Einar Johanson Insulation & Glass

They did a fabulous job. They were great. Two guys came out and they were really efficient, they cleaned up after themselves, they were fast and they did it all in one day.

Overall we are pleased with our new windows. The windows seem to be well installed and so far seem to be completely water tight and air tight. The outcome we are pleased with?.the process of getting there was not quite as positive. Doug (who gave us our estimate/quote) was very nice and easy to work with. He was also eager to help us meet our budget and aesthetic expectations. He was patient as we waited for our remodel loan to be approved through the bank. Several weeks after the work was completed, we tried contacting him to give him our feedback on the install experience. He said he?d contact us after he got back from vacation. We never heard from him again. When construction first began everything seemed to be going very well. All the guys were friendly and courteous, and they cleaned up after each day?s work. As the construction continued however, I began noticing some details that I questioned. At first the foreman (Brad) seemed receptive to my questions/concerns, and he made adjustments/corrections as needed. But as the work continued I got the impression he was getting annoyed with me. As an Industrial Designer, I work in the design and construction industry, so I?m somewhat familiar with what finished work should look like. I?ve been on both the client and builder?s side so I have a realistic understanding of what?s considered a reasonable level of fit/finish. Several times the foreman said: "Well, we're not really drywall experts" and "we're not really flooring people". He should NEVER say that to clients, very unprofessional. We entered a contractual agreement with them assuring that their flooring and drywall work (as it relates to the new window/doors) would be professionally executed. In the end some of the drywall was still pretty rough. My wife had to do A LOT of sanding before she could prime/paint. In one area (living room south wall) the new drywall wasn't faired into the existing drywall very well. We sanded as much as we could, but eventually had to call it good enough. Luckily it's behind the television now and isn?t too visible. As for the flooring, luckily we had some left over pieces from when the original floors were installed. However they installed it somewhat crudely. You can definitely tell it wasn?t done when the original flooring was installed. We?re stuck with it now, because they permanently glued it in. Secondly, the wrong glass was ordered for one of our bathroom windows. It was supposed to be frosted and they brought a textured glass instead. No big deal, these things happen. So the window was re-ordered. When the guy came to install that window, it wasn't frosted, it was once again textured ("obscure" glass was what it was called I think). Wrong again, a little annoying, but no big deal. So it go re-ordered yet again. 3rd time was the charm, we finally got our frosted window. However, Bryan at EJ insisted on charging us a $35 upcharge on the frosted window, since we were never originally billed for frosted. Normally, I don?t expect to get something for nothing... however, under the circumstances.... I think it was REALLY tacky of EJ to insist on up charging us $35 when we were already spending $20,000 . Especially given how much of our time was wasted with two mistake installs on two separate appointment dates. Good customer service says just absorb the cost and make it right. I know is seems like a small thing, but it says a lot about your customer service level. Thirdly, we made it 100% clear from the beginning that due to our special-needs pet (a deaf animal) they would not be allowed to work inside the house unless my wife or I was home. No problem since my wife works from home typically. However, Brad felt the need to remind us several times that this was difficult to work around. We had to keep reminding him that this was not negotiable and was always part of the plan. Again, very unprofessional. In the end, I got the impression that Brad couldn't get out of our house quick enough. In fact, after they left, I found several areas that had not been caulked at all! The guy who came to install the replacement bathroom window was nice enough to take care of those areas for us. I think his name was Jerry? Very nice guy who took pride in his work. But I felt like Brad (or someone from EJ) should have made an effort to walk around the property with me on the final day to make sure everything was satisfactory. I walked around with Brad during the work phase, but not at the end. I should mention that one of the installers (Ian) was great. He was very detail oriented and took the time to explain things to my wife. The only problem we encountered after the install was that the sliding screen door from the living room would occasionally locked itself behind you. Not good if you?re home alone. But EJ did send a repairman out to fix it. Overall, we?re pleased with our new windows, but the customer service is where things fell apart. Because of this I wouldn?t recommend Einar Johanson.

