Empire Windows

I love old houses and I was worried that using vinyl wood grain windows in a home with great oak woodwork would look cheap, but I could not afford wood windows for this rental house. I contacted the owner Mike Van Gundy in March 2013 to get an estimate and look at samples, with the expectation that our current renters would be gone by mid-May(they did not actually move until June 15). My deadline for installation was late June. Mike met me at the house in April to get measurements. I was impressed with the appearance of the wood grain samples and we were able to match the woodwork well. Bath and kitchen windows were painted white, so two white windows were ordered. Mike had to return to the house at a later date to get access to some of the upstairs windows for measurement, and he arranged that with the renter., which caused a delay for the final order. The windows arrived June 13 and we arranged for installation the following week, June 19-20. I could not be there that morning, so I gave Mike a key. By the time I arrived at the house June 19 at 3 pm, the installers had completed all the interior work and were loading the last of the debris in the truck. They had not installed the kitchen window, however--Craig, the installer, had noted that the kitchen was white and the window he had for it was woodgrain. "I knew you would not want that" he said. He arranged for the correct white window to be rush ordered. They returned the followiing day to complete the exterior work. on the 15 installed windows. Craig returned June 28th and installed the kitchen window. I am very pleased with the final appearance of all windows. The quality and fit is very good, caulking was thorough. Noise reduction from Indianola traffic is significant. I was really amazed with the efficiency of the installation.

They are good at working with older homes, they have a lower price and accomodating. I would recommend them.

While Rick was very nice and did try to address my questions or concerns, he was not knowledgeable of the product he was selling. His estimate also was higher than others I received and did not include painting the build out while others did. I have somewhat cautiously said that I would use this contractor again. I would not use them for storm or entry doors. I might consider getting an estimate from them for windows since I think that must be their main business, given their name and advertising I see on TV.

The person arrived on time. Gave a very nice presentation and the value was there. I chose not to do the work due to financial constraints at this time. I would chose them once that changes.

They did excellent. They had a problem when Sandy hit, it shut down the window manufacturing where they get their windows so we had to reschedule. They came in one day, did the windows and did a great job.

Very prompt with estimate but I was not impressed with the product so did not use this company

The salesman, Mike Vangundy, gave us an estimate based on our needs. The windows were installed promptly and professionally. We were very pleased.

They were a little pricey but they did a good job.

A friend of mine had this company install siding on her house several years ago and reported a positive experience. After doing a bit of research into the company, I scheduled an appointment with them to discuss replacement windows. The salesman arrived at the agreed upon time and gave me a direct, to-the-point, no BS presentation. Not the dog and pony show you often hear about from window sales people. He described his product, answered my questions, gave me a quote, and was on his way in less than an hour. I called him back in a few days to say that I had decided to go with Empire. A day or so later I received a call from a rep to schedule a time to take the measurements for the windows. He came out the next day, took his measurements, and was gone in 15 minutes. I was told that it would take about 4 - 5 weeks to manufacture the windows and get them installed. It was only three weeks later I received a call saying that the windows were ready. Two days after that the windows were installed. The three-man crew arrived right on time, did a great job with the installation and clean up, and were done in about four hours. The windows look great. It was an overall positive experience. I would recommend the Empire Window Company without reservation.

They did a great job. The door works really well. They were really responsive. The salesman knew his stuff. They came out on time and they cleaned up really well. I will be using them again to replace my windows.

The installers were friendly and did a nice job on the installation. I gave them a B on punctuality and professionalism because the first time they showed up to install the windows, it was not communicated to the installers that it was a third floor. As a result, they didn't have the appropriate ladders and had to reschedule. Thankfully, they were very flexible and came back the following Monday. On that day, they were scheduled to arrive at 9, but didn't show up until 10:30. I had to ask them to caulk the inside of the windows, to fill in the cracks between the storm window and side of the house, which I feel they should have done without me having to mention it. Overall though, it was a good experience and I would use them again.

Great when windows were installed. Recently though when repairs were needed they have fallen very short on coming through. I have been on their schedule since September. Twice now on the day that they were to show up and fix the window they have called after the time they were supposed to be here and said the part didn't come in and the second time that the part was the wrong part. Don't expect to talk to a company employee either when you are calling. You will get an answering service who can only take a message. I have been seeking a repair to a window since September. The repair specialist came out and took a look at the window and said he needed to order a part. He left and I never heard back from them for over a month. I kept calling and getting their answering service. After emailing them Empire finally called me back. On the day they were to come out to fix window they called and said the part didn't come in but they would call when it did. That was November 29th. I have been leaving messages since then. They finally got back to me last week on December 20th and said they would be out today December 27th to fix the window. They were supposed to be here between 9am-10am. They called at 9:30am and said they will not be out because the part came in wrong. I have now taken off work twice for this company to come out and fix the window. Very, very disappointing. I would not recommend them. **UPDATE** Problem solved. The owner came out and fixed the problem.

