Collegiate Window Systems

The 7 windows were not all the same size - some slid up and down and some opened out. Two men arrived on the date agreed upon, and helped with removing some shades I could not, and replaced them after all was done. They covered a sofa with canvas that I was not sure had to be moved, so nothing fell on it. They were quiet and respectful, and worked efficiently. They arrived at 10 am and left somewhere after 1 pm. It had been muddy outside, but they vacuumed the areas before they left. I would use them again.

Great. The work got done very quickly and they took all the old windows with them. Our place was very clean when they left and they even hung the curtains back up. You wouldn't have known we'd gotten 7 windows replaced that day.

We met with Phil, the owner, to go over details of the project. He took the time to walk myself and my partner though the various options which was very helpful as we did not have extensive knowledge of windows beforehand. On the day of the install the install team was on time and completed the job quickly and efficiently. The lead installer, Keith, was happy to answer any questions I had while they were working. They did an excellent job installing the new window and ensuring that they cleaned up afterwards. Overall it was a very positive experience with this company. They installed a custom ordered brand new window at a great price and were extremely professional throughout the process.

Windows were ordered quickly and installed quickly too. One window was measured incorrectly but they ordered one of the correct size and were very responsive in updating me on the process. The price that I ended up paying was much lower then the other 3 window companies that I had looked at. The window Collegiate sells was also better then the windows the other 3 companies were selling. There was one window that broke when removing it and inside the house was cleaned very thoroughly but I did find a fair bit of glass outside that window when the snow melted. Overall I am very pleased with my work with them and if I every do more window work I will definitely go through Collegiate Windows again.

Collegiate Window Systems installed over 25 windows in my home in the fall of 2016. I feel the price was fair, and the national vinyl northstar windows appear to be of excellent quality. My least favorite part of the experience was some hard selling by the otherwise excellent Mr. Phil Coleman. His sales style is old school, and it was overwhelming to me and my wife. We were hesitant to select Collegiate Windows for this reason, but I asked for a reference in my town to see the installation and the windows for myself. Phil immediately assured me he would get me a reference, and came back with two. The first was a commercial job he had completed, and the second a nice family just a few miles from our home. I could tell Collegiate Window Systems did fantastic work from the happiness this customer showed and the quality and cleanliness of the areas around the windows that I observed. This experience made me feel certain that Collegiate Window Systems would do a fantastic job on my home. I was right. Doug and his crew came out on time and installed over 25 windows and trim on my home in less than 3 days. They were ceaselessly professional, very courteous, and worked very hard to make me happy. On the evening of the 2nd day, my wife and I reviewed each window inside and out and noted little things we thought could be finished better. We made a list, and presented it to Doug on the last day. He tirelessly and without a single complaint went over each of our concerns and made them right. I believe this is an absolutely critical step in any home project, and Doug and his crew handled our feedback with the highest professionalism and showed genuine concern over our happiness. If you are considering Collegiate Window Systems, overlook Phil's sales style, and rely on Phil and Doug's willingness to listen to your needs and take feedback. I can’t speak highly enough about the work of Doug and his crew, and I recommend Collegiate Window Systems without reservation to my friends.

Whole process was seem less from start to finish. Arrived on time. Finished the job in a timely manner. Cleaned everything up. Most importantly the job looks great.

Phil arrived on time and launched into an explanation of his background and connections. He asked me a few questions about what I was looking for, then decided on the ideal product for my condo. He showed me an information sheet and a sample window for Compositewood windows, took measurements, then went out to his car and came back a few minutes later with a bid on a piece of paper. I checked online and could not find the windows he recommended, so I emailed the supplier, National Vinyl Windows. The manager told me that they distribute Compositewood but don't make them. I found the sales pitch too hard, and did not like the fact that the price was good only for a day and a half. These are not tactics I look for in a contractor.

saw collegiate website while searching for national vinyl replacement windows.wasn't sure they did smaller jobs . I called and just a few days later Phil,the owner, called me back,came to the house,measured and ordered the (odd sized )windows. A few weeks later the installer came and did a neat and speedy job replacing the windows..The whole process was very professional and enjoyable from first call to install.the windows look great inside and on the outside.would rrecommend Collegiate window system to anyone..

We were told that we would gain more of glass view from what we originally had with the replacement. When in fact, the replacement had a 4 inch vinyl border around the entire window which decreased the view (glass). Complete opposite of what we were told. The original window was a double crank out window and the replacement is a single crank out window. The big bay window was much smaller than anticipated. Again the view was minimalized from the original as well as decreasing the windowsill space. There was a 6? piece of wood added on top of the window inside so we could hang our blinds on to (they are too long for the window now), just another example that the sizing is inaccurate. There was 6? piece of vinyl on the outside of the window as well. When I mentioned this, Phil (sales rep) offered to pay for new blinds but all the blinds are custom made to match in the dining room and living room. Many attempts were made to contact the sales rep, Phil, and it was a few weeks before he was available to meet with us. Phil?s final response was that my husband signed the contract and knew what we were getting. And although the contract was signed, what we were shown and believed to be receiving was not what we actually received. After our conversation we all agreed that I would have a few other window companies come see if there was anything that could be done to correct the two windows we had an issue with.

