Window Replacement Frustration - Am I too Picky?

Ask replacement window questions & get answers!
Message
Author
FLHomeowner33618
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2022 10:48 am

Window Replacement Frustration - Am I too Picky?

#1 Post by FLHomeowner33618 »

I paid almost $50,000 to have 9 openings (windows and sliding doors) replaced in my home. I completely feel like the quality of the product and the installation is poor, but the installer says I’m just being too picky and expect perfection. I’m hoping for some feedback on here to see if he’s right. They are PGT Aluminum windows and doors.

1. My biggest concern is the framing. I saw what consider to be big gaps in the frame corners and their fix is to fill them with caulk.
2. I also don’t think the metal trim around the outside glass should overlap and stick out.
3. I had 3 inset sliding glass doors…their measurements and door type were different so they cut my wall and built a box frame around just one door…not they don’t match
4. The caulking around some windows seems unprofessional
5. They removed the brick caps around the bottom of the sliding doors and they won’t fit back because of new track size, so they plan to just stucco the areas. (I feel like this should have been known in advance from the measurements so I could have made the choice)
6. I would like all the double sliding doors to match in that pushing up unlocks the door and pushing down locks the door. They randomly go different ways and I’m told that’s “just how it is”

There’s more, but I hope this is enough to get feedback on whether I’m overreacting. Thanks in advance everyone.
-FLHomeowner33618
314290F9-EC60-4962-BF19-30C7EEA6E91F.jpeg
F49AAFB5-8880-43C8-832E-69C9B67E97F5.jpeg
1A2EF045-8B5E-432B-9F84-0C5DA2CD5DD7.jpeg

FLHomeowner33618
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2022 10:48 am

Re: Window Replacement Frustration - Am I too Picky?

#2 Post by FLHomeowner33618 »

2274C54C-EA6B-4637-BBCA-D19F54D7D44B.jpeg
3736CFFF-162F-4A1C-B61C-434D6A709BCF.jpeg
64D083A0-11D6-4E78-A60B-69C9E1DA33BB.jpeg

User avatar
HomeSealed
Posts: 2996
Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2010 3:46 pm
Location: Milwaukee, Madison, SE Wisconsin

Re: Window Replacement Frustration - Am I too Picky?

#3 Post by HomeSealed »

While I can't say for certain, my initial thought is that you are not overreacting by thinking that this is not A quality.

The question becomes whether there is simply some questionable finish work that is mainly aesthetic, or if there are bigger issues here. Again, hard to tell by the photos. I'd see if you can get someone in upper management at the company to come take a look, or check with a third party if you strike out there.

Delaware Mike
Posts: 920
Joined: Fri Nov 19, 2004 10:44 am
Location: South Jersey, Delaware, Philadelphia area

Re: Window Replacement Frustration - Am I too Picky?

#4 Post by Delaware Mike »

That is some rough looking finish work.

FLHomeowner33618
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2022 10:48 am

Re: Window Replacement Frustration - Am I too Picky?

#5 Post by FLHomeowner33618 »

Thanks for the feedback. Since this is their fourth time coming out on the project, I like the idea of a third party inspection so it stays objective. Would typical home inspectors do this or would I need to find someone who specializes in windows/doors?

User avatar
Windows on Washington
Posts: 5308
Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 11:23 am
Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC

Re: Window Replacement Frustration - Am I too Picky?

#6 Post by Windows on Washington »

Definitely doesn't look like the work of someone that is handy with a caulking gun.

Should be fixable and mostly easy to clean up, but not a great commentary on the work.

User avatar
HomeSealed
Posts: 2996
Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2010 3:46 pm
Location: Milwaukee, Madison, SE Wisconsin

Re: Window Replacement Frustration - Am I too Picky?

#7 Post by HomeSealed »

FLHomeowner33618 wrote: Sun Apr 03, 2022 10:18 am Thanks for the feedback. Since this is their fourth time coming out on the project, I like the idea of a third party inspection so it stays objective. Would typical home inspectors do this or would I need to find someone who specializes in windows/doors?
Definitely a specialist. A home inspector has no prerequisite for window knowledge and its generally pretty far down the list. I'd suggest checking with your local NARI chapter or something along those lines and see if they can recommend someone.

Ion the four times that this company has come out, have you had someone from management take a look any of those times?... Is this company one that has a management structure, or a smaller group where the installer is the owner or something along those lines?

FLHomeowner33618
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2022 10:48 am

Re: Window Replacement Frustration - Am I too Picky?

