Hello, I apologize for your experience with ClearView. All actions we take are in the best interest of a homeowner. These windows had rotten spongy sills that allow water into the wall. My actions were checking to see if the drywall was wet or spongy. I don't think anyone could damage drywall or crack/peel paint by light or hard pushing (not hitting/impact) on it unless it was water damaged. You were in the room when I was checking the wall. Your call came in a week after I was at your home and over that week we had high damaging winds and freezing temperatures. Both of these conditions can cause drywall damage to an area allowing water into the wall. Again, we are sorry for your experience. I never acknowledged cracking your drywall/paint, but I did admit to pushing on it to see if it was water damaged. For other Angies List Members...here are the formal responses to the State of Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection by ClearView. Dear (removed member name) & Consumer Protection: This correspondence is in regards to a written response request to File 519304 submitted by Gail Gawenda on 10-7-09. I, Ben Kripps, was invited by (removed member name) to their home to give an estimate for window replacement. The appointment was scheduled for Wednesday Sept. 30th at 6pm. Per their request, I was to estimate costs to replace 2 windows. As is standard procedure for a window estimate, their existing windows and surrounding framework was inspected. Upon visual inspection, it was apparent the windows were far beyond the time when they should have been replaced, with obvious rotting sills and even some wood absence in the sills. This type of rot can cause exterior water to travel down and inside a house wall, causing water damage, wall rot, and possibly black mold. When I see this type of damage, it is standard procedure to assess wall stability by gently applying pressure to the wall and check for sponginess. The amount of pressure applied would not crack a wall. (removed member name) called our office (after showroom hours) on 10-6-09 to talk to me. The next day, I called her back. In this discussion, I was accused of damaging a wall in the home. As you can see by the timeline, this accusation occurred one week after the home appointment, when the alleged damage took place. Why did it take one week to hear about this damage? In the mean time, other companies could have been in the room inspecting the same windows. During my inspection, both (removed member name) were in the room watching me. There was no mention of me doing damage at this time. Further, if a wall did crack, it would make a noise, which never happened. If there was visible damage at that moment, we all would have seen/heard it and discussed it immediately. I would also like to point out that some weather activity—both at the time of the visit and shortly thereafter, may have contributed to any wall damage that is being claimed. According to weather records (submitted with this correspondence), the day of the estimate appointment (Sept. 30th) was the first time freezing conditions were recorded for the season. The low temp was recorded at 34F. Such a change in temperature can cause contraction of home walls. In addition to the low temperature, Madison also experienced strong winds in the 2 days after the appointment (Oct 1st and 2nd) and even stronger winds on the day (removed member name) called our office (Oct. 6th). There was gusting recorded above 35 mph. These gusts certainly can cause house walls to experience shifting. I also submit that the building where our showroom is located experienced extensive roof damage due to these extreme winds and temperature. According to our landlord, approximately $26,000 in damage occurred from the harsh weather. (removed member name) live approximately 6 blocks from our showroom and no doubt experienced these same weather conditions. I believe a combination of the factors I have outlined can logically be attributed to the damage (removed member name) is contending. In summary, these factors include 1) possible moisture damage evident in the rotting window sills, 2) temperature swing to freezing temperatures effecting house structure, and 3) strong winds in the area of the (removed member name)home. I would also like to point out an inaccuracy in (removed member name) complaint. In the section, “What product or service did you buy?”, she lists “Windows”. (removed member name) did not purchase windows from us. I have been running window estimate requests for 9 years. In that time, I’ve received zero complaints of my inspections. I am an honest man and run an honest, reputable business. While (removed member name) claim of wall damage is unfortunate, I will not take responsibility for something I did not do. Furthermore, I am concerned this complaint needlessly damages my company’s good standing in the community. Resolving this issue is of utmost importance to me. Thank you for taking the time to hear my response to this accusation. Sincerely, Ben Kripps Owner ClearView Sunrooms & Windows Next Response... Dear (removed member name) & Consumer Protection: This second correspondence is in regards to a written response request to File 519304 submitted by (removed member name) on 11-12-09. According to (removed member name) second report, the alleged wall damage was to paint, and not to wall integrity. In her original phone accusation, she stated that the wall was damaged. This was why we included that information in the primary correspondence. Whether it is wall cracks or paint cracks, the information on performing a thorough inspection of the window site has already been provided in our first response. I’d like to add further information on this point. According to report #1, (removed member name)stated that she found us through Emily’s List (I assume she meant Angie’s List). If this is true, then she read the report submitted on January 6, 2009 prior to contacting us. In this report (a copy is provided for you), it is plainly stated that, “Ben made sure to check before starting to try and identify any potential extra problems…”. Again, proper evaluation of the install site includes gently pressing on the area surrounding an existing window. Accurate pricing estimates require proper site assessment. As stated in our first correspondence, there was no mention of damage during the evaluation. (removed member name)waited 7 days to contact us, during which time others may have been the room. I have discovered that (removed member name) has made true on her threat to slander my company online (as stated in her second report), by submitting a complaint to Angie’s List prior to the outcome of this case (a copy is provided). I find this most unfortunate, and contrary to Consumer Protection’s suggestion of refraining from threats on a company with whom you are attempting mediation. (removed member name) has also engaged in personal insults, both in her second report to your agency and also in her slanderous Angie’s List report. (removed member name) called me a “shady guy” and “an irresponsible liar”. She stated that I have a “shady business”. Such claims do not suggest someone who interested in amicably resolving a situation. I find these insults undeserved and unwarranted. I’m disappointed that no matter the outcome of this case, these statements will not be erased. I will state again, ClearView has received zero complaints (up to this point) in the history of our business. I know that no company is perfect, but our track record of honesty speaks for itself. We are a reputable company and we come highly recommended from our customers who choose to work with us. I stand by my earlier statement that I did no damage to the property. I deny cracking the paint and never said I cracked the paint. I ask that (removed member name) stop slandering my company. Thank you again for allowing me to respond to these allegations. Sincerely, Ben Kripps Owner ClearView Sunrooms & Windows