Great Lakes Home Renovations

The bad: Would not speak with us until after loan closing, high pressure sales tactics including "buy today or this low offer will be gone forever", extremely long appointment (3.5 hours - 2 scheduled!), want you to commit before really seeing their product. They REALLY milked the pressure sales, with even a "call to the boss" to tell them the customer amazingly refused this great offer. Pure cheese tactics, as far as I was concerned, a real knock to the credibility of the company regardless of AL reviews. The good: The price offered appeared to be good. Salesmen were nice and professional. I am probably focusing on the negatives too much here, I would certainly (and still could at this point) decide to go with Great Lakes, but there were some highly undesirable things in their process.

The technician we worked with on the demolition, Joe, was extremely prompt, thorough, polite, efficient and a total pleasure to work with. He ripped out the existing tub and tile (saving as much of the tile as he could per our request) along with the sink so quickly with so little mess. The beautiful replacements (tub, enclosure and sink) were installed in less than two days. It looks so beautiful and I still feel like I am in a hotel when I shower.

Great Lakes did a outstanding job. Their installers did all the work in just 3 days. I am very satisfied with the results and would hire Great Lakes again.

I was given a pressure sales pitch that they needed nothing less than 2 hours and my wife and I were required to both be present during the presentation! What a joke. I have had 50 or more bids completed on this home for various updating/remodeling we've done and NEVER did one bid need more than 10-30 minutes of my time, let alone REQUIRE both of us to be present. I told Brittany that my time was extremely limited as I am insanely busy with work even though I work from home. She seemed to care less about my needs and requirements for the bid and then stated that since I couldn't guarantee that I would give them 2 hours and my wife wouldn't be present, she said it wasn't a "good fit" which insulted me so much I hung up the phone. How dare this company think they can tell me how long I have to spend with them and whom must be present. You're working for me, I am not working for you!! I wouldn't waste time with this company if they're only method of giving you a bid is a 2 hour presentation hard sell format. If you're work and products are good, you don't need 2 hours to tell me the bid for 4-6 window! Don't waste your time with these jokers and just get a bid or work with another company that actually respects your time, needs and decisions!!!

The work went really well. They were quick and efficient, and the end result has been AMAZING. The only issue that arose was that we were charged more that we were quoted. We did receive a reimbursement for a portion of the added cost. However, the end result is really fantastic.

Great. Work done satisfactorily and on time.

They offered a variety of different choices and were knowledgable about their products. Installation was fast and installers cleaned up their mess. I will use them for future projects.

I met them at the HGTV garden show in Minneapolis in late Feb. I looked at the product and set up an appointment for in-home estimate. I had to reschedule that once and they were gracious. Brandon came on time and was very personable. Before measuing and estimating I was asked what the major factors were that would play into my decisions. I said product quality and references as to product and work quality. They measured, discussed options, provided an estimate. This all went well. As I gathered from other reviews on Angies list, they push hard to sign a contract the same evening. I decided to sign since I had 3 days to cancel so figured that would be enough time to receive references and confirm my decision. I was promised references the next day. 24 hours later I left a message at Great Lakes asking for the references. I still did not hear from anybody. I sent an email the next day and still did not receive any references. We decided to drive out to Apple Valley from Mpls to drop off the cancellation notice. The desk clerk was chilly but polite and said we needed to talk to Brandon about the deposit. Brandon came out and told us how busy he had been so that is why we did not receive references. I reminded him that was the first thing I said mattered and the last thing I asked him for before he left. He looked at me (kind of like a bratty child) and told me that was not the reason I was cancelling - that I just didn't want to do the job. I told him he was wrong, I had been shopping for vanities and lights, but if he couldn't deliver on the first thing I needed, then I didn't trust him to deliver on anything else. He walked out the door and drove away very quickly.I was deeply disappointed in how this turned out. I also did not appreciate how I was treated when I came to cancel.

