Window Screens with Better Bug Protection: Universal Windows Direct MN Offers Screen Upgrades

Window screens  prevent mosquitoes from getting in to your home.

Nobody likes mosquitoes.   Even though people in Minnesota sort of joke about them being the "state bird" no one is really proud of that.   This past weekend my brothers and sisters and I spent a day at our parents house doing projects outside and every single time a mosquito was spotted it was disgust.  Discussed.   Whatever.   Nobody likes mosquitoes.   We were  all slightly horrified that they were buzzing around us on what felt like the first warm day we've had.

I wonder how many people consider screen options as they head down the path of window replacement.  It is easy to focus on quality of window, window ratings, window options and price .... so the screen just gets lumped in as part of the overall project.   I think most people focus on how that new window will perform when it is closed.   Will it keep your home warm enough?  Cool enough?   Will it keep you safe?  Will it drown out the outdoor noise?  Few people consider the performance of the screen on that window when its open.

Screens are just there, right?  Day and night.  365 days a year.  Screens just do their job.  Clinging to your windows like superheroes protecting your home from outdoor junk like sticks and rocks and all sorts of bugs.   But they actually do more than that.

Window screens also allow air flow into the home and depending on the weave, can even offer you a clearer view of the outdoors.    Our patio door screens even offer an pet screen that increases performance of the screen if you have a dog or an energetic cat going after it.

At Universal Windows Direct, MN we offer several different screen options for your replacement windows - including one that offers advanced protection from bugs.   In addition to our proven and reliable standard screen, we offer the following replacement window screen upgrades:

BetterVue Window Screen

• 10% Better airflow into your home.

• 10% Clearer view to outside

• 10% Better protection from bugs

UltraVue Window Screen

• 25%  Better airflow into your home

• 25%  Clearer view to outside

Check out this picture that illustrates the differences in the view with the upgraded screen options.   Amazing, right?

So, bring on the mosquitoes because our upgrade screen options can handle it.    Mention you saw this blog post and receive a FREE upgrade to the BetterVue Screen with increased insect protection for the month of June.    Quotes are always free and we have samples of the screen we can show you in your home!

"If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito."   Dalai Lamai XIV

Thanks for reading!

Author:  Melissa Brager, Operations Manager

Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities

PS:  After re-reading this post I am noticing all the assumptions out theree.   Nobody likes mosquitoes.  Nobody thinks about screens.   Nobody wants bugs in their house.    My apologies if I'm wrong!

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Universal Windows Direct Welcomes Summer

Steve the Window Guy

Why you should go with your gut when hiring a window contractor

Hello Summer!: Universal Windows Direct MN is excited for Summer!

Bring out the white shoes and fire up the grill..  this weekend is the official start to Summer!  This is always cause for celebration but when you've just survived 7 months of winter and have written off spring entirely, this is even better.

As a home improvement company summer means no more indoor home shows with sensible shoes and pressed shirts.  Bring out the shorts and the sunglasses because we will be outside in parks, in tents, and even on the side of the road.    Instead of being flanked by window and siding companies we are likely to be flanked by a liquor store, a local gym or a real estate agent.   We say goodbye to packing sensible "home show"  lunches and say hello to packing gallons of water and  enjoying yummy food truck food.  Can you say "deep fried apple pie?" I can.   With a side of cinnamon ice cream, please.   This year we look forward to bringing our baby to these fun summer events so she can enjoy the action and energy of the midway,  and maybe even a few rides or a taste of cotton candy.   And who knows, if she can help us pull in an extra lead or two all the better!

Ask any window replacement company and they will gladly tell you their installers LOVE working in the summer.   Winters get slow and winters get rough and all summer does is get sunny!  Yeah!!

Steve The Window Guy sells more than just windows in MN!

When we're not outside work/playing at events we've got new marketing campaigns to work on,  new products to share with you, enhancements to our existing products and a new salesman to introduce to you.

On a personal note we are looking forward to being outside.   I plan on  going to the park, enjoying hot afternoons in the pool, and drinking lemonade with friends and watching some baseball games.  I have always dreamed of having an outdoor living space... totally not practical in MN..  but I do have my outside furniture out and my grill cleaned.   What else?  Burger Friday is Back!    Check our Facebook page every Friday for awesome and yummy burger recipes.   We don't just stick to beef.  You'll see some great chicken, pork, turkey and meat-free burger recipes too.

