Search found 77 matches

by Dean S
Thu Dec 29, 2005 10:04 pm
Forum: Ask Our Pro's a Question
Topic: Home Depot Quote
Replies: 11
Views: 16865

How was the hot dog? I was thinking about a Menards hot dog vs a Home Depot hot dog.
by Dean S
Thu Jul 07, 2005 8:13 am
Forum: Ask Our Pro's a Question
Topic: Metro DC area - aaargh, and your expertise would be valued!
Replies: 21
Views: 14971

Sorry. I hate it when people say, "You should have..." and I did it to you. You can learn a lot on this site if you have the time to dig for strings that apply. I've read that a lot of these salesmen only get a commission if they close the deal on the first visit. If you would have called ...
by Dean S
Wed Jul 06, 2005 5:44 pm
Forum: Ask Our Pro's a Question
Topic: Metro DC area - aaargh, and your expertise would be valued!
Replies: 21
Views: 14971

It's not your fault that you unwittingly had a Tin Man over for a sales call. However, at the two hour mark you should have thrown him out. I went to a home the day after one of these guys stayed for over six hours. The appointment was at 4pm. He stayed for dinner. He watched TV with them all the wh...
by Dean S
Wed Jul 06, 2005 4:20 pm
Forum: Ask Our Pro's a Question
Topic: Metro DC area - aaargh, and your expertise would be valued!
Replies: 21
Views: 14971

Not all companies operate this way. I sell replacement windows and hear these stories all the time. You should tell the person on the phone when you're making the appointment that you'll only sit for two hours, will not sign on the first day and don't want the salesman to call the manager for phony ...
by Dean S
Tue Jul 05, 2005 8:14 pm
Forum: Ask Our Pro's a Question
Topic: Renewal by Andersen
Replies: 9
Views: 21411

Andersen has been making wood windows with the vinyl cladding for decades. They make a decent window for new construction but didn't fare well for replacement since they don't have a kerf on the frame and don't make custom sizes. They recently jumped into the replacement market with both feet when t...
by Dean S
Sat Jul 02, 2005 11:15 pm
Forum: Ask Our Pro's a Question
Topic: Operation Support Our Troops
Replies: 0
Views: 1765

Operation Support Our Troops

A good gift for a soldier for Independence Day is to send a donation to Operation Support Our Troops (www.osotil.org). They make care packages and send them to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. If you're in the Chicago area you can drop off requested items listed on the website such as snacks and ...
by Dean S
Tue Jun 28, 2005 7:34 am
Forum: Ask Our Pro's a Question
Topic: Need help to see if quote is to high? (entire home 19k)
Replies: 6
Views: 6618

There are basicly two ways to replace a window, inserting a new window into the existing frame and full replacement. Since there is extensive damage to the frames you should consider full replacement. There could be damage to the 2x4's and insulation in the walls which you would never find if you're...
by Dean S
Mon Jun 27, 2005 6:52 am
Forum: Ask Our Pro's a Question
Topic: casement windows in bad shape
Replies: 4
Views: 3927

Rosie, People make a lot of mistakes when they're trying to save money and it winds up costing more in the long run. This doesn't apply to just windows or home improvement in general but just about everything. Without seeing the windows I can only guess that you'd be throwing good money after bad tr...
by Dean S
Tue Jun 21, 2005 12:53 pm
Forum: Ask Our Pro's a Question
Topic: New York City -- Landmark district windows
Replies: 2
Views: 3552

I think I know what kind of windows you're talking about. Marvin made several hundred similar windows for a building at Yale a few years back and the company I work for is quoting a similar job now. Marvin is unlimited in custom capabilities but they tend to get pricey. We have made templates out of...
by Dean S
Sun Jun 19, 2005 8:57 pm
Forum: Ask Our Pro's a Question
Topic: Replacing 1936 wood windows - the beginning steps
Replies: 2
Views: 2954

I think most of the companies you mentioned have a wood sash replacement kit without cladding. I would go to each website and find a dealer near you. The windows you have are probably Douglas Fir while most windows today are made of pine. Marvin has Douglas Fir as an option which is expensive but Lo...
by Dean S
Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:02 am
Forum: Ask Our Pro's a Question
Topic: Barrier free patio doors?
Replies: 2
Views: 3338

Ask the manufacturers if they make a commercial door. They make the thresholds lower for wheelchair access but A) they'll charge more because it's not something that's commonly sold and B) the insulation ratings will be nowhere near as good.
by Dean S
Thu Jun 09, 2005 6:11 pm
Forum: Ask Our Pro's a Question
Topic: Pella Inserts vs. Marvin Ultimate Inserts
Replies: 43
Views: 53313

I learned that Pella paints the aluminum before it's bent on this site. If it weren't possible to bend painted aluminum none of us would be able to cap the exteriors. Fading doesn't happen to "any of them." Marvin's, Loewen's and Kolbe's fade at a much slower rate than any manufacturer tha...
by Dean S
Thu Jun 09, 2005 5:00 pm
Forum: Ask Our Pro's a Question
Topic: Pella Inserts vs. Marvin Ultimate Inserts
Replies: 43
Views: 53313

Fenex,

Thanks for the backup. You do a great job on this site but people will take you more seriously if you use the smileys. :D
by Dean S
Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:54 pm
Forum: Ask Our Pro's a Question
Topic: Pella Inserts vs. Marvin Ultimate Inserts
Replies: 43
Views: 53313

Apparently the smileys don't work. :( Tim, I'll try to back up my statements and where they came from while responding to RC. 1. I have heard from three different customers in three different suburban areas of Chicago that there is a charge for a warrantee inspection and two of the three told me tha...
by Dean S
Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:29 am
Forum: Ask Our Pro's a Question
Topic: Pella Inserts vs. Marvin Ultimate Inserts
Replies: 43
Views: 53313

I will agree that because I sell Marvin I'm biased toward that product. I do think it's the best window on the market. I'm not an equal-opportunity basher; I have previously posted that I think Loewen, Kolbe and Eagle make great products. That said, I think Pella does their customers a great disserv...