little and do a little work on our web marketing campaign.  When I'm done out here I'll  get a little workout in and hopefully get started prepping for my garage sale.   That is, unless I get tempted with a nice long walk outside.

If you want to be part of our day - in the form of an in-home consultation for windows, siding, or doors, contact me.  I'll send Steve out and you guys will have a ball!

The price reflects when you buy direct.  Universal Windows Direct, MN offers you the highest quality home improvement products at factory direct prices.

A Cold and Rainy Weekend: Universal Windows Direct at the Farmers Market in Minneapolis

I’m sitting here this morning sipping my Costa Rican coffee that was roasted last Monday, shipped to the Twin Cities, and purchased by me at the Mpls Farmers Market on Saturday.   That is one thing I love about the Farmers Market.  You could find anything there.

Here we are - excited to start the day!

This last weekend the Mpls Farmers Market officially opened for the summer.  The alarm went off at 5am, the thermometer read 40 degrees and it was raining.   Normal people would not go out in this, but we were excited to get out there  and see the vendors we had missed all winter.  Here we are at the beginning of the day.   Mostly set up and still thinking the rain would stop.

The excitement quickly faded.  The rain did not stop.

Rain rain go away!

It picked up a few times.  It blew in at us.  It occasionally dumped off the awnings that were above us; but it did not stop. We could see our breath but we could not see any customers.   Let’s be honest.   It wasn’t Farmers Market weather.  It was stay at home and eat Pancakes in your PJ’s weather.   Lots of vendors never set up and many vendors left early.

Cold and rainy corner

Normally quite crowded, here is what our corner of the market looked like.  If you look really closely you can see Francis Metal Works right next to us. ( We love working next to Val.     He brought some fresh strawberries to share with us and we were happy to return the favor with some HOT fresh cut french fries a little while later.  But I digress.)

If you’ve ever met Steve Brager, then you know he doesn’t give up.   After Val left he decided to make the most of it and we carried our display up to the row of vendors that was mostly full and where we could hear the radio.  I was freezing cold so I just sat on my stool and tried not to let everyone I saw see how miserable I was.   Steve caught the second wind he was looking for and started talking to everyone he saw about everything that was there.  By the time we left he had talked customers into buying soap from Wild Twig and French onion soup from the market chef.   If you were there you overheard him saying:

• “You don’t need windows?  Well, you still shower right?  How about some SunSunny soap.   That sounds nice, doesn’t it?”
• “Hey you look cold.  Why don’t you warm up with some soup?  We have chili and french onion!”
• and, obviously "Windows?  Siding?  Doors?"

His efforts paid off as he even set a lead for windows for later this week!

I won’t lie.  I was happiest when he finally said “Let’s go.”  I had purchased a bag of Costa Rican coffee from the couple sitting next to me and I was anxious to get home and brew some.    We lasted 6 hours.

Next weekend it will probably be 70 degrees and sunny. Minnesota is just that crazy.   When you come out the Market stop by and say hello.  But if next weekend is another bone chiller, you can always visit our website at UniversalWindowsMN.com.

Farmers Market 2011: Meet Universal Windows Direct at the Minneapolis Farmers Market!

It may not feel exactly like spring yet...  but the Minneapolis Farmers Market opens for the summer this weekend!  

All summer long stop out to the Farmers Market Annex to visit with local growers, fresh cut flowers, specialty retailers, artists and  craftsman.  Support local business, enjoy live music and of course, visit with your favorite windows company!  

We'll be down there talking with homeowners about our exclusive UniShield replacement windows, siding and doors.   Stop out and see how the price really does reflect when you by direct!

Not only that, but smiles are always free!   See you soon!

Universal Windows Direct: Local Thoughts from the Office

Hi!    I'm Melissa!   

I'm the girl working in the office and when you call to schedule a free quote or to talk with one of the guys, I'm the one who will answer the phone.

You've maybe seen me out working  at Home Shows and Events throughout the Twin Cities area, but most of my time is spent right here in the office.  I'm sure you can imagine how interesting this job is.   Every day is a flurry of windows and doors being sold, measured, ordered, delivered, installed and paid for.  I work with some of the best guys I know and I love it.   They always show up with a smile, they are quick to laugh, they care about how they treat people and they are crazy good at their jobs.