I. Am. Ready.  How do YOU celebrate the beginning of Summer?

Author:  Melissa Brager

Recent Posts:

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Making Us Memorable

Go with your gut!

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

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Hiring a Window Contractor

Window and Door Replacement Problems: Why expecting problems can make your project better

Window and Door Replacement Jobs can have problems.   Knowing what to expect can make your job go more smoothly even if a problem is experienced.

A very VERY long time ago I worked at an amusement park.   While I was there  I spent a few summers interviewing  teenagers for jobs  - which was really just a big “realistic job preview” song and dance.  It was a total “no surprises” kind of work statement and it went like this:

“You are working outside.  Your uniform is shorts.   When it is cold out you will need a sweatshirt.  When it is hot out you will sweat.  When it rains all day you will be very wet.  If there is a storm, we stay open. If the storm is very very bad, we will evacuate.   This is part of the job.  Some days you will talk to hundreds of people.  Some days you might only talk to 5 people.    You will hear the exact same question repeatedly all day long.   This is what you can expect"

Then I asked if they still wanted the job and if they said yes we hired them.  We figured that if they knew everything that could go wrong at the beginning and were still interested that all would be fine.  For the most part, it was.   Some kids were surprised at how much they didn't like working in the rain, for example, but they weren't surprised that they had to work in the rain.   They were prepared.

As a business owner, I think of that situation now. I understand it would be sales  sabotage if our salesman sat face to face with a homeowner and listed out everything that could go wrong as they sign the contract and collect the initial investment.   But at the same time,  it sure would be nice if we could prepare homeowners and say something like this:

"90% of the time jobs go very smoothly, however  we do expect to have some problems some of the time. Our windows are made by real people in a real factory.   They are USA made and they keep people working, and towns functioning. We are proud of this.   At the same time we know that mistakes happen.   To help you prepare, here is a list of problems that could affect your job.

1. Sometimes windows get broken or screens get gouged on the truck

2. Sometimes an entire job is loaded on the truck, but one window is forgotten.

3. Sometimes a window breaks when coming off the line and has  to be remade

4. Sometimes the weather gets nasty and installation needs to be delayed.

5. Sometimes an issue with an order isn’t discovered until it gets to the job site.

6. Sometimes an order gets measured wrong.

7. Sometimes an order gets placed wrong.   Or Lost.

8. Sometimes an order gets made wrong.

9. Sometimes there is a misunderstanding on how the install will work.

10. Sometimes our installer might get sick, or have a personal emergency, or have truck or trailer problems.   He is a person too, this is unavoidable."

I wonder how people would react if we did this.   Would preparing them for the potential of issues make a difference?   Would they shrug their shoulders in acceptance?  Would they expect more issues and then be even more thrilled when their job was smooth?  It's an interesting thought to consider, but I don't think we'll start doing it anytime soon.

This is the only thing we know for sure.   No matter what may happen some of the time, we know that  ALL OF THE TIME you want a contractor who will acknowledge the problem, empathize with your frustration and then fix it as fast as possible.   We can never control the uncontrollable but we can always control our reaction, and our ability to resolve.   We want your home improvement to be a home improvement.  We want you to love it when it’s done so you tell all your  friends.

If you are ready to start your window, siding, or door replacement project that will most likely go very smoothly  (but could potentially have a surprise hiccup) call us today.  Quotes are always free.   (612) 866-2888.

Author:  Melissa Brager, Operations Manager,  Universal Windows Direct, MN

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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?

1. The best product.   The product that looks and feels like “your house”

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. 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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Windows: Interior Color options for Replacement Windows in the Twin Cities

Universal Windows Direct proudly offers 6 different interior window options for replacement windows in the Twin Cities.   So if you are looking to replace your windows you can choose the colors that will be best for you in your home.

Are you someone who thinks that vinyl windows = white windows? You're not alone!

