Universal Windows Direct of Cleveland

This entire experience has been one that I never wish to have happen to anyone else. I'm going to keep this short and simple. Our window contract was signed in May 2012. Window installation began in the beginning of July 2012. It is not the end of November 2012 and our windows are not finished. The windows are not sealed, insulated, or properly installed. I have cracked frames, broken glass, debris from the old window removal, damaged dry wall, damaged siding among other things. The city building inspector even sent the company paperwork stating the work was not up to building code standards; the same standards used by the State of Ohio, not standards specific to the city in which I live. I can not hire another contractor to finish their work because the other contractors I called do not want to be sued by this company for touching their products. I was told to expect to pay nearly double the quoted price to have the windows and my home returned to a normal state. Please stay far, far away from this company. Don't get me wrong, this is a franchise operation. I'm sure there are reputable Universal Window Direct franchises. This is just not one of them.

After having multiple window companies come out for a "free estimate," we decided on Universal Windows Direct. Every window company salesman we had visit gave the high-pressure used car salesman pitch, and UWD was no different. Even though we had seen the whole spiel just the previous week at the home show, he insisted on going through the whole 2 hour presentation again. In the end, we decided to go with them DESPITE their pitch. So we ordered our windows and waited the 4-6 weeks while they were made to order. When the windows arrived from the factory, UWD called to schedule the install. Install day came, and there were only TWO guys. While that might be fine if we only had the double-hungs, we also had two 5'x7' picture windows, and a monster 5'x12' window, and the house has a brick facade. The double-hungs went in fairly smoothly, but they struggled with the "small" picture windows. They REALLY struggled to get the 12' unit in, but they finally managed to get it in place, with only minor ancilliary damage. It took them almost 12 hours to install all the windows. The installers did an amazing job considering it was just the two of them, but with the size of the windows in the order, there really should have been more people.

He came out and spent a lot of time with us. He had a lot of products to sell, not just windows. I don’t think I would hire him. His price was just too high.

I thought it was high pressure sale and the price was extremely high. I also didn't like that he pressured me to sign the contract that same day. I also saw an advertisement that if I had this company would clean my gutters if I had them come out for an estimate. However, the salesman let me know that they would only clean my gutters if I signed the contract with them. His sales tactic made me very uncomfortable.

Joe Pianecki, a partner in the company, came out and gave a very thorough demonstration of his product and reviewed with us what he thought were the selling points he thought were important for us to remember by leaving us a written list along with a copy of the warranty. Though Joe can be the "pushy" salesman at times he also backed off when he saw it was a turnoff for us. It can be hard to "hear" the information you need to make your decision when someone is hardselling in your face. Joe kept in contact with us following the initial visit and respected a request for time to consider all the material we had in front of us. When we had narrowed down the field to two companies we requested that Joe return with his demo window for us to review its features and to answer followup questions. Price was again discussed as well as the possibility of additional work. We settled on a price and a contract was signed. Joe also had financing available which made it convenient to absorb the cost as the windows were actually a project that had been slated for 2013. During the several weeks between contract signing and install, Todd came out and did precise measurements to insure the windows would properly fit into our century home. We again had an opportunity to ask questions and gauge the attitude of the workmen involved. About five weeks after contract signing we were called and an install date decided on. On the day of install two men arrived promptly and began laying down plastic both inside and out to protect our property and furnishings from debris. The process was like a choreographed ballet - take a window out, put a window in- which really helped keep our house from being a drafty icebox! There was little conversation as they then began all the work involved in insulating and calking each seam and applying trim to the outside. At all times they showed respect for us and our home and were willing to answer questions and concerns. Since my husband had worked in construction he watched them carefully and kept me up to date as to what stage we were at. Within less than a day our windows were installed, all debris bundled up and removed and areas vacuumed and restored to how they had found them. The only snafu was in paperwork which was resolved with a few phone calls. Joe did a followup call and visit to ensure that we were satisfied and for the finalization of paperwork. I have since been in contact with him, and, as during the whole process, he has responded promptly to messages. This is definitely a company we would consider working with again !

As we were working on room by room renovation projects, Universal was wiling to work with us on doing the window replacements one portion at a time, keeping to the original pricing. We are finishing an addition this summer and are looking forward to using the company for the new windows we need. Their sales people and installers were very personable and professional and the work was always completed promptly. We have referred the company to other family members, friends and coworkers

Work was completed in a timely manner, most before estimated completion time. Work crews were skilled and professional, and worked quickly. Overall we were very satisfied with the entire job.

The initial experience was the sales man that came into my home in late November. He looked at the windows and gave me a price. the window product itself was good but the pricing seemed high. They had listed an coupon in the local paper but said they couldn't honor it since I didn't spend enough, though there was no fine print on the coupon. Also, at the time the window was given an estimate they did not tell me that they weren't going to provide window sills. I had to provide them at my own cost from a different company. During the initial estimate I let them know that the size of one of the windows would have to be reduced, at that time they said there would not be an additional charge. After the work we received a bill for an additional $250.00. The salesman didn't properly communicate with me. They initially got the size wrong because they didn't properly write it down. They did not charge me for this been it prolonged the installation date. The window quality is superior on the glass but the quality of the lock is poor and doesn't make the window feel tightly locked.

