The windows are stunning!! Despite the fact we need siding as well, the new windows make the rest of the house look new (until you get up close and see it needs siding). Everything is much brighter and cleaner. The noise reduction is incredible. We were sitting in the dining room looking out at the occasional car go by - we could see it, but, it could not be heard. It is too early to determine if there is any cost savings for utilities, but, I have no doubt that it will present itself by the end of summer, and more notably, in the upcoming winter months. As I look upon our beautiful windows, it makes me smile that we were finally able to get them and what first-rate workmanship was put into getting them installed. The TVA auditor made his inspection and actually told me this was a good quality window AND he also said, "the company that installed your windows did an excellent job". We received our rebate check in a very short time. Our next endeavor is to add siding. Again, due to economics, this will have to wait awhile. After seeing what a transformation just the windows have made, I can't wait to see what the siding will do!! Sometimes, upon completion of work, one has regrets that they made the wrong choice. In our case, there is absolutely not one iota of regret. There is no doubt that we made the best choice.
Description of Work: Without doubt, it is important to seek bids on any large project regarding your home. I researched seven companies and immediately discounted four. As I delved into the three remaining companies, Magnolia was consistently rising head and shoulders above the other two. I set up an appointment and John King came to our home. John is not only an extremely personable individual, but, he is very knowledgeable about his product and attentive to our needs, suggestions, and expectations. John also presented us with their warranty. It is short, easy to read, simple, and straight-to-the point (this can also be located on their website). Due to a matter of economics, we were not able to have the work completed at that time. However, a couple of years later, when we were positioned to install the windows, I did additional research and was convinced Magnolia is the way to go. John came back to the house and gave us the same quote as we were given on our initial meeting. He advised us regarding the TVA EnergyRight Rebate. We discussed what is expected of us prior to installation (removal of indoor shutters, blinds, curtains, etc.) and recapped our expectations with Magnolia. The old windows were single pane, wooden, rotten, some were nailed shut by the previous owners and could not be opened, some smelled of rot and/or mold, and so drafty, we may as well have had screens in its place. We had 19 high-performance windows installed (Ultimate 2000). Of course, the window is only as good as the crew that installs it - and this is where the rubber meets the road!! The crew that came to install the windows, Dylan, Adam, Chris, Bill, Tracy, and Gary, were stellar!! They not only displayed their professional and courteous manners, but, they were, without doubt, the nicest, most considerate, and patient guys. They showed up on time and started work on the lower level of the house. Whatever questions I had, they took the time to respectfully pause and answer them. I truly feel they took as much pride in installing our windows as if they were installing them in their own homes. One concern I had in the initial discussion with John, was the rotten wood on two of the windows in the den. John explained if it required extensive repair, I may need to hire a contractor to repair; otherwise, if it was minor, he would not squabble over a few pieces of wood and his guys could make the repair. When these particular windows were replaced, as anticipated, there was some damage that needed replacement prior to the windows going in; though, not significant damage. The rotten portion was removed and new wood went into its place...and true to John's word, this was at no additional cost. This is important to note for several reasons: John kept his word; this is not a company that will "nickel and dime" you; but, one that stands behind the quality of their craftsmanship...and to be sure these two windows were installed with the quality they uphold, they made sure the surrounding areas to support the new window were clean and secure. I discussed the smell of mold around these windows with Chris and he said he thought this would solve the problem, but, if it did not, he also advised what steps I can take to alleviate the situation. As it turns out, it completely eradicated the rotten smell. I am sure there are some substandard companies that would have just placed the molding over the rotten-smelling wood, but, these guys did what was honest and right. Not only that, just to note how kind and considerate these gentlemen were, they noted on the upper portion of the house was a hole that appeared to have been driven through by a woodpecker. They took a piece of the leftover metal molding and covered it. They certainly did not have to do this and I was deeply touched and awed by their kindness. The project was completed in two days, finishing the lower and upper level. All manner of debris was cleared at the end of each day. Before leaving, we were shown exactly how the windows and screens should be properly maneuvered, the security locks, and how to clean the upper and lower windows. We were additionally advised to retain the stickers on the windows so that the TVA EnergyRight Auditor could assess the rating for the rebate. And one more thing very impressive thing about Gary Miller and his crew...I have had contractors doing work in our home over the course of the last several years. As such, I have always provided lunch. BUT, this is the first time I have ever been reciprocated with a thank you card!! The card was personally signed by Dylan, Adam, Chris, Bill, Tracy, and Gary, along with a sweet hand-written note. After the work was completed and they left, we could have said it was a job well-done and called it good; but, these guys had enough kindness and forethought to take the time to send a thank you note. How often does that happen?