#8 Post by FLHomeowner33618 »

Thank you…you’ve been a big help!

User avatar
toddinmn
Posts: 1067
Joined: Tue Jan 06, 2009 9:02 pm

Re: Window Replacement Frustration - Am I too Picky?

#9 Post by toddinmn »

You are in a tough spot. Sounds like they failed to fix this 3 times . Personally I’d have little faith in them trying to fix this from day 1. This is a hard job to fix, removing caulk is a not easy and throwing a bigger caulk joint over the top is not gonna work since they smeared. It so wide. Finding another Contractor to fix this is gonna be very difficult. You don’t need a third party to verify the quality. I’d stop or withhold any payment remaining , this is gonna be your biggest leverage. I don’t know the full details but it sounds like they you charged a premium. What brand of windows are those?

User avatar
HomeSealed
Posts: 2996
Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2010 3:46 pm
Location: Milwaukee, Madison, SE Wisconsin

Re: Window Replacement Frustration - Am I too Picky?

#10 Post by HomeSealed »

toddinmn wrote: Tue Apr 05, 2022 12:16 am You are in a tough spot. Sounds like they failed to fix this 3 times . Personally I’d have little faith in them trying to fix this from day 1. This is a hard job to fix, removing caulk is a not easy and throwing a bigger caulk joint over the top is not gonna work since they smeared. It so wide. Finding another Contractor to fix this is gonna be very difficult. You don’t need a third party to verify the quality. I’d stop or withhold any payment remaining , this is gonna be your biggest leverage. I don’t know the full details but it sounds like they you charged a premium. What brand of windows are those?
Are you able to determine the degree of corrections that are needed based on the pics Todd?
- Is it mostly aesthetic?
- Does the entire installation need to be redone?
- Are the windows themselves salvageable if so?

If you can, more power to you, but I wouldn't be comfortable making that judgement without laying eyes on this in person, hence the need for a third party, OR a visit by upper management if this is a company of sufficient size... For all we know the installer could have gone back three times for three different items, and nobody up the totem pole is aware of the gravity of the concerns... All speculation of course.

I do agree with the premise that if the job isn't fully paid for yet, holding off until you at least have a satisfactory plan to fix this would be advisable. If it has been paid for, you still have plenty of leverage, although the next steps in that case would certainly escalate quickly.

User avatar
toddinmn
Posts: 1067
Joined: Tue Jan 06, 2009 9:02 pm

Re: Window Replacement Frustration - Am I too Picky?

#11 Post by toddinmn »

I meant you don’t need a 3rd a party to verify something is wrong here. I agree with going To upper management or the owners first, if that doesn’t work then 3rd party is recommended since they will be one step away from court.

User avatar
HomeSealed
Posts: 2996
Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2010 3:46 pm
Location: Milwaukee, Madison, SE Wisconsin

Re: Window Replacement Frustration - Am I too Picky?

#12 Post by HomeSealed »

toddinmn wrote: Tue Apr 05, 2022 4:21 pm I meant you don’t need a 3rd a party to verify something is wrong here. I agree with going To upper management or the owners first, if that doesn’t work then 3rd party is recommended since they will be one step away from court.
Agreed

FLHomeowner33618
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2022 10:48 am

Re: Window Replacement Frustration - Am I too Picky?

#13 Post by FLHomeowner33618 »

They are PGT windows and sliding doors. While the installation experience has been awful and there are items, like windows installed without rollers, that are being called warranty items…it seems that agreement that it’s probably more of just bad finish work.
B7CA8593-3BE2-4F96-8170-2622A625F9B7.jpeg
FB8357DE-1F69-4983-A0A4-8C91124C48AA.jpeg
99CDF497-8D6F-4DC6-85CA-3780C4561514.jpeg

FLHomeowner33618
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2022 10:48 am

Re: Window Replacement Frustration - Am I too Picky?

#14 Post by FLHomeowner33618 »

70253740-0A04-4E0D-98EB-C999CD138D2A.jpeg
9ACE0F61-1ACC-4367-988E-35D1A0F69F93.jpeg
8BA57001-528C-49E5-8C1F-9D7CABF6DFB3.jpeg

User avatar
Windows on Washington
Posts: 5308
Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 11:23 am
Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC

Re: Window Replacement Frustration - Am I too Picky?

#15 Post by Windows on Washington »

This is not work that was done by a window professional. I am sorry that you are having to deal with this crap.

Post Reply