The service was on time, prompt and fantastic. The work done was top notch, and we love our new window. I can't say enough positive things about this company and how well they work. I wasn't expecting our window to be replaced until mid March, but the window was manufactured quicker than expected and we had our new window in no time. I love the window so much and I can't wait for the warmer weather to open them up more. I am impressed. Thank you guys!

Within 1 week of contacting Collegiate Windows they came out and gave us an estimate of what we wanted done. They were extremely helpful in showing (and explaining) what we needed and the cost was extremely fair and reasonable. After the door and windows were ordered and came in, the provider scheduled a time to do the work and was very prompt in coming out. The work was done in a professional yet friendly manner and was completed in less time than expected. There was no cleanup to be done by us at the end of the day as they did it for us. I plan on using Collegiate Windows again and can highly recommend them with confidence.

It went very, very well. Collegiate was easy to deal with, prompt and delivered and installed a great set of windows at a low price. The windows are superb: triple pane, easy to open and close, very secure against the outside temperature, very good at limiting the sounds in a noisy urban neighborhood. Phil and Doug worked very well with the condo association in the building to be sure that all went smoothly. The best I can imagine.

I had originally contacted Collegiate Windows after reviewing their Angie's list ratings and after getting a quote from a nationally advertised chain that was twice the price of Collegiate's. Phil Coleman (the owner) came out a couple of times before we signed a contract. His installer Doug came out to measure the windows and we agreed to a time and date for the installation. The day of the installation Doug called to say he would be about 20 minutes late (no big deal) and the installation began. I found both Doug and his helper to be professional and polite and the installation went well. I was going to remove the window treatments but Doug said they would do it (they replaced them too, which I wouldn't have expected) and they basically did their thing without much intrusion. We were not happy with the finish of the roof of the Bay Window, it was white metal and Doug immediately agreed to come back the next day to install shingles, which he did. My wife and I were very happy with the results. It is a bit early to comment on the end results (it has only been a few days) but I wouldn't hesitate to use Collegiate Windows again for additional window replacements.

Fantastic service from the first contact to the final install. Great communication and follow-up, high-quality windows and an excellent installation.

Phil was very informative and set us up with the windows we wanted. We were given a good price, and his team was very friendly and professional. They showed up promptly on the first day of installation. The install went quickly and quietly (they did not disturb our two newborn children). The cleanup on both days (a 2-day installation) was thorough. They answered all our questions along the way, and any phone calls I made during the entire process from first meeting through the installation, were returned surprisingly quickly. We would definitely use Collegiate Windows in the future. What a pleasant, painless experience!

The owner and operator of Collegiate Window Systems, Phil, visited my home, checked out the windows I wanted replaced, and provided me with a fantastic price all in the same day. There was no bologna, and Phil provided me with numerous positive reference letters, as well as a number of examples of the significant price differences between what Collegiate Window Systems could offer versus the costs of a number of other well known window providers. In addition, Phil described a commitment to customer satisfaction that included his organizations willingness to replace or repair the windows that were installed for just about any reason. The work was done within the time frame I was quoted, and on the day of installation the installers arrived precisely when they said they would. The job was done in no time flat, and the job site was left absolutely spotless. I assumed we'd have some cleaning up to do, or some construction waste to dispose of, but when I arrived to examine the finished job there was just an absolutely clean and complete set of beautiful new windows; all evidence of the fact that the installers were even in the house was gone. I really appreciated working with Phil and Collegiate Window Systems and would surely recommend them to friends and family.

Excellent service and professionalism from everybody involved in Marketing, Sales and Installation. A true pleasure to work with this team. They were not pushy. They provided an honest quotation and allowed us to take time to decide. Their prices were very competitive, even for brand name product. They found exactly what we were looking for. Installation was clean and fast. There was no impact to the interior of our home - you really would not have known the installation crew was here. We are using this company for another project. HIGHLY recommended.

Sales! Talked it up a lot about his previous experience before doing windows and all of his contacts. flashed a bunch of "satisfied customer" letters in front of us. high pressure. *ding ding* alarm bells. filled out a contract right there as if we were going to sign. we declined. He spoke mostly to my husband even though I generated the call. What he didn't know is that I'm the decision maker. no deal for this company.

They did an outstanding job. They were a no nonsense company. They did their job quickly and they cleaned up after the work was done. They were very professional and I would highly recommend them to anyone.

