STATEWIDE Windows (also vs. other brands)
 

Just thought I would share my experiences with “Statewide Windows”
(Washington State) since a Google search of newsgroups and the Web
turned up surprisingly little. I would also lie to hear other peoples
opinions on replacement window types and quality.

We got a cold call from a representative a few weeks back, knocking at
the door, and since we did need to replace at least a few windows on the
house, we decided to arrange a time for them to “come by and look at the
windows, and give us a quote.”

After a few reschedules, they came by yesterday. My first clue there was
goingto be a problem was when one of the reps said, “I hope we are going
to by some windows today!” And then, “We prefer either one of 2 answers:
‘Yes we will buy some windows’, or ‘No we are not interested’. I quickly
told him that our answer would probably be “Maybe”. He ignored me.
Anyway, after telling me a bit about their windows, we went around the
inside and outside, he did his measurements and inspections, found many
problems (of course-but they are 30 y.o. aluminum..), and then the fun
began. The woman he was with began into a droning, somewhat
well-rehearsed sales pitch about the great things windows can do to your
property value, and what a great company Statewide is. Sounds simple,
but she used a prepared 3 ring binder, and it took about 45 min to 1 hr.
WASTE of my time. They didn’t want to do it without both my wife and I
there, and wanted to wait or reschedule when my wife needed to go feed
out 3 month old baby. Eventually they just started. And then they went
on and f-ng on. WASTE of my time. She finished, then he went into his
prepared sales pitch about how bad my windows were, and how great the
Statewide brand “Uniframe” windows were. It seemed to go on forever. The
woman eventually left, and he took over, and we finally began to discuss
how much their quote was, About 3 hours after they got there.

This is when it really got interesting. Because, we –were- interested in
their windows (more below). So we had some questions, and then he gave
us the price: $21,700, for 10 windows, including a garden box and a huge
picture window. Well that seemed high, and then the price started
dropping. It took a LONG time, but the price eventually came down to
$14000 even, with various “discounts” and one time special offers. It
really was like buying a used car. I had the feeling if we really pushed
and were super sure, we could have talked him down more.

But we weren’t sure we wanted to all of a sudden drop 14k on new
windows, right there right now. We generally like to mull over a quote
like this, even if we don’t get any other quotes. And we also generally
like to get more than one quote on a project this big. Well, evidently
that is not how Statewide operates. They come by your house and expect
you to sign then and there. The “quote” they give you is only good for
that day. We asked him to give us a quote that we could think about for
even a few days, to decide if we wanted to spend the money, could afford
it, what it would do to our budget, which color we wanted, etc. That
quote was $19600, over 5k more than the “right now” quote. The rep
didn’t want to understand that we wanted to think about it, even for a
day or two, and became annoyed, angry, and belligerent when we said we
wanted to. I was out of the room when he sneered at my wife the “she
didn’t understand and know what she was talking about, since she was out
of the room feeding the baby” during part of the 2 hour sales pitch.
Make a long story short, he left angry, and we woke up relieved.

About the windows
The actually seem like pretty decent quality windows. They are triple
pane filled with krypton, and very solid construction. The glass is very
solid (he slammed it with his steel tape measure to demonstrate), and
the pvc vinyl is filled with insulation on the inside. They claim a R10
(i.e. E=0.1) for the windows, and they are backed by a lifetime stall
warranty, transferable from owner to owner. The main things I didn’t
lie about them were that they are very “chunky” due to there overbuilt
construction, so they really don’t look all that great, although they
are not tooo bad. And they seem to have a significant “TINT” to them. In
other words, when compared to a regular piece of glass, they look very
“smoky” and when you look at the light on the floor, it is substantially
darker. This might be good for a really super sunny climate, but in
Seattle, that much light filtering might be unpleasant, and is probably
unnecessary. It is probably due to the fact that the low E coating is
the tungsten variant (I think) and that can result in more visible
change to the incoming light than the other type of low E coating
(correct me if I am wrong here- I ready that one type looks pretty much
like uncoated glass). And with 3 panes of glass with that coating, it
really cuts down on the light.