I'll preface my review by saying I have no concerns about the quality of the windows or the installation. The windows seem top-notch and the installation seems very sound. I'm satisfied with the current state of the windows, and the salesperson and installers were professional and courteous when at our home. However, the process was unacceptable. We signed a contract in early September, and the sale person assured us that we'd likely have our new window project complete by Halloween, Thanksgiving at latest. Great. Measurement guy came out a week or so later, and thought windows would be about six weeks. Still ok. Halloween comes and goes, so I call the office a couple of times before I get a callback, and I finally get a response that the factory is backlogged but that we should have the windows installed by the end of November. November comes and goes. I call again--a few times--before I get a response. Finally, mid-December we get a call that our windows are in and ready for installation. After half of the windows are installed, we were bumped for a couple of weeks more because 'the installers wouldn't want to make another customer angry' since our installation took longer than expected. So, the more of the windows finally get installed just before New Year's Eve. At that point, the installers let us know that two of the windows are the wrong size and will have to be re-ordered. So we wait for those to show up, and they eventually get installed weeks later...but without the required tempered glass, as they were bathroom windows. The installer waited to tell us until after he had left. So we wait another six weeks for the new sashes to show up. The installer installs the replacement sashes, asks my wife to sign off on completion of the project and our card gets charged. And then the installer calls me to tell me that the sashes he installed weren't actually tempered glass and that he'd ordered another set of replacements. After neglecting to tell my wife so that the company could collect payment. We had the replacement sashes manufactured, delivered and installed a week later...after previously being told there was no way to rush order with the manufacturer. My wife and I have had to arrange time away from work on five occasions to support installations, and I've probably made north of 20 phone calls to try to get answers over the course of the project. It took six months to complete a project that we were assured would be a 6-8 week project. Delays were not communicated, updates required multiple calls to the main office and errors--whether manufacturer or installer--were inadequately communicated. When I raised my concerns and shared my frustration, I was offered $200. So, we have well-installed, quality windows, but we also have a 6-8 week project that lasted 6 months. Communication and customer service are not a priority with this company. Steer clear.

The most regrettable experience I've had as a homeowner is working with Great Lakes Window & Siding. The bathroom remodel I hired them for took longer than promised (3-4 weeks, not 3-4 days), and the work performed was shoddy and lacking in professionalism (the grout work was so bad we're already thinking of hiring someone to redo it less than 2 years later; if that's not bad enough, the water wasn't turned off prior to our bathtub's removal/replacement, leading to a burst pipe and water damage to an adjacent room's ceiling. Great Lakes' idea of resolving that issue was painting over the water stains -- but the splotches are still visible -- and two years later the pipes are leaking, perhaps because they forgot to install a gasket on the overflow valve. I called to have them come out and stand by their work (the leak stained the ceiling). They promised they would, but never fit me into their schedule. If you have read this far, trust me; you will regret it. Look elsewhere.

As with the previous reviewer the sales person had a list of questions. Including when my wife and I worked. I let him know that my schedule was very flexible while that of my wife was not because of her work. He then went on to discuss how he would we want us both there because there are so many colors to choose from. My wife is fully capable of choosing colors remotely. We'll likely be working with Bath Fitters again.

I called in to cancel my appointment with them (wanted to be courteous) and I was transferred to Scott. He asked me about a million questions, which was super annoying because all I wanted to do was cancel. He kept probing and probing, telling me that they are far superior than any other company and can do things better. I told him that in the two weeks that almost passed by, I was able to call around and get some reasonable quotes from other reputable vendors who I also found on Angie's list. Again, he asked me what I was doing and for more information and he kept telling me that he didn't understand my explanations. How many times can you ask a person for more clarification when all they want to do is cancel their appointment? He also questioned my research and the vendors I chose, asking whether or not someone who can do work in a couple of week is really a reputable vendor (i.e. saying that they don't have enough work to do and that people must not use them so why would I?) Questions like that are very rude and you're insulting my intelligence leve. AGAIN, he asks me more questions, specifically about whether or not we are replacing our tub. I told me we were opting to have it refinished. This is where the conversation reached the very lowest point, as if it hadn't been terrible enough. He paused, I could hear him reaching for some papers that he wanted to reference: he told me how harmful the chemicals were; how the CDC has research out there, that it won't last, and that I shouldn't bathe my child in a bath refinished and with so many chemicals. While I apprecaite one's concern over my child, that is absolutely none of your business, and you shouldn't judge me or my choices. It would have been one thing to attempt to profesionally provide me with the information, but to tell me what I should and shouldn't do with my child is absolutely absurd, rude, and unprofessional. I don't mind receiving someone else's opinion, but the manner in which Scott did so was not the least bit professional, was completely condescending, and I would NEVER opt to use this company give how rude he was over the phone to me. All I wanted to do was cancel my appointment with as much advanced notice as possible. Also, I did mention to him that for me, over 2 weeks out just to be seen for a consultation was far too long, and he magically was going to be able to send someone to my house tomorrow to meet with me. Perhaps that should have been considered in the first place, not said to me after you belittled me and my intelligence level.