I haven't always worked in the Home Improvement industry.  In fact, since graduating from St. Bens / St. John's I have enjoyed working in multiple organizations including social service, retail & operations management, Corporate HR,  recruiting, and project management.  Not surprisingly, working in a small business like this one combines a little bit of everything I've done before.   I'm in a good place.

As part of our website upgrade I have been tasked with writing our local blog.   I'll write about the personal side of Universal Windows Direct.   Expect to find info on upcoming events, local updates and our take on industry news.   Well, you made it this far.  I hope you come back and visit in the future.   Until then...

www.universalwindowsmn.com

Do I need smoke detectors to pass the inspection?

After your home improvement project is completed, an in-home inspection will need to be completed to close the permit.

Inspectors will be looking at the quality of the installation of your windows, siding, or doors. They will also take the opportunity to ensure your family is protected in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide leak.

View the following checklist and decide if you need to make changes to pass your inspection!

Is there a smoke detector in every bedroom?

Is there a smoke detector on in a common area of every floor of the house?

Do you have a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home?

Will your home pass the inspection?

Of course, these are just the basics.  For more information please visit your local city website and look for permits and regulations.

Steve Brager is the Universal Windows Direct Dealer of the Year!

Steve Brager has earned the 2010 Dealer of the Year Award at the Universal Windows Direct National Sales Meeting. Steve is the owner and President of Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities.

The Dealer of the Year Award recognizes the Dealer who demonstrated the highest commitment to customer service, while consistently selling a high volume of replacement windows, siding and doors.

"Steve works harder than anyone I know. He has fully earned this honor." Bill Barr, Founder of Universal Windows Direct

High Five!

Universal Windows Direct, MN earns Top Dealer Award

If you've ever worked with Steve you know how hard he works.  We are all so proud!

Are there tax credits for windows and doors this year?

2020 COVID UPDATE

No - we have not heard of any tax credits or incentives for home improvements as a result of COVID-19.

If anything changes, we will be excited to share that with you. Stay healthy!

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2011 post.

YES!   There are tax credits available to you for installing energy efficient replacement windows and doors in your home.  The UniShield window and door line from Universal Windows Direct does qualify!

In December, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010.  One of the benefits of this act is the extension of energy efficient tax credits.   The Bill allows for a tax credit of 10% of the cost of the windows up to $200 total for windows, and up to $500 for doors.  Lastly, the $500 limit for the tax credit started in 2005 so if you have previously taken the credit on your taxes at or over that amount, you are ineligible.

How to Qualify for the Federal Tax Credit:

1. Purchase and install qualifying products beginning January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2011 and meet all other requirements outlined in the Federal Tax Code.

2. Ensure your replacement windows or doors with a U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) less than or equal to 0.30. You can find the U-factor and SHGC on the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label that came on you window. NFRC is the only federally recognized organization for determining the energy performance of windows, doors and skylights

3. Save your sales receipt AND every window or door performance label (NFRC / Energy Star sticker with ratings) with your tax documents.

4. Keep a copy of the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement.

5. Claim the tax associated with your qualifying purchase on your Federal Tax Filing for the 2011 Tax Year.

**The above statements are a partial interpretation of tax code.  Universal Windows Direct disclaims any responsibility for determining any individual's eligibility for a tax credit  Always consult with a tax accountant and the IRS code for full information.  Universal Windows Direct provides the information as a general reference only, and is not a tax advisor.



Will My Windows Pass Fire Code?

The windows in your home will allow you and your family to escape in the event of a fire. So we need the windows to be big enough to allow the escape, right?

Generally speaking, the window opening must be a large enough so that an adult could exit through it; or a firefighter could get in. Every home is different. Your Universal Windows Direct crew will review your current bedroom windows and will guide you through the replacement window process to make sure your new windows will pass inspection.

The MN State Fire Code has issued the following Statement of Policy for Emergency Escape (Egress) Windows

For more information you can contact your local city inspector or email the MN State Fire Code Board at firecode@state.mn.us.

Do you have a customer referral program?

We love referrals! In fact, referrals from past customers and business associates is one of the ways we are able to offer you such great prices on replacement windows, vinyl siding and doors.