I would love to hear others’ input regarding window types, including
Statewide. I think the rep did himself and his company a disservice my
ragging on Milgard so much, since the research I have done indicates
that the company generally stands behind its products and they do have
some quality products. He did a lot of half information about other
windows, only showing and talking about the worst types of vinyl and
then the more expensive vinyl. I know very little about other
manufacturers, and would like to get some input before I make any big
decisions.

STATEWIDE Windows (also vs. other brands)
 

chester wrote:

Just thought I would share my experiences with “Statewide Windows”
(Washington State) since a Google search of newsgroups and the Web
turned up surprisingly little. I would also lie to hear other peoples
opinions on replacement window types and quality.

We got a cold call from a representative a few weeks back, knocking at
the door, and since we did need to replace at least a few windows on the
house, we decided to arrange a time for them to “come by and look at the
windows, and give us a quote.”

After a few reschedules, they came by yesterday. My first clue there was
goingto be a problem was when one of the reps said, “I hope we are going
to by some windows today!” And then, “We prefer either one of 2 answers:
‘Yes we will buy some windows’, or ‘No we are not interested’. I quickly
told him that our answer would probably be “Maybe”. He ignored me.

This is very typical of commission sales reps in the construction
biz. I had five different sales pitches on a new roof. Four of
them told me there was only one layer of shingles on my roof. I
knew there were two, but they didn't want to listen. Two of them
said I was wrong. Two of them said if there was two layers, the
cost would increas by $1000 for the removal. They estimated the
roof at between 25 to 30 squares. I knew it was 22 squares.

The bid from Home Depot was $7500. The others were between $5500
and $4500 plus the $1000 old roof removal. The roof was not
leaking so I was in no hurry. In spite of my stating, I was not
interested in financing the work, four of them kept bringing up
financing. When the one with the 30 squares estimate finally
gave me a figure, I asked him to show me how he arrived at the
figure. He said it was fairly complicated and boring. I told him
that was ok because I was a CPA, had a Masters Degree in Accounting,
and was very use to boring stuff. So he summed it up as a cost per
square. Then I handed him a piece of paper with drawings and
computations showing it was 22 squares. I really ****ed him off
when I asked for a 27% reduction in his bid from $5200 to $3800.

The contractor who got the work walked the roof, told me it would
take 23 squares, said it had to be stripped because it had two
layers, point out that the roof did not have a roof vent and needed
one, told me one of the attic fans needed to be replaced, and a
whole bunch more. He was a fire fighter who ran a roofing company
on his days off. He knew roofs. His price including the removal
was $4850 and he did an escellent job.

Anyway, ....

This is when it really got interesting. Because, we –were- interested
in their windows (more below). So we had some questions, and then he
gave us the price: $21,700, for 10 windows, including a garden box
and a huge picture window. Well that seemed high, and then the price
started dropping. It took a LONG time, but the price eventually came
down to $14000 even, with various “discounts” and one time special
offers. It really was like buying a used car. I had the feeling if we
really pushed and were super sure, we could have talked him down more.
...

Welcome to the club! This is very typical when someone is
interested in selling fast because they can't explain more
than they were drilled on.

I would love to hear others’ input regarding window types, including
Statewide. I think the rep did himself and his company a disservice my
ragging on Milgard so much, since the research I have done indicates
that the company generally stands behind its products and they do have
some quality products. He did a lot of half information about other
windows, only showing and talking about the worst types of vinyl and
then the more expensive vinyl. I know very little about other
manufacturers, and would like to get some input before I make any big
decisions.