We belong to the Seattle Homeowner's Club. When we requested a contractor to install a new window, they sent Brian from Einar Johanson. He looked at our window, explained what was involved (garden windows are not that common anymore and there aren't as many choices), and what our choices were. He also described what kind of work the installers would have to do to the window fit (it was deeper than our old one). He answered our questions and seemed very knowledgable. He provided a bid on the spot. He called a few days later saying they wouldn't be able to install the window for almost 6 weeks. I was disappointed, but he explained they were very busy. Having looked at all the positive reviews on Angie's List, I decided they would be worth the wait. When I hadn't heard from Brian after Thanksgiving -- when he said someone would call to schedule the work -- I called him. He seemed a bit confused at first, but then found our order and set a date. A few days later, he called -- and seemed more focused -- to confirm the date. I was very impressed with the 2 men who installed the window. They took their time to get everything just right. They asked for our feedback when there was any question about how to move ahead (for instance, whether we wanted the bottom of the window flush with our counter, or the top flush with the upper part of the wall (we couldn't have both since the window was a bit taller than the old one). They carefully caulked all the seams and positioned the shelves. They left our kitchen and yard very tidy. I would definitely use Einar Johanson again for window installation!

Einar Johanson no longer does insulation.

Replacing all of our windows, along with replacing the entire front entry of our house was the largest project we've undergone since we purchased our home 15 years ago. After asking for 3 bids we settled on Einar Johanson for three reasons. Doug Tuft proved to be the most knowledgeable of all the salespeople. For the transom window of our front entry we specified a narrow reed privacy glass. Both of the other bidders insisted we would not be able to get this kind of glass as the literature said it could not be wider than 48". Doug said we could since he had actually called down to the factory and asked. He was also able to get us a solid sidelight that matched the shaker style front door we had chosen, another option the other bidders insisted was impossible. The second reason was plain expertise. We knew that 90% of all window replacements are vinyl with primed interior and exterior trim. Our project specified clear woods that would be varnished throughout, which meant master carpenters that knew what they were doing. All of the crew we had onsite had been working for EJ for years.The third reason was price. I've always believed in getting the highest quality I can at the best price. EJ delivered. A few weeks before the project was due to begin, they dropped off all of the exterior clear cedar for me to stain and finish. The cedar they delivered was furniture quality clear cedar. It was way higher quality than anything you can get at HD or Lowes. All dry and light, shaved down to give the sharp edges we specified. On day 1 Brad and Ian showed up, along with Peter. Ian worked on replacing the windows and installing the exterior trim and Brad worked on the inside, installing liners and casing. It was quickly clear that each was extremely good at working with the demands of clear wood. We had specified keeping the original mahogany sills where we could but a couple of windows had tile sills. Brad suggested using the pieces left over from the other window sill replacements so we were able to have our original mahogany sills on all our windows, in keeping with the arts and crafts style we were aiming for. One window was measured wrong, but they were able to make it fit, and threw in a free complete lining and casing that was not specified in the original bid. Ian's work on the exterior trim was furniture quality, with tight 45 degree corners, while choosing wood tones that complemented each other. Brian Butz also went above and beyond in getting our front door mortise lock system to work correctly. They cleaned up at the end of each day and used plastic and drop-cloths everywhere, taping off our possessions so no damage occurred. The job took almost 2 weeks to complete and according to the crew had been the longest time they had spent on the same job in some time. Needless to say, I was extremely pleased with the attention to detail by everyone involved in the project, start to finish.

It went well, I got a good price and the installation went well.

