COVID-19 Update: MN Stay at Home Order

In light of Governor Walz’s Executive Order to Stay at Home we would like to share the following updates:

We have worked hard the last few weeks to adjust our existing schedule so that we could uphold previously scheduled requests for estimates.  All sold jobs have been sent to the factory for production.  The factory is in Ohio and is still in operation with no disruption to their supply chain as of yesterday.  No new estimates will be scheduled face to face;  we are now offering estimates through video conference.  The previously scheduled window and door installs for the next few weeks will be rescheduled. The only exceptions will be appointments run due to investigate water intrusion into the home through a decaying roof,  or lack of gutters.

While we are pausing face to face interactions for a few weeks everything else is moving forward. Once the stay at home order is lifted we will resume where we left off with our window, door and siding installs. While we would love to continue working right now we do not believe that the potential of exposing your family or our installers to COVID-19 is a risk worth taking. We are confident that when the time is right you are going to love your new windows and we appreciate your support in our decision to pause.

What about roof installs? Roofing installs will begin once the road restrictions lift and we can get dumpsters and materials to your site.

For all of you who have met Steve,  you know that staying home will be hard for him.  His top priority is making sure our customers are taken care of,  and our employees are able to keep working as long as possible.  We will move forward as many items as we can from home and as soon as we are able to return to normal function we will be poised and ready to do so.  Our office prepared for this eventuality last week.   We are not stopping work.  We are focusing on the business and different projects that can increase the delivery of service to you in the future.

The time we spend at home with loved ones is a gift.   We may have been forced in to it but we have the opportunity to relax.   We can now read together,  play more games,  work on puzzles and watch every movie we ever wanted to.    We have the time to cook together,  to bake together, and to do every tiny house project we ever wanted to.   Please do follow us on Facebook for our daily “What is Steve Doing?” picture.   It should be fun.

We believe in showing up.   During this COVID-19 Health Crisis the best way we can show up is to uphold the Stay at Home order.  Showing up duing this time means that we are doing our part to slow the spread and help our health care systems and our supply chains prepare to provide care when we hit the peak infection time.   We are staying home to keep those we love,  and those you love as healthy as possible.  

Be kind to each other,

Steve and Melissa

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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 10th 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 2019.

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.  

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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.

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Friday Things - June 21, 2019

HAPPY SUMMER!!

Here we are… June 21 and the longest day of the year after what feels like the longest week of the year. We are in full on summer mode here at Universal Windows Direct. Keep reading for a behind the scenes look at our week.

• We finished a roof and siding job and then started another one. Here is the “before “ picture… can’t wait to see the after because that is ALWAYS the best part.

• We had 5 different install crews out this week. Gutters, gutter topper, windows, patio doors, siding and roofing were all replaced this week for families throughout the Twin Cities.

• We are still hiring another window install crew. 2-4 days a week would be awesome.

• Of course, weekends aren’t really weekends in this business in the summertime. Andre and Kasey are both prepped and ready to work shows tomorrow afternoon. Andre will be at Earle Brown Days in Brooklyn Park and Kasey will be representing to the right of the inflatables at Dan Patch Days in Savage.

• Our past customer newsletters have all been mailed! Each time we mail them they seem to take longer and longer. We are definitely going to find an easier way for the next mailing!

• Our Meet the Staff page on our website is completed! Check it out to read a quick bio on the core 4 (Steve, Melissa, Kasey and Andre).

• Melissa was in studio recording our new radio spots on Wednesday. We love how they turned out!

• We had our final meeting today with KARE 11 to go over our TV commercial. The plan is to shoot mid-July and start airing after that. We may be totally biased, but the ad is going to be great!

On the personal side, Tessie finished 1st grade and now we are in the throes of summer scheduling. This week she attended Camp Invention.. which is completely amazing and not just because it was 5 full days. Next week she has half day Vacation Bible School, teenage babysitters, a pool play date with a friend, a day in the office, and then a full day at a friends.

This weekend we celebrate some family milestones. Our oldest nephew graduated from high school and his open house is tomorrow and then our youngest niece turns one and we are celebrating her birthday on Sunday.

This is how it is. We work hard all week to make sure the most important things are taken care of and then the next week we start all over again. Thanks so much for pulling back the curtain to learn about our week. See ya next time!

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.