My 14 year old son and a friend did door-to-door canvassing for a
contractor for about six weeks for $9/hour and bonuses if sales
were later made. I wanted to replace 11 interior doors and have
them stained first so I asked my son to ask the contractor if he
did interior doors. My son said words to the effect of "Don't
hire him. He told us to tell poeple whatever they wanted to hear
in order to schedule an appoinment." He and his friend decided
they would tell people that they thought so, but the customer
should ask the contractor when he came for the appointment. They
did that and when the contractor got a phone call to confirm the
correct answer, he fired both of them.

Truly a Caveat Emptor situation.

Dick

STATEWIDE Windows (also vs. other brands)
 

I hear you loud and clear chester!

My wife and I made the *HORRIBLE* mistake of scheduling a Statewide
visit the other day. Our experience is almost identical to yours in
every regard.

Particularly vexing for my wife and I was that the original rep who
scheduled our appointment (baiting us with a $25 gasoline card) said
it'd be a 60-90min presentation. She was right, if by 60-90min you
mean FOUR HOURS. Never mind the whole pressure cooker "you must make a
$20k decision right now (or you're an idiot)" pitch.

The whole experience was replete with every manner of cheap salesperson
tricks and lead-questions that I was embarassed to answer: "Now, would
you want to pay twice as much money for a window that's half as good ?"
Well, duh. Can I have those 5 seconds of my life back, please?

However, I was still impressed with the windows, but I'm a window
neophyte. I'd be interested if others have any feedback/data on
Uniframe windows...are they any good? I've heard mixed reviews about
Argon/Krypton filled gaps, i.e., leakage, too much money for too little
benefit, etc...

Anyway, yikes. Stay away folks. Unless you want to burn four hours in
the front row of an infomercial, stay away!

Brian

STATEWIDE Windows (also vs. other brands)
 

Just had them out last night...and I mean all night. $20K after all
discounts, for 13 windows and a slider. They seems like good windows, but
I'm shopping around for other installers. Seems a bit high in price, and
to my co-workers, they all knew it was too high, regardless of quality.

Just FYI.....it will be AT LEAST 3 hours long if not longer.
My suggestion: make them stand on their 11% "Buy it Now" discount for 90
days.

Everett, WA

STATEWIDE Windows (also vs. other brands)
 

"lucy568" wrote in message

Just FYI.....it will be AT LEAST 3 hours long if not longer.
My suggestion: make them stand on their 11% "Buy it Now" discount for 90
days.

If anyone offers a "buy it now" discount, avoid them. Reputable businesses
don't use high pressure tactics.

STATEWIDE Windows (also vs. other brands)
 

Okay I can add more to the Statewide discussion. I received a bid of
22,000 for nine windows and a slider and yes it was the big 3 hour
discussion and all of the cheap sales tricks. Going as far as to state
that vinal windows deteriate and fall out because they flex. I
called a friend that is a glazer and has done window installation for
25 years and he has never even heard of this happening. After I told
the company no to their windows I received another call and was told
that the commercial division of Statewide could give me a deal at a
much discounted price. I agreed to a 5 minute meeting, I was told
that I would be given the quote, but the sales rep had to come out and
reconfirm the measurements. When the rep arrived she started to get
all of her Statewide materials out of her car, I told her I only needed
the quote and that I would not listen to another sales pitch. I also
informed her that I was not satisfied with Statewides sales practices.
Being quite rude was the only way that I received the quote of 14,000,
but double paned windows not the triple pained. I told her that I
would not accept that bid and told her that I would not put Statewide
windows in my house. She called her supervisor and told him what I had
said and I thought I was done with Statewide....until today, when they
called again asking for a second appointment with the commercial
division!!! I responded by telling them that if they called again I
would be contacting the attorney general. Just run away from
Statewide, I am totally conviced this is a company that preys on
peoples fears and ignorance about the vinal window market. I just hope
more people learn the truth about this horrible company.

tliv

STATEWIDE Windows (also vs. other brands)
 

Recently, we had 22 windows installed in our home by Statewide Windows.
Our experience was excellent from start to finish. Statewide's sales
representative was professional, polite and knowledgeable. She answered
all our questions and gave us a lot of confidence in our purchase. The
installers also did an outstanding job. Their workmanship was excellent
and they completely cleaned up everything when they were done. I would
recommend Statewide Windows to anyone. Our windows look great and they
have made our house so much more comfortable. Triple pane Statewide
Windows are the only way to go!