They came and did work twice for me. Their service was good. The only complaint I have about them is they didn't notify me ahead of time so that I get the PUD rebate. The PUD has to be notified and they had to come out here and inspected before and after the work is done. They didn't notify me and because of that I lost about $200 rebate on that. I would use them again in the future.

they were lousy. all 3 windows had a smaller spacer between the glass sheets than the original. this is important because two of the replacements need to match other windows. one of the 3 replacements was even 3/8 inch too short. one of the windows was so thin it was set 'c***-eyed' in the spacing. since there was a 1/4 inch air gap they tried to fill with caulking... and did a terrible job. on reexamination by brian and brian they had every excuse and never admitted they got it wrong. quotes of excuses...... the house is settling, glass is measured in metric, the glass is thicker now so the spacer needs to be thinner, I specified the right size but they sent the wrong size, there is a rubber filler in the extra space, (which installer had to have to fit thinner glass) 2 weeks later they still have not got back to me about the promised replacement. this company is the first A rated company to do a bad, lousy, crappy job in 6 years of Angies list repairs. pictures to follow for a good example of poor work

Excelllent inspection and advice on insulation. Very knowledgeable. Installation was very professional. Arrived on time and completed service in a timely manner. Would definitely use them again and would highly recommend.

When they came out to do the estimate the gentleman was drunk and we addressed this with company. The homeowners club is who referred this company to us was also informed. The owner of the company came and tried to ensure us that he would provide great service. But we decided not to use them on this project. When I contacted them about the problem the manager was professional and very sorry for his employees behavior. I would not use them in the future.

The estimator was prompt, efficient and answered all questions appropriately. The insulation installers were on time, explained exactly what they'd done and did an excellent job of clean up.

Work was done by two seperate crews on different days. Both arrived on time and were very professional and pleasant to deal with. The windows/doors crew encountered some unexpected wiring after taking down some sheetrock but they were quick to inform me of the situation. They sealed the hole very well while I contacted an electrician and work resumed the next day and was completed on schedule.

The salesman was professional and not too pushy like others I dealt with. He wanted to know what i waned and then suggested the best product for my needs. He explained potential problems and provided cost estimates as I have a non standard door size. I made a couple of changes and he was very fast in getting the revised estimates. They accommodated my schedule for the installation which took almost 4 days. They worked to minimize the cost when they ran into some wood rot issues. They didn't waste time. I was concerned about the step up on the entry door and the boss came out and they figured out a way to fix it so my husband who uses a walker could maneuver. The install guys were great. They cleaned up after themselves every night when they left even when I told them it was ok to leave it till they were done. They were careful not to let my dogs out. They were very careful to not damage anything, including my landscaping which was pretty much in their way. We are doing a complete home remodel and these have been the best contractors we've used.

They came out and gave us an estimate for the three windows. Ordered the windows and came out and installed them. They were prompt and on time. The installer was friendly and performed his job with professionalism. Would definitely use them again for windows.

The technician arrived on time, measured the broken window and quoted us a price on the spot. Due to the age of the window (1996), the technician said that he wasn't sure if he could match the grid on the glass but that he could get close enough that a difference would not be noticed. The glass had to be ordered and it arrived in the timeframe we were told. When it came time for the installation, the technician was punctual, went right to work and cleaned up when he was finished. The part of the window that was replaced matches the rest of the window perfectly. Its been a few months now and the window continues to work fine. Everyone we dealt with at this company (the girl who scheduled the appointments, the technician, and the billing dept) was very professional, courteous, and friendly. One nice thing was that they worked around our schedule. We definitely recommend them and would use them in the future if the need should arise.

We moved into our house about 4 years ago, and back french door stuck from the get-go. Needed a new door and figured if I was going to have someone come out, I might as well get estimates for the door and window (as the older ones where aluminum, and some where sweating and not energy efficient). After gathering estimates, my husband and I decided to go with this company. Everything went smooth and easy from the beginning to the end. Only one issue arose (miscommunication on 1 window out of 27 windows!), but was very quickly resolved. The entire experience was wonderful and the professionalism and personality of everyone I communicated with, was really appreciated. Also, the windows and french slider make a world of difference in keeping heat in and/or out. Our house not only looks good, but stays a constant and comfortable temperature!

