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| Author: | myron |
| Subject: | vinyl replacement windows |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-17 01:24:48 |
I have purchased a home (new construction) and I am having a problem with the screens installed in the bottom sash of all of my windows. The tabs on the screens do not fit into the holes in the bottom sash because the holes are set wider than the tabs on the screens. There are also visible gaps around the perimeter of each screen. When I initially addressed this problem with my sales agent I was told that it sounded like the wrong size screens were ordered. When I spoke to the service manager for my builder, I was encouraged to apply silicon caulk around the perimeter of the screens to seal the gaps.
This is a brand-new $250,000 house. Can they be serious? Can they get away with this? What can I do?
| Author: | Guy |
| In Reply To: | vinyl replacement windows (posted by myron) |
| Subject: | RE: vinyl replacement windows |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-17 14:01:04 |
Myron, My assumption is you have the wrong screens. Get them replaced. Then call the boss of the person who told you to caulk the gaps. Then find this same guy and push him down for being so stupid!!! You have the wrong screens. You should have no gaps at all.
Guy
| Author: | wvuguy |
| In Reply To: | vinyl replacement windows (posted by myron) |
| Subject: | Not that this has anything to do with your specific problem, but............. |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-17 15:29:08 |
My wife and I walked through a new market home yesterday, a $305,000 4-bedroom transitional in suburban Cincinnati. Having just completed a window replacement project in our existing home, I examined with great interest the vinyl windows used by this builder.
This isn't any scoop, but the quality of this home's Pennco new construction windows were an absolute joke compared to the replacement units we just bought. Now, I'm not trying to compare the two; my Alside Preservations are among the best premium replacment windows on the market, and these Penncos are probably just another low-end, builders-grade (meaning cheap) product. In fact, it wouldn't be a shock if the Preservations were at least double the cost of these Penncos.
That said, this situation greatly re-clarified what I already knew.....that "builders grade" products are often of shockingly low-quality. So, the fact that you're experiencing distress with specific products used in your new home, regrettably, isn't that surprising.
Good luck in getting your problems worked out, and don't let the builder "skate" on this problem. But, assuming yours is a responsible builder, they'll eventually get your problem solved. Don't forget, they want their customers to be satisfied, too. You'll probably need to be patient with them; after all, they're human, and only have so many hours a day to fix problems. However, you're completely within your right to be consistent with your message.
| Author: | Guy |
| In Reply To: | Not that this has anything to do with your specific problem, but............. (posted by wvuguy) |
| Subject: | RE: Not that this has anything to do with your specific problem, but............. |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-18 12:44:12 |
Builders grade products are generally used in the window and door end of a home. Most contractors choose to step even below that grade. We do it every day. My son comes home from a jobsite ounce a week just bent in a knot. Contractors who are selling a 500K house using garbage windows. I talked to one of my bigger contractors in detail about this. His take on it is bottom line. That's it. He says he uses windows that are Energy Star rated for the area. THis meets any code issue and has warranty from the supplier. On average he says he puts an extra $5000 in his pocket by going this route. He does offer the home owner an upgrade for windows. Which many others don't offer. The standard home buyer does not notice this until it's time to pull them out. Short Cuts, only in America!!!
| Author: | Dave Traynor |
| In Reply To: | RE: vinyl replacement windows (posted by Guy) |
| Subject: | RE: vinyl replacement windows |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-19 20:38:36 |
My experience is that lots of the builders grade windows have screens that don't fit too well. I think it's back to quality control. Lets face it folks......the hundred and twenty five dollar window at the Home Depot is the cheapest thing on the planet. Get it custom sized with Low-E glass and it runs $200. But it is still only what it is. A cheap window. I have major quality control problems with virtually everything I deal with in that price range.
I'll put up a link to show you what I mean. Have a look. This was a vinyl single hung project for Lowe's that was just horrible as far as product. The really distressing part is that Lowe's and Home Depot use a better product than many home builders do.......and it's still pretty awful.
There is a distinct reason that I prefer Vinyl Double Hungs or Single Hungs from replacement window specialists. New construction windows are junk........it's the nature of the business.
Most professional window contractors use product that retails at $300 to $400 per window. And a hundred or so to hang them. (applications may vary, obviously)
The builders grade units tend to run around $140 to $180 each and can be installed on a new construction home for about $30. The math alone explains it all.
Home builders warranty is usually one year. Why would he put in a window at double the cost necessary to sell the home and get his money.
Overall i'm greatful that builders think that way......
It makes replacement windows a good business for me. But it is distressing to the home buyer who gets his window insight the hard way on his or her brand new home.
Sorry it's not going so well.
Good luck on the next one.
Dave
http://www.thewindowconnection.net/content/bb1.htm
| Author: | Art |
| In Reply To: | RE: vinyl replacement windows (posted by Dave Traynor) |
| Subject: | RE: vinyl replacement windows |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-19 22:30:50 |
Dave -
It looks like you've done a pretty outstanding job in putting your site together. From my standpoint the more interesting aspect is what you had to say. Having just had my windows replaced with Schuco's I'm no longer in the market - but your points about the cheapos should most certainly be taken to heart by those that are currently searching for the right window(s) to put in.
From what I've been able to glean from watching, asking and participating on this site for the past few months, the CORRECT installation of replacement windows/doors is just so important it cannot be overlooked in the slightest. Your words and experiences certainly bear this out. While your post seems to be two-part (informative AND a sales pitch for your company), I feel sure that the other pros on here would welcome your input on various brands and procedures as time goes by. With that in mind, let me be one of the first to say 'Welcome'. Hopefully you will be around on a regular basis to help ignorant homeowners such as I to become more educated.
Please be aware though, that your post will undoubtedly awaken the creature known as Grasshopper. He works for Home Depot in the Dallas market if I recall correctly and is more than defensive about their version of the Simonton window - he's downright vicious and unswerving in his myopia.
If you've been here all along and I've failed to spy you, I'm sorry - in any event if your post is indicative of the type of knowledge you'll hopefully be imparting it will be appreciated.
| Author: | Grasshopper |
| In Reply To: | RE: vinyl replacement windows (posted by Art) |
| Subject: | RE: vinyl replacement windows |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-20 04:01:05 |
"Please be aware though, that your post will undoubtedly awaken the creature known as Grasshopper. He works for Home Depot in the Dallas market if I recall correctly and is more than defensive about their version of the Simonton window - he's downright vicious and unswerving in his myopia."
No problems with Dave here Art. But I see that you're still in your usual 4th grade name calling mode.
| Author: | Art |
| In Reply To: | RE: vinyl replacement windows (posted by Grasshopper) |
| Subject: | RE: vinyl replacement windows |
| Posted At: | 2004-09-20 04:36:46 |
Oh, come on - can't take the humor?