Think about it. People trust their family and friends. Home improvements in the neighborhood are talked about. Once you see the difference in your heating and cooling costs this year you'll be reminded that you have truly made a great investment in your home.

The Customer Referral Program is as way to make even more money. We will give you $100 for every referral you send us who installs new windows, siding or doors through Universal Windows Direct. No limits. Earn enough extra money for a nice dinner out or use the money to start saving for your next home improvement project. Doesn’t that sound nice?

How can you do it? Easy.

1. If a neighbor or friend expresses interest in your new windows give them our number! 612.866.2888 2. Maybe a co-worker has been talking about installing new windows, siding or doors; give them our website! 3. Update your Facebook status with information about your install. Mention us by name. Maybe even post some pictures of how great your house looks. You'll be surprised at how many of your friends comment!

To show our appreciation, we will pay you $100 for each person you refer to us, when that referral leads to a sale.

For more information on this great program, contact the Universal Windows Direct office at (612) 866-2888 or (651) 700-4920.

Window Replacement: Choosing Colors and Grid Patterns

Window color and grid patterns are just a few of the decisions you have to make when choosing a replacement window for your home.    When you invite us out for a consultation we will help you choose from a variety of options.   Generally, you should have an idea of if you want to keep the same sort of look as you have in your home now or if you are interested in changing it.   Replacing windows in your home makes an impact and choosing a different color and adding, changing or removing grids can increase that impact tremendously!

This window is a 3 lite bay in cherry wood grain with the oak framed stained to match,  with wood grain prairie grids.   

Replacement Window Colors

When choosing new windows,  the way they look is almost as important as the way they perform.  Obviously as you choose your windows you want them to be super energy efficient.. But that is on the inside.  The fact of the matter is that the outside of the window is what you’ll look at all the time and what you’ll see when you pull up to your house.  So what do you like?  Are you drawn to a brand new white window because it looks like a fresh and new house?   Do you prefer a tan vinyl to soften it up a bit or a dark brown to match the style of your home?  Better yet, does a wood grain interior option give you the extra warmth in a room you crave?  With four different interior wood grains to choose from we are confident we can help you choose one that go well with your living space. Let's not forget,  the joy of vinyl - even a wood grain vinyl - is that it is maintenance free and will look wonderful for years. 

You may also choose a painted exterior in white, tan, brown, bright red, hunter green, black, beige, bronze, clay and light grey. All of our painted exteriors are guaranteed against fading, peeling or blistering for 20 years. Are you in a townhome? No problem. Our painted exteriors have matched existing colors and been approved by townhome associations across the Twin Cities.

Replacement Window Grid Options

Similarly, window grids can change the appearance of your windows.   You can put grids on just the top sash, the top and bottom sash, or choose no grids at all.  For a more modern look some people like just 2 vertical bars in their window with no horizontal.   If you’ve had the traditional colonial style grids in your house you might want to switch to a prairie view.  You may even want to remove the grids entirely and enjoy a clear view out to the back yard,  or highlight a special room in your house with an etched floral view.   Check out our website for a more complete listing of color and grid patterns available to you.

For a more in-depth guide on window options along with some insider tips and tricks on buying download our FREE eBook here.

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.  

Author:  Melissa Brager 

Good Stuff?   Check out some of our other recent blog posts!

1.  Curb Appeal Matters When Selling Your Home

2.  What to do if you think you have storm damage on your home

3.  Windows, Siding and Roofing are investments into your home

Steve the Window Guy for Universal Windows Direct is owned and operated in Bloomington, MN by Steve and Melissa Brager.   Steve and his team are experts at working with people just like you to create a plan for updating and enhancing your home exterior to create beauty, warmth and the curb appeal you dreamed about;  at a price within your budget.    We are part of a national dealer network that has catapulted the company to the 16th remodeler in the Nation*.  Locally we have an A+ rating with the BBB with zero complaints and have won the Angie's Super Service Award 5 consecutive years.  Steve has been recognized by Universal Windows Direct as National Dealer of The Year three different times for his hard work and dedication.    Updating your home can be easy.  Contact us today!

*Source: 2017 Qualified Remodeler Top 500 list