These guys were great! The sales guy (Monty) came out and looked over the bathroom, talked to us about what we wanted to do, and made helpful suggestions. He was patient with us trying to make a decision, and with our small kids (who caused some disruptions). He was considerate of our budget concerns and they were flexible about letting us to some of the demolition for sweat equity. I believe that the man who built up our shower was named Jason. He was AWESOME. He was efficient, smart and considerate. He kept the mess pretty contained (we had some issues with sawdust going all over that would have been resolved if we had thought to drape off the unfinished area from the finished area. But the work only took 4 days, and now we have a BEAUTIFUL new shower in the basement (and a strong desire to redo the rest of the room to match!). I don't just say I'm willing to recommend this company - I already have. I really liked the people I dealt with and would put them toward the top of my list for any other house projects we didn't do on our own. I will say that they are not the cheapest outfit, but we absolutely got what we paid for - a great value for great service.

This is my first negative review on Angie's List and we have done quite a number of projects on our homes. I want to make sure any other future customers know how this company's sales team behaves, before setting up an appointment. The appointment started well, but after a lengthy presentation we were told the quote was only good if we signed right then. This is a high pressure sales tactic I was not by any means expecting from an established, A rated company from Angie's List. After firmly telling the salesperson we would not be signing anything that day, for this expensive project - as the salesperson already knew, were going to do our homework and evaluate multiple bids - it took an additional 45 minutes to get this salesperson out of our home. This is not an exaggeration, we were keeping a close eye on the time at that point since it was getting late and our small children needed to be put to bed. After a rehearsed phone call to his "boss" that we asked him not to make, we were suddenly offered a much more competitive quote, but again that was only valid while he was standing in our home. We declined. To summarize: *Quote only valid if you sign right then *Difficult to end sales visit after saying no *Best price not originally offered (by a significant amount) It is a real shame, because it seems like they are selling a nice product and the final quote we received was competitive. If they would have left the bid with us and treated us with respect (like the first company we had out) - they would have had a good chance of winning our business now and in the future.

The entire process went well. The salesman stopped by and gave me a quote on short notice. A few weeks later, final measurements were taken. Both were very professional and answered all of my questions. The install was performed a few weeks earlier than I expected. The installation crew was professional and answered all of my questions. They did a great job with the installation and cleaned up better than any other contractor I have had before.

We are very pleased with our remodeled bathroom, it is beautiful and was completed in only four days. All who worked on the project were professional, efficient, pleasant, punctual, neat and well trained craftsmen. We are happy we remodeled because there was some water damage found and it was taken care of before the new shower was installed.

Everything went great. They were punctual and communicated clearly about what was our responsibility and what was theirs. The only real problem was they installed this really lame shower head that just dribbled water on our heads. We were able to find a very good replacement for $6.00 on Amazon and it made all the difference.

Installation was completed on schedule. The work crew was friendly, professional and very hard working. Much rotted wood was found, removed and replaced. The new windows look great . I'm looking forward to a decrease in heating and cooling bills. This is the third windows project Great Lakes Window & Siding has performed on our house and their skill, workmanship, professionalism along with their competitive pricing make for a winning combination. Highly recommended.

Went well in time frame given. Workers would always ask us for our opinions if faced with design options while working. Always on time. Customer service very good. Family run. We used them to have our basement remodeled in 2008. One negative was how our floor tile was laid. We used marble tile bought from The Tile Shop and not theirs. First application needed to be grouted with another layer because a few tiles were raised up. I wished we had asked them to lay one more layer or somehow fix the tile. Still have a few small pieces sticking up.

I have had 2 experiences with Great Lakes Window & Siding Company: 1. Purchase & Installation of a sliding glass patio door. The installation was extensive as they needed to cut through the interior/exterior wall to create a space for the patio door. They were quick, clean, and respectful of my time during the entire process. I have been extremely happy with the quality of the door, even after 8 years, the door has not shown any signs of wear. 2. Purchase & Installation of an entry door. Again, an awesome experience from beginning to end. Installer quick, careful and courteous. I LOVE the door, not only for it's quality but also for it's energy efficiency...I couldn't believe the difference it made! I have received many compliments and inquiries as to where I purchased my door. I would highly recommend Great Lakes Window and Siding to anyone seeing quality products and reliable service.

Very Good Craftsmanship from the demo to the finish work on the trim. We are very pleased with our sliding glass door and how much it has opened up the room to natural light. Great Lakes was clean and professional throughout the process.m

We are prior customers of Great Lakes Window and Siding. It has been our experience that, if things go awry, Great Lakes Window and Siding will make it right.

My experience with them was fine. We found them on Angie's List. The workers were all excellent. We were very, very pleased.

Good! They tailor made the garden window over the kitchen sink. I looked for years to have people that can make proper measurements for them. In the basement, the window was not the standard size and they fixed it.

They were awesome, they were very good, and I'm very pleased. They came in and got the job quickly.