White vinyl windows can make a home look fresh and new.  Some people love them.  Most new construction, in fact, starts with white windows.   But some homeowners fear white windows.  They fear that.  stark WHITE that screams out “HI!  I AM A WHITE VINYL REPLACEMENT WINDOW!”  That fear that the windows will “scream” actually is a reason some homeowners give as to why they don’t want to replace their windows.   We get it.

Your replacement windows don’t have to be WHITE. The exclusive UniShield window offers white, tan, and dark chocolate brown as well as light oak, medium oak or cherry woodgrain interiors.  Your window frames can be tan if that will soften it up.  They can be dark chocolate brown (mmm, like a truffle) if that matches the style of your home.   They can even come in wood grains to match existing wood windows, or the surrounding trim work, cabinetry or wood floors.  Would a light honey oak match well?  Would a medium oak color be better?  How about a deeper cherry?  Perhaps a vintage pecan is a better match...  No problem!  We offer all of those colors.

Do all your windows have to be the same color?   Nope!   So if you have thought about  white replacement windows in the basement to brighten things up down there but you would prefer a  wood grain window on the main level; we can do that. Because all of our windows are custom made for your home we can choose the style and options of window that will work best for you, in your budget, in your home.

Call us today to get started with a free consultation.   We will bring a window into your home in the color you are thinking of, and bring color samples of other options as well.   We can’t wait to work with you to replace those old windows and improve the look of your home.  Join homeowners across the Twin Cities who have improved the look and the value of their home with replacement windows.  612-866-2888

Author:  Melissa Brager

Operations Manager, Universal Windows Direct, MN

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Richfield Homes: Replacement Windows by Universal Windows Direct

Universal Windows Direct has replaced windows in Richfield homes for years.   As we get ready for the Richfield Home Show this Saturday, take a look at how these homes were transformed by replacing a few windows.   Do you recognize any?  They could be your neighbors!

Is your home next?   Swing by the Richfield Home Show this Saturday, schedule your free in home estimate and take advantage of special show savings!    Can't make it out?  No problem!  Call us at 612-866-2888

Melissa Brager, Operations Manager

Universal Windows Direct

Richfield Home Show Details

Richfield Home Show: Universal Windows Direct will be at the Richfield Home Show

The Richfield Home & Garden Expo is just about a week away!  Once again this year, Universal Windows Direct will be there, ready to talk with residents about replacement windows, siding, front doors and entry doors.   It doesn't matter if you have one window or a house full of windows, we want to work with you to start making your home warmer, more energy efficient and more comfortable for you and your family.

With a full array of window styles, options, colors and upgrades, we are confident that we can find the replacement window or door solution for every Richfield Home.   Stop by our booth to see the quality of the windows and patio doors for yourself.   Enjoy additional savings for signing up for a quote at the show!

Richfield is our home.    You have probably seen our vehicles around town.  

We have lived here for over 20 years, and we have based our business here.     Of all the window companies you will see at the show, we are your Richfield Residents, ready to keep making Richfield better, one house at a time!

We would love to see you at the show.   For more information visit the Richfield Patch article or review the flyer below - seen in local SUN Newspapers!

See you soon!

Melissa Brager

Operations Manager, Universal Windows Direct

Visit Universal Windows Direct at a Home Show

Tips for Visiting a Home Show

Home Improvement can start small!

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.

1. We offer a foam filled main frame for extra insulation

2. Super spacer is standard in the glass package for longevity in window performance.

3. 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

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UniShield

New Year - New Start: Universal Windows Direct Resolutions

Part of me thinks that New Year's Day is a silly holiday. If you aren't a football fan there really isn't anything to DO. There aren't specific New Year's Day foods, or traditions or activities. It is really just a day to sleep in and re-evaluate your life, your plans, and move forward with a fresh start.

So what are your resolutions? Are they fitness related? Relationship related? Career focused? Home Improvement focused? More importantly, how will you know that you've achieved them? Is someone else holding you accountable? Are you checking in with yourself? Are you writing them down?

I actually started to write them down, then I realized they are always the same. So this year I'm going to do monthly resolutions. THIS month we have a few weekends consumed by Home Improvement shows, so I will focus on buying and packing healthy food for us to eat while we are working. I will embrace the crock pot. =)

The baby, I am certain, will focus on cutting teeth and crawling.