Mr. Coleman met with me to discuss the best way to handle this installation project. That same day, his installer, Doug, came to measure the windows. Within a month's time, Doug called to schedule the job. He and his associate arrived on time and finished the job within 5 hours. They were efficient and organized and removed all debris. I am extremely pleased as to how my room looks now, it is so much more open and brighter - it has exceeded my expectations!

Service was excellent. Phil was very responsive to our tight time frame to have the work completed. Price was very reasonable and our new window looks and functions great!

Phil examined our needs and explained the possibilities. He answered all our questions and provided a very reasonable quote for 13 new windows. They ordered the windows and gave us an accurate estimate on when they could perform the work. Doug did a superb job removing the old storm/glass windows and replacing them with new windows. He was very professional, quiet, careful of our house and efficient in everything. The installation job was fantastic. He explained the new windows, answered our questions and cleaned up everything. Due to budget concerns, we did half our windows- they said they would honor the same prices for 2 years. We will most definitely have them return for the other half of the job as soon as we can. Collegiate Window Systems is one of the best providers we have ever worked with in all our years being home owners.

It went as poorly as any experience I've had with a contractor in twelve years of owning a three family home. I first contacted Collegiate Window Systems via Angieslist on April 17 around 8:30 am. A half hour later, after I noticed that the message had not registered as sent in the Angieslist message system, I called them. It was just after 9 am when I spoke with Keith. He informed me that customers had called to say that reviews of C. W. S. which they wrote on Angieslist were not posting so he would contact Angieslist to find out why. After that, I didn't hear from Keith or anyone else at C. W. S. via Angieslist until I sent a message on May 4. Based on my experience, and our exchange of messages, I think they just use Angieslist to troll for customers. Keith told me that Phillip Coleman, company owner, could come look at my window job later that day. Phillip arrived on time that afternoon and we reached agreement that I would have two old windows removed and two new basement hoppers installed. I signed a contract , paid a $400.00 deposit, and Phillip said the windows would be available for installation in a few days. After a few days, Phillip called, he said the windows were in and put me in touch with Project Manager Doug. Doug suggested the following Tuesday afternoon for installation and said he?d call back the day before with the time. That Monday Doug called and suggested he could start around two pm. I said that was fine and then on Tuesday afternoon, Doug called just before 1 pm and asked if an early arrival was okay. It was and he and an assistant arrived around 1 pm. I showed them the windows to be changed out, made sure they had access to the basement and returned to the painting project I was engaged with. After about half an hour I returned to the basement to check on their progress. The job somehow appeared nearly done as Doug was caulking around a replacement window. That?s when I noticed that there was no interior woodwork to be painted because Doug had not removed the old, and in places rotted, window frame. He?d only unscrewed the old 3 light barn sash and installed a replacement window within the old frame. The new glass was subsequently smaller and the sash did not pivot at a right angle enabling airflow above and below it. That was a major sticking point for me before the sale and Phillip assured that he had the same hoppers he would install near his basement office and was satisfied with the airflow above and beneath the sash. The windows were supposed to be Northwinds 3 Hoppers, manufactured by National Vinyl. However, there was no information sheet attached to the glass and I can?t find any identifying marks anywhere else on the windows. No NFRC ratings, no Energy Star certification, no heat/loss ratings, etc. They were some generic, cheapo replacement, not the Northwinds 3 Hoppers I paid for. When I asked Project Manager Doug where the interior wood was, as I was ready to prime it, he looked like he threw up in his mouth.This was very strange. Phillip asked specifically whether I was okay with staining or painting the interior wood and I assured him I was before signing the contract. The contract (See Contractimage.jpg) has a box for ?Old Windows Removed? with ?yes? written in. Same with the box for ?Unpainted Inside Stops? and the box with ?Wood Conversion.? The Job Description on the contract reads, ?Two Basement Hoppers - total wood conversion - new interior wood will be stained or painted by customer. All old windows and any debris will be removed by C. W. S.? Doug stammered that he could add wood and asked ?what type of wood do you want me to use?? He also said that he would have to depart the job to go and purchase the wood, that?s why he was asking. I asked how he could come to a ?total wood conversion? job without any wood? When he said he had a very different idea of what the job entailed, I asked him to stop so I could call Phillip and ask why there was no removal of the old window, only the sash and why the Project Manager showed up with no wood to do this job. Phillip didn?t pick up so I left a message. I returned to Doug and he again asked ?what type of wood do you want me to use?? I replied that he should use the same type of wood that he used on the sills, which I had shown Phillip were rotted through. (See image #1, how can I attach?) He replied ?I used pine on them.? I said that?s fine. I only wish now I?d made