The installers did a good job. Some of the trim is white on the inside and there are black scuffs on it. We can paint it but we didn't think we would have to. It's okay and was put in right. They didn't follow up and it was really hard to talk to them. They didn't return calls on time but they did a really good job on the installation. They were on time to do the job. They had a good price and the windows are nice so we would use them again.

Everything went smoothly, from the initial estimate to the installation. Mike did the estimate and was thorough in going over our options. The installers worked neatly and efficiently, and considering what kind of job it is to remove existing windows and doors, that's saying something! Everything looks good, and we especially enjoy the patio door with the mini blinds built in between the glass!

I purchased a foreclosure condo with window problems. Old windows were an eyesore. Needed quick replacement at a good price. Checked Angie's list as well as Better Business Bureau and chose Empire Windows. Contacted owner of company (Mike) through Angie's list and was treated with respect and professionalism (even though I was not a high dollar client). Windows were measured and I received a very reasonable quote. Due to human error, there was a delay, etc. When things go right, it's hard to get the true measure of a company. When things go wrong, it is much more revealing. This company handled the issue in a professional and caring way. They stepped up, did what needed to be done to correct it and I believe they did not make a profit (and may have even taken a loss) after all was said and done, but guess what? They made it right and made sure I was a satisfied customer before they expected payment. I am extremely satisfied with the windows. Oh, and the payment was exactly what they quoted.... No surprises with hidden fees. I would certainly purchase from them again and would recommend them to my friends and family because I believe they are a trustworthy company and provide a good product at a good price.

Mike Van Gundy arrived at the appointed time and measured our screened porch for 10 windows to convert porch to a three-season room. While pricing out the project he determined that he could provide an upgraded window for less than his manufacturer's entry grade window. He took the time to check that possibility after he had already priced the entry-level window. While Empire's quote was not quite the lowest of the three bids we had in hand we went with Empire because of Mr. VanGundy's professionalism, the reputation of the manufacturer of the windows and Empire's fifty years in business and A rating on Angie's list. The installation was made less than four weeks after the contract was signed and was highly professional. The windows fit perfectly, look even better than we hoped for, and the final installation looks as though it was part of the initial construction of this 33 year old porch.

I had a bunch of companies come out and gave me estimates. It was all high pressure sales. I decided to go with Empire Windows. The guys who came to do the job were very nice, quite, and professional. They have good customer service. I had a problem with a window they came out and showed me what I was doing wrong.

The gentleman that did the work was very thorough. He was very detailed. I was very pleased with his work. They were willing to work with the price as well.

Went very well. They did exactly as expected. The specialy window (has a nice pattern in the center of the glass) took quite a while to get, but once installed looked very good, and was a large improvement to the look of the house. The ordering process was relatively simple.

These guys were great! No pressure sales, gave us lots of options to cut costs. There were approximately 5 weeks between estimate and service, but we expected that because they told us they were backed up (everyone trying to take advantage of tax cut). Workmen showed up on time and were done on time. They were great - super professional. I felt very comfortable with the two guys - they did a great job. Our windows and new sliding glass doors look GREAT. Highly recommend.

They were punctual and cleaned up after themselves. They were helpful and professional. The only problem we had was when they accidentally took our 1/2 screens back with them and we had some communication problems to get those returned, but they were in the end.

The installation went well. It only took one day. because we were replacing old vinyl windows so tear out was minimal. We did have a problem with the service department. I had to call several times to even get the job scheduled. Then, at installation one of the windows was slightly damaged (a bent window lift). We we were told this would be reported and a new window would be ordered to replace it. After six weeks without any word on the replacement window, I called to find out there was no paperwork on it to be found. I contacted our salesman to report the problem. He got back to me right away and said that he would meet with the owner, Mike VanGundy, to discuss the situation. He also said we will deal directly with him for future service needs. Within an hour, I received a phone call from Mr. VanGundy apologizing for the problems and assuring us they would correct them. He was very appreciative that the problems were brought to their attention.

It went very well. I'd give them an A+ if it was possible; the sales rep was great and the installers were great. They were very efficient and did a great job. After the job was done, they cleaned up after themselves. They let me know how these new windows worked after installation so I knew how to clean them later. They will be installing a new door for me as soon as the door arrives.

I have no complaints with the actual installation of the window. Kevin did it quickly and answered any questions I had. My bad rating for responsiveness comes from my having to contact the company at least five times to get them to return my phone calls about installing a window. After the fourth call, I was told that my window had already come in a week prior. I don't understand why nobody was willing to contact me. I only succeeded in setting up an appointment for installation when I told the person answering the phones that if I didn't hear from someone within the next five days, I would reluctantly file a bad report with Angies' List and maybe write a letter of complaint to the president of the company. They contacted me the very next day. I have had all but three windowsin my home replaced by Empire Windows and generally think they're a good company. The installers and technicians are very nice, professional and helpful. I do think that the company needs to fine tune their response to phone calls. Therefore, instead of an A rating this time, I've given them a B.

They were extremely thorough with what they did. They were great. Craig did a wonderful.