Window/Door replacements and additions (all windows in house and front door))
Short story (long story follows) Horrible experience working with this company (apparently also known as Budget Home Improvements). Many windows were wrong from the beginning of the job, installed while I was not home and then promised to replace (did not). The windows that were enlarged/added needed a building permit (written in red on my contract. Contractor did not get one even though, he said he was on his way to pick it up when I asked. I found out inspection not done when I asked for documents. I had to have one done (after trim, walls already painted and house cleaned) or face repercussions from city. Off came trim and drywall. The city inspection resulted in ALL THE WINDOWS NEEDING INSPECTION FAILING. THEY DID NOT PASS BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS.
And the windows that were put in that didn't need a building permit are already breaking (after only 8 months) (see pics) - and guess what - they won't honour life-time warranty.
I have a mess on my hands - and the additional expense of getting this done to correctly, so it will pass code! I tried for about 8 months to get this company to finish the job -- having paid $48,000 - I held back the last $5000. They kept demanding their money before any more work would be and the removal of all negative reviews.
The company will say that I should get in touch with them - believe me I tried -- I have dozens and dozens of emails - companies response - pay last 10% before we finish any work (in my view work to be done is much more than 10% of the job...
Long story MY EXPERIENCE...
I would give a lower rating if possible. I am a single women nearing retirement who contracted this company to update, remove, and install all the windows in my house (18) and the front door and screen while I still have full income. I paid a substantial deposit in spring 2023 (approximately 33%), I paid another 57% (90% of project) in mid July when the project was 'almost complete' according to the contractor with the promise that I could trust him to deal with several issues that needed remedies (frosted glass where clear was ordered, double pane windows where triple pane windows were ordered, missing screens). The contractor also mismeasured the expensive windows for 2 rooms and talked me into accepting work arounds that I did not really want.
He asked for the final 10% payment before the final issues were dealt with. I told him I would not pay the 10% until all the work was done and I had all the necessary documents. He claimed he was filing the nonpayment with the credit bureau (not sure how it is a nonpayment when all the work has not been completed??).
When I continued to ask for documents, I found the contractor did not get a building permit. He wrote in the contract that one was needed, told me he would do it, and led me to believe he had. I have had to deal with the city regarding the lack of the permit or face fines. I had to hire someone to tear the trim and drywall down around the 5 windows that were newly installed, so the city could check the work was done to code. I had had the painting of all the drywall and trim and professional cleaning done when I found out no building permit was obtained. It is now spring 2024 and the promised fixes have not been completed. I just had the building inspection done and all the inspected windows DID NOT PASS and I am looking at more work and possibly substantial bills due to the windows NOT being INSTALLED TO CODE. I feel silly for trusting this man and letting much of the work be done while I was at work, but he told me that was why I was paying him- so I didn't have to be stressed about the job. WELL, I AM STRESSED NOW.
My experience with this company has NOT BEEN GOOD - IT HAS BEEN TERRIBLE. The stress started the day the windows were taken off the truck and the installer said the contractor had not taken the roof line into consideration when measuring the windows in 2 of the rooms and continues. I don't want others to have the same experience.
Given my experience, I question why the company does not have more negative reviews. Completing contracted work on the condition negative reviews are removed seems unethical. And why would any business person expect payment to before work is done. And why would a contractor not know code and or not be able to submit drawings for a building permit when I (someone with no experience with window installation) was able to do so by following the city's instructions.... And why does the owner of the business continue to respond to reviews asking me to be in touch - when I have been contacting him since he walked off with over $48,000 of my hard earned money about 8 months ago (paid in April and July, 2024)
- Approximate cost of services:
- $48,000.00