him show me where he used pine on the sills as he only covered the rotted wood with aluminum! (See image #2.) Doug soon left without a word so after I checked and saw that there was no pine used on either window I called him, 860-933-0876. He didn?t pick up so I had to leave a message asking him to come back and show me where it was. He?s not yet returned my call. I soon heard back from Phillip however who didn?t answer the questions I?d left but grasping my displeasure with the installed units tried several times to sell me slider windows. He became combative when I asked about his claim that the hopper windows in his basement office in Paxton had airflow above and below the sash. Then he conceded that he was wrong about that and he was sorry, his windows in fact, like what was installed here, had no airflow beneath the sash. Lovely, telling me after the sale how he lied to me before the sale. Further, he stated there were no such basement hopper windows with tilting pivot hardware. That was strange as I'd just seen one demo'ed at A-1 Windows on Southbridge Street in Worcester. I told him I would have to do some research. Phillip said fine, just to let him know what kind of windows I wanted installed and he would install them. After little research I found two manufacturers who offered basement hopper windows with tilting pivot hardware, Crystal and MI or Metal Industries. I sent a message to Collegiate Window Systems that I wanted MI?s 9990 Basement Window's installed with grids and argon enhancement. Keith replied. Collegiate Window Systems5/4/2015Hi Brian, Phil tried to contact you today to schedule with you. Can you call him at (508) 269-0749 or (508) 755-8808 Thanks, Keith After I sent a detailed message, via Angieslist, explaining that we needed to communicate in writing because things had gone so wrong, Phillip phoned me back repeatedly, at least ten times within a couple hours. I replied with a message. 5/4/2015Hi Keith, We need to communicate via Angieslist, Phil especially. If you can give me a morning or afternoon, I will arrange my schedule around it. I?ll need to know what size MI 9990 windows you plan to install and whether the installer will be equipped with wood and mortar this time. Also, confirmation on grids and Argon enhancement. BTW, how did Angieslist respond to your inquiry on why reviews and other customer messages were not posting? Thanks, Brian Collegiate Window Systems5/4/2015Hi Brian, Phil doesn't use the site to communicate with customers unfortunately. I know he said he has been trying to reach you a few times but has not heard back. As for the info on the product, size, and wood, he or Doug would be best to speak with on any details. If you have some time this evening, I can have him call you? I never was given a reason as to why. It seems to be working properly again, however, a customer did have to leave feedback twice in order to get it on there once. 5/4/2015 Hi Keith, Well I guess you'll have to communicate for Phil. I've had more than enough of his phone calls. Collegiate Window Systems5/5/2015Hi Brian, The problem with that is I don't work in the install department. I have limited knowledge of the actual labor and details once a customer gets sent over to sales and install. To make it even more difficult, I see Phil maybe once a week. If I knew anything about it I would gladly put everything together for you. I have made a call to Phil. He says that we need to schedule a day and time with Doug Haviland to install the new windows. He also said Doug will call you this morning with the product details. Please be in contact with him so we can get everything resolved for you. Thank you, Keith. Doug didn't call and the situation only deteriorated. Spokesman Keith made it clear that Phillip would only use the phone, not Angieslist. After another week or so, I received a letter dated 5-7-15 that stated "Brian: I was wrong on the venting of the hopper. Whatever you want to do is fine with me. I'm returning your deposit in full. Call me if you want to use the Metal Industries window and I'll be happy to accommodate you. Phil." Not exactly. He acknowledged the window I wanted but refused to order it. When he couldn't get away with $956.25 for two generic basement window inserts Phillip gave up. I've since paid $115.00 each for two Metal Industries basement windows with "tilting pivot hardware." I also removed the rotted sills and replaced the failed mortar underneath them. I'll be donating the window inserts to our local Habitat For Humanity.

Scheduled, picked up, delivered back.

After have a MASS Save energy assessment we decided to replace the windows in our home that had never been replaced, ancient, single payne windows (with old storm windows on top) that were hard to open, rattley and starting to crumble. Unsatisfied with the window company reccomended by the Mass Save Program (PS..you don't have to use the ones they reccomend), I went on Angie's List to find a good replacement window company. Collegiate window came highly reccomened. Mr. Philip Coleman, owner of Collegiate Window Systems promply answered our inquiry. He came out to our home and presented us with our options. We already knew that we wanted Harvey Windows and he gladly priced out the windows for our project. The only difficulty was that the windows did not come in from the manufacturer on time, we had to wait two additional weeks for our install, (I had taken the day off from work and couldn't reschedule it). Fortunately my husband was home for the instillation. Mr. Philip Coleman and Doug (unknown last name) arrived promtly on the day that had been set up for the work. They worked in an efficient, pleasant and professional manner. The work was done in a day and they cleaned up everything and got rid of the old windows for us. I would reccomend this company to anyone looking to replace their old windows!