I liked their professionalism, the price, the availability to get the job done, and the quality of work. They cleaned up, and the overall job was what I expected and appreciated. I am considering them for siding because they do a couple different things for home improvement.

I met Joe, the representive, was at a home show. He was very knowlegable and professional. The installers were excellent. They did an excellent job, and the cleanup was perfect.

Excellent service & proformance.. Workers were very professional as well as polite.. I enjoy my bay window..

Universal Windows Akron is an extremely professional window dealer. Joe Pianecki is knowledgeable about his product and helpful when it came to choosing windows for our Century old home. He is personable and friendly. The installers were skilled and knew exactly what they were doing. They cleaned up the work site and were professional. I would buy windows from Universal Windows Akron again.

It was free, they were fine, they were right on time, professional, but they were further away from us. I give them high ratings and may use them in the future if needed.

They were number one! They really did a good job, and didn't leave any mess. The quality of the work was fantastic. They were very professional, and I would recommend them highly.

I am quite pleased with their work. The foreman of the crew Nick was fabulous. He will do anything for us and work with us in any special things we need. The quality of their work was very good. They were responsive. We had weather problems otherwise they were here when they were needed to be and they stayed till they got the work done that day. We had weather delay them coming out in the morning when they should have been here. I would use them again in the future if necessary.

They did a wonderful job. They did everything they could to make us happy. We have a security system and they knew a couple of the windows needed to be rerouted. They took care of that. They had a little problem with the patio door but they also took care of that. They were very nice.

Our windows were terrible, they were drafty and even the screens were nailed into the siding of our house by the previous owners! The estimation process was easy, he came out and explained the company background, how the windows are made and what makes the quality so great. I couldn't believe they were able to replace all 14 windows and door in just one morning. They were so efficient!! We love our windows!!!10,000

We got them off from Angies List and they were very very good. They did an excellent job, excellent price and excellent follow-up. We’ve got only the front side done as we had got the back side done 10 years ago. Our house is a 100 years old.

We had an amazing experience with them. They had great customer service from start to finish (including follow-up). They made sure that we were satisfied with the quality of the windows and the customer service that they provided. They have an amazing staff!

No complaints. Arrived on time on day of installation. Cleaned up after they were finished. Very impressive. Love our new doors!

The lead builder was fantastic. He really went above and beyond.

The salesperson gave an estimate in the spring on the 4 replacement windows at $2,400 which was way more than I was willing to spend for a rental property. When I told him I was also interested in a replacement door for my primary residence, he said he would drop the windows down to $1,200 if I order the door at the same time. I felt that was resonable but was going to wait until the fall to have the work done and was going to get a couple more estimates. He was polite and gave me his card to contact him when I made a decision. I contacted him late August and we drew up the paperwork. He said it would take 6-8 wks to get the door and windows, which was accurate as they came in 8 wks to do the install. They no longer carried the sidelites that I ordered, so I had to go with my second choice which was fine. The install guys were very polite and professional. The window intall was performed perfectly. However the glass for the replacement door and sidelites was not what I ordered. They came with clear glass instead of the obscure glass that I ordered. They immediately put an order in for replacement glass which they said would take 2-3 wks to get. It took 4 wks before they came to replace them. Once again the service person was polite, professional and did a great job. He also fixed a problem we had with the deadbolt not latching. He made an adjustment and it now works as it should. The entire team of employee's were easy to work with and prompt on correcting any issues I had. The windows and door are sturdy and look good. The only thing I don't care for are the little nail holes in the fiberglass door. They look like the finish is sort of shattered around the holes.

I was impressed with the door. They did a really nice job with it. I was really impressed by his work. I would recommend them. They did a great job for me. He came out when he said he would and called the day of the installation.

The installation went very well but shortly thereafter we had problems with the locks in the rear door. Universal replaced the locks but after a week or so we could not lock the door (lower lock). This time they were not as responsive but after talking to one of the owners, the all the locks were replaced. They are currently working fine.

They were very responsive when I called to schedule an estimate. They gave a good presentation on their product, and obviously believe in what they sell. I will admit, the sales was a little bit high pressure which I dislike; but it is what it is. They came out to measure and this was done quickly and at my convenience (I had to take time off to be there, but I had several things going on that day, so I just lumped them all together). The installation occurred while I was at work - even the plumber who was there commented on the quality and appearance of the windows. About the only down side was after the windows were installed, they were not cleaned. The stickers were left on, and there were smudges on the windows. I even mentioned this in a note I left for the installers for when they came the second day to finish up. This would have been a nice touch, and I had just assumed would be done. Now I wait and see if the new windows work as promised.