The business will focus on having a great January. We will smile and greet you when you visit us at the show. We will give you great service and will offer show discounts. We will continue our plans to market our business in a bigger and better way. We will seek constant improvement. Little by little. Day by day. Year by Year.

Are you along for the ride? Hope so. See you soon.

Melissa Brager, Operations Manager Universal Windows Direct, MN

12-12-12: Top 12 Options for your Replacement Windows

12-12-12…  such a fun day for numbers!   It reminds me of 11-11-11….  The day we decided NOT to get married because it was a Friday.. which made our anniversary 11-12-11.  So you see why I like the number 12.  But I digress.

In honor of the coolest day ever, I thought I'd highlight our favorite window upgrades.

Top 12 Upgrades for Replacement Windows with Universal Windows Direct

1. Foam filled main frames - let's get insulated!

2. Triple Pane glass - increase the energy efficiency - block out the noise

3. Painted exterior options in multiple colors - even black!

4. Wood grain interiors - to match existing woodwork in your home

5. Screen options - new upgraded screens give you a clearer view

6. Obscure glass - the opposite of a clearer view. Perfect for that bathroom where you want the light to come in but no one to see you

7. Tempered glass - for safety's sake

8. Grids and diamond patterns - jazz up the look!

9. Nailing fin - we can do new construction windows too

10. Floral view - make a window a feature in the room

11. Tan or brown - hey.  not everyone likes white

12. Krypton gas - to really boost up your energy efficiency!

If you are curious to learn more about any of these options...  or just want to visit with one of our awesome window salesmen, give us a call and we'd be happy to set something up.

Cheers!

Melissa Brager

Universal Windows Direct

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

Window Wrap Up

Replace just a few windows at a time!

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Hello friends!

It's been a busy few weeks for everyone as we wind down October.  Here is some of our great content you may have missed!

Universal Windows Direct works Fall Home ShowsHome Improvement  & Remodeling Show Pictures

Did you see us at the Convention Center?

Replace your windows  - just a few at a time!

Community Involvement - Pinewood Phantom Fun Run

Me and my helper at the Pinewood Fun Run

Fall Pasta Recipe:  Pasta with Pumpkin and Sausage

We're on Pinterest! Let your obsession continue by checking out our boards!

Also, don't forget to visit our Facebook page to see what we're up to every day!   Thanks so much for checking out our blog and enjoy this beautiful fall weekend and Happy November everybody!!

Author:  Melissa Brager

Universal Windows Direct, MN

Free Quotes and Current Specials

Universal Windows Direct Joins Pinterest!

We did it.   We joined Pinterest.   I couldn't resist.   I love the idea of infusing our personalities, and our company culture into marketing windows, siding, and doors.   I resisted for a long while because I couldn't fathom why anyone would visit a board full of pictures of windows.   Furthermore, would anyone actually re-pin a window?   Or siding? For heavens sakes no.

But - I recently read a great article  about marketing small business with Pinterest and it made sense to me.   We live in a city that is overflowing with home improvement companies.   If you pay attention, you can  literally see 10+  ads every single day from companies selling windows siding and doors.  (I am working at the library today and one was sitting on the table next to me!)

So people matter.   When you buy from Universal Windows Direct, Twin Cities you aren't buying from a big corporate giant or box store.   You are buying from Melissa and Steve Brager.  You are supporting small business in your community.   And....  you are getting a superior, energy efficient product at a factory direct price.  That is the beauty of it.

So who are Melissa and Steve?  What are they all about?   Do you share any interests with them?  Maybe.   We have lots of different ways you can find out.  Subscribe to our blog for valuable information on our products and the buying process - as well as a behind the scenes look at our business.   Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get up to the minute updates on what we're up to.   See what articles we have found interesting and view pictures of jobs we have done recently.

Then check out Pinterest.    We have boards that feature our product, yes.   We also have boards that show:

• Us out working at home improvement fairs

• Pictures of our life as small business owners

• Burger Friday recipes

• Front Door Decoration Ideas

• Pumpkin Fun - because I LOVE seasonal decorating and holiday traditions

• Inspirational Quotes

• Small Business Marketing

I'm excited to grow our boards and keep on pinning.   What kinds of things should we add?  Would love to hear from you!