GW Shoreline, WA

GW Shoreline WA

STATEWIDE Windows (also vs. other brands)
 

A couple of months ago I had Statewide come to my house for a presentation.
I too had a few problems with they way the presentation happened, but I
did end up with the windows and they are truly the BEST.

They sent a sales rep out and after measuring and inspecting my windows and
telling me about the problems I already knew about, we were already 45
minutes into it. Then he proceeded to tell me about the reasons why I
needed new windows. Again, with single pane aluminum, I already knew
that. So I told him to cut to the chase and he did. He gave me no fuss
about it. Finally he told me about the different windows out there and
showed me the differences. I had previously checked out windows and it
seemed that everything he was telling me had been accurate.

I ended up buying the windows. Although I did feel a little bit pressured
with that “11%” discount. I felt like I had gotten enough info that I
could make an educated decision.

The sales rep actually left my house and took some things to his car so
that I could take a minute to think about it. I got no pressure from him
at all.

The windows are now installed. I absolutely love them. I would definitely
recommend them to anyone. The installation crew was awesome and very
professional. They got there on time and they got done when they said
they would. I was actually more impressed with them than anything else.
I’ve worked with other contractors and have never gotten that kind of
service.

My suggestion to other people would be to be prepared to make a decision
before Statewide comes. Also, if you don’t want them to be there for 4
hours, then tell them to speed it up. They did for me without harassment.
Overall A+ on the windows and installation and B- on the presentation.

Salem, OR

STATEWIDE Windows (also vs. other brands)
 

Everyone must be rich on this thread.

I measured my windows, went to home depot and bought midrange windows
for $1300, and installed myself.

I hired a couple of guys and supervised. I think all together it came
to $2,500. Labor was the same as materials.

Am I the only one around who fastidiously guards her paycheck?

Look for a person who is installing windows and ask him if he'd like to
make some money on the side.

For the costs of the windows projects on this thread, I completely
remodeled my house including all hardwood floors refinished, vinyl,
windows, yard front and back, paint inside and out, remodel bathroom,
new garage door with opener ($600 a little pricey for me but it was
something I wouldn't tackle), ceiling fans in every room, and kitchen
appliances.

I'd go without before dumping my hard earned cash.




james0180 wrote:
A couple of months ago I had Statewide come to my house for a presentation.
I too had a few problems with they way the presentation happened, but I
did end up with the windows and they are truly the BEST.

They sent a sales rep out and after measuring and inspecting my windows and
telling me about the problems I already knew about, we were already 45
minutes into it. Then he proceeded to tell me about the reasons why I
needed new windows. Again, with single pane aluminum, I already knew
that. So I told him to cut to the chase and he did. He gave me no fuss
about it. Finally he told me about the different windows out there and
showed me the differences. I had previously checked out windows and it
seemed that everything he was telling me had been accurate.

I ended up buying the windows. Although I did feel a little bit pressured
with that "11%" discount. I felt like I had gotten enough info that I
could make an educated decision.

The sales rep actually left my house and took some things to his car so
that I could take a minute to think about it. I got no pressure from him
at all.

The windows are now installed. I absolutely love them. I would definitely
recommend them to anyone. The installation crew was awesome and very
professional. They got there on time and they got done when they said
they would. I was actually more impressed with them than anything else.
I've worked with other contractors and have never gotten that kind of
service.

My suggestion to other people would be to be prepared to make a decision
before Statewide comes. Also, if you don't want them to be there for 4
hours, then tell them to speed it up. They did for me without harassment.
Overall A+ on the windows and installation and B- on the presentation.

Salem, OR