Doug Tuft was referred to me by a fellow Realtor and true to the recomendation Doug was responsive on time and thorough in explaining options as well as very good product knowledge. He proposed to replace 11 windows on our 1951 brick home. Unlike 2 other contractors on Angies List Doug Tuft was no pressure at all, nothing but good information and options to my own ideas and his product knowledge. Long story short our installation was scheduled and Ian and crew showed up and told me what the plan for the day was and started to lay all their tarp to protect my floors and went to work. They enclosed their work area in my garage where they cut wood etc and contained all the saw dust in the plastic enclosure and cleaned before they left each time for 3 days. Now we are enjoying nice warm, peace and quite with our new windows all around.

They were great. They came out and gave me an estimate within a week of me calling. They determined that I already had a little bit of old blown in insulation in the walls but it had packed down to about 30". They quoted me for only the amount I needed, not the whole wall, which was $1400 LESS than another company quoted me! They performed the work quickly and efficiently, plugged and spackled the holes they drilled inside and outside immediately so I was able to sand and paint a few days later. It was quick and easy and I'm very happy with their service and knowledge. I am especially thankful for their honesty of what I needed and didn't need!

First of all, I was thrilled with the needs assessment the estimator did. I had had an evaluator from a city-approved company come out and they recommend more than $10,000 of insulation and sealing for my three-story, 1920s era house ? including taking off the roof to seal the walls of the attic. I called Einar Johanson, and they told me that while they could do all that work, they recommended that I simply have basic, major areas dealt with. They felt that the most urgent and cost-effective work would be blowing insulation into the attic storage-area floors and insulating an attic/roof area. I also asked them to insulate the ceiling and the interior wall of the garage, which is under our living area and was not well insulated. The contractor arrived bright and early on the designated day and got right to work. He did a wonderful job of tarping his pathway to the attic through my livingroom and stairs so that the wooden floors didn't get dirty. I had already covered everything upstairs dressers, lamps, in painters plastic in case of dust. The workman felt that the job was somewhat more extensive than the estimator had indicated, but he got it all done by 4 or 4:30, and cleaned up all the work areas. He explained to me what he had done, and I was quite happy with the job.

Thought the job would take 4 hours. It took 7 hours. The man they sent got off to a rough start. Seems there was a change in the coarseness of blow-in insulation they used. This caused the hose to clog. The man made a call to his office and another brought out a finer grade of blow-in material. Things went pretty well after that. This same company did the the attic insulation in my home about 4 years ago. That was a good experience and the reason I called them to do the walls this time.

Blew in insulation in attic, and wrapped walls around top floor rooms. Also insulated doors to attic which had none before. They also installed 4 soffit vents to allow for air flow in attic. They provided a very detailed estimate in November 2011 and did the work exactly as shown in January 2012.

The estimator was quite knowledgeable. The people who did the installation were professional. I give them all A's.

They found that we might need an electrician; that is where we are now. They were very good at troubleshooting my problem. We have a small house. The insulation was blown in, and now the electrical needs to be done. They have volunteered to come back after the electrician has done with. Probably, the insulation might need to be moved out. My overall experience with them has been very, very positive. We have been pretty lucky with the work we have received most of the time. I would give them a very good grade.

We got three bids and Einer's was the last company we spoke to. The salesperson was very engaging, knowledgeable and trustworthy, Bob W. He came in at the right price and did not try use the start high and cut price methods that the other providers used. Nor did he offer us any special discounts that were about to expire. Everything he promised was delivered by the installers. The work was done timely, even during the bad weather and we are very happy with our new windows. The only surprise we had was one window that uses cranks. The cranks don't break down, so we are unable to install blinds. Not horrible, but something we wished we had known about. These guys know windows and do a great job. No mess, easy to do business and awesome windows.

This company is terrific, from the salesperson to the installers. I don't remember the sales reps name, but he didn't sell, just stated facts, what a pleasure to deal with. Ian and Jeff were the installers, polite and considerate, they did a wonderful job. All of them gentleman. We could not be happier. They beat out the other companies on price with the same quality.