Melissa Brager

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Community Involvement: Pinewood Fun Run

Most weekends you will find us at a home improvement shows or remodeling expos.    But some weekends we get to participate in events that are even more fun...   like the Phantom Fun Run for Pinewood Elementary  in Inver Grove Heights.  The Phantom Fun Run is a family activity the benefits the Pinewood Elementary school.  Every year families come out to support their school by running in this fun event.   Not signed up yet?  No problem!  You can sign up on race day!

Here is the schedule for the morning:

8:00 AM     Race Day Registration.  Sponsor tables available for viewing.

8:15-8:45     Eagan Police Dog, Badger, will be providing a demo.

9:00 AM     Kids ¼ mile race

9:15 AM     Kids ½ mile race

9:30 AM     5K Run/Walk

Universal Windows Direct is a platinum sponsor this year so we will be there at a with a table set up with product samples and brochures.  Since it will be a cold morning, we will be with the other sponsors inside the school gym.   Stop out to meet me and the baby, get a quick product demo or get any questions answered that you may have.   Of course we will have coupons as an incentive for in home estimates for window or door replacement as well.

Interested in participating in the run?  Click here for more information

Author:  Melissa Brager

Universal Windows Direct, MN

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?

Home Improvement Shows: Visit Universal Windows Direct at a home show!

It's Fall Home Improvement Show time! Ready to start that project you've been putting off?  You aren't alone!  Every fall when the weather cools down homeowners all over the Twin Cities get serious about their home projects like window replacement, door replacement, and home remodeling. Stop out and visit with our reps at any of these upcoming Fall Home Improvement shows: Home Improvement and Design Expo:

• October 20-21 at the Minneapolis Convention Center

• October 27 at the National Sports Center in Blaine

• November 3 at the Maple Grove Community Center

These shows offer a unique opportunity to visit with Home Improvement Companies and Remodelers to showcase their work, demonstrate their product, and answer your questions.   If you are ready to start a project, or just want a chance to pre-shop quality of products, this is the place for you.   Not only that, but the promoter of these shows, MediaMax, has filled the show with vendors, attractions, seminars, and all sorts of cool stuff.

Stop by and see Steve!

Stop out and visit the Universal Windows Direct booth and take advantage of our free triple pane upgrade as well as additional show discounts!

You like free, right?   Please visit our booth at any of these shows as our guest.   You can print free tickets at http://www.mediamaxevents.com/vip

See you there!

Author:  Melissa Brager

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What to Look For When Buying Vinyl Siding

Window Wrap Up: Universal Windows Direct Bi-Weekly Wrap Up

It seems the older we get the faster time moves.  Gone are the days when we were kids and summer vacation stretched on from one endless day to another.   These days summer is gone in the blink of an eye and just-like-that we are full on into the mania of fall.    If you have school aged kids you have homework and school buses, activities and conferences.   If you have teeny kids at home you have fun Halloween costumes and treat bags, fall portraits and Christmas planning to think about.   If you own a replacement window company you are full on busy in fall home shows, completing installs from the summer, preparing for the slower months and thinking about planning for the coming year.   No matter who you are or what you have….   Time is moving faster.   The to-do list is getting longer.  The pace of our beautiful glorious life is faster.   The potential of us missing information is what keeps us glued to our phones, our computers and our television screens.

Well, not to worry.   Here at Universal Windows Direct, MN we will do a regular wrap up of all our great content that you may have missed.   Ready to get started?

Factory Direct?  Aren’t all windows factory direct?

Tips on preparing for your window installation

Time Management tips from Entrepreneur Magazine

Burger Friday Recipe – Pumpkin Burger!!

Fall Yard Clean up Tips from  About.Com

Before and After pictures from our Dealer partner in Pittsburgh

Our Fall Newsletter has been sent to all of our past customers!

Baby in the office!!  Beware of one cute infant “doing paperwork”

That is all for now..  thanks for visiting!

Melissa Brager

Operations Manager, Universal Windows Direct, MN

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?

Melissa Brager

Operations Manager, Universal Windows Direct

Check out these other great blogs:

Factory Direct Pricing

How a home improvement can be small

Finding a contractor you can trust

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