Don’t be caught dead on an unsafe deck! We don’t want to be alarmists but deck failures have been on the increase according to the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA). The NADRA states “between 2000 and 2008 there were at least 30 deaths reported as a direct result of deck collapse…”.
It is important to take a good look at your deck to make sure it is safe. If maintenance, repair or replacement is needed it can be addressed, and you can enjoy the great outdoors safely.
If you are concerned about your deck, and live in our area, we will inspect your deck free of charge. If anything needs to be done to ensure your safety we will make the necessary recommendations. You can then decide what, if anything, you would like to do.
Just click http://www.archhomeimprovements.com/surveys/contact or call 800-800-9343.
Your deck is your outdoor room. You can use it to barbeque, dine, lounge, soak up some sun, entertain or all of these. You decide!
There are many decking options. We’ll walk you through the process of choosing the perfect decking for your needs and enjoyment. Railing options also abound. Some customers are enjoying the unique rail systems we have put together for them. It’s your choice!
What about amenities? You choose which ones, if any, you want. We’ll help you fully explore amenities such as benches, planter boxes, pergolas (trellis), privacy screens, outdoor lighting, skirting choices, or any other unique feature that will enhance your deck project. The goal is to make you long to get away to your own backyard.
We begin by exploring how you intend to use your deck. Then, depending on your personal taste, needs, and style, we design the perfect deck for you. Your deck will be comfortable, beautiful and functional.
With our 3-D computer design, you get an excellent idea of what your deck will look like.
Please allow us to use our numerous ideas and years of experience to design your perfect deck!
Get started by clicking http://www.archhomeimprovements.com/surveys/request-a-free-consultation or call us at 800-800-9343
1. DO THEY HAVE A SHOWROOM?
Even though you may never even visit their showroom, the fact that a company has invested tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in a showroom shows stability.
2. DO THEY HAVE UNSOLICITED TESTEMONIALS FROM REAL CUSTOMERS that describe their results with words such as great, beautiful, excellent, wonderful experience, conscientious, special interest, fantastic, fulfilled my dream, very happy and superb. Legitimate companies create happy customers.
3. HOW LONG HAVE THEY BEEN IN BUSINESS?
80% of home improvements companies are out of business in five years.
4. ARE THEY A MEMBER OF THE BBB?
The BBB has a listing of most companies. Check to see if they are a member and how many complaints they've had.
5. ARE THEY A MEMBER OF THE LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?
In general, members of Chambers of Commerce are trustworthy.
6. HOW EXPERIENCED ARE THE INSTALLERS?
No matter how great a product is, if it is not installed properly it can't perform properly.
7. DO THEY INSTALL EVERYTHING?
A specialist that does a few things well will be more of an expert than someone who tries to be all things to all people.
8. WILL THEY GIVE YOU AN EXACT PRICE OR ONLY AN ESTIMATE?
In almost every case a competent contractor can give you an exact price.
9. WILL YOU GET A WRITTEN AGREEMENT OUTLINING WHAT WORK WILL BE DONE?
If it's not in writing you have no protection.
10. WILL THEY CAREFULLY EXPLAIN THE QUALITY OF MATERIAL TO BE USED AND WHY ONE PRODUCT IS RECOMMENDED OVER ANOTHER?
Depending on the type of job being done, the quality of the material could make a huge difference in performance, longevity, maintenance, and ascetics.
To contact us for more information CLICK HERE or call 800-800-9343
Keywords:
Outside condensation happens when damp air comes into contact with surfaces that are cool, such as glass. This happens when the dew point in the air is higher than the temperature of the glass. It happens most often in the spring and fall when a warm day is followed by a cooler night.
Low-E glass reduces the amount of heat that escapes from the interior of your home to the outside glass surface. You can save up to 50% heat loss by using an efficient Low-E coated glass. Since the window is warmer on the outside condensation occurs. This actually shows that the low-E is working properly.
If there is high humidity in your home, it will form on the coolest surface. That is usually your windows. The warmer the air and the higher the humidity the more the moisture will condense on your windows.
As warm air cools it falls and drops to the bottom of the sash. It then condenses.
1. Use the exhaust fan in your kitchen, laundry room and bathroom
2. Vent your clothes dryer to the outside
3. Make sure all humidifiers are turned off
4. Use a de-humidifier
To contact us, or for more information CLICK HERE or call 800-800-9343
Posted by Jim Brown on February 5th, 2010 0 comments
Discover America's # 1 Best-Selling Retractable Awnings...
SunSetter Awnings are the #1 best-selling retractable awnings in America. Whether you want push button motorized awnings, manually operated awnings, or a SunSetter Oasis Freestanding Awning, our retractable deck awnings and patio awnings offer you unsurpassed shade, protection and quality, all at exceptionally affordable, discounted awning prices. So much better than canvas awnings! You'll love our strong, waterproof awning fabrics and our luxurious woven acrylic fabric; both with beautiful decorator awnings color choices. You can even make your deck or patio insect-free with a SunSetter Screen Room. We have Window Awnings, EasyShades, and a great selection of awning, deck, and patio accessories too. Click today for your FREE SunSetter Awning Consultation.
No other awning gives you all the features, benefits and value of a SunSetter home awning. A SunSetter Awning lets you outsmart the weather, save energy, and cut energy costs. It transforms your deck or patio into a beautiful semi-permanent "outdoor room", a shady retreat where you'll love to spend time. It keeps your family and patio furniture cool and protected from hot sun, passing showers, and harmful UV rays far better than a tippy umbrella or other shade device. It can be as much as 20 degrees cooler under your awning. Yet every SunSetter awning retracts back against your house easily when you want to enjoy the sun. Our electric powered motorized awnings open and close smoothly, quietly, and effortlessly in seconds at the touch of a button on our Remote Control. SunSetter Retractable awnings can be installed over any kind of siding, and even under low eaves and overhangs. Your awning can stay on your home all year long. No need to take it down in winter, just retract it. And if your entertaining area is further away from the house or near your pool, the SunSetter Freestanding Oasis is your perfect solution.
So don't settle for an ordinary awning, or a cheap knock-off. You don't have to compromise on beauty, features, protection, or simple reliable operation. Compare our awnings with any others for durability, ease of use, convenience, and cost. You just can't find a better made, higher quality awning, at a better value anywhere, especially with our great discount prices.
We will be happy to install your awning if you wish.
For more information visit http://www.sunsetteronline.com.
To contact us for more information CLICK HERE or call 800-800-9343
Posted by Jim Brown on December 20th, 2009 0 comments
David Weiss, president of the Cleveland Better Business Bureau, tells us “For the uninitiated, choosing a remodeler can be a daunting task.” We agree. One reason the choice is so daunting is the different prices you may receive on the “same” project. We all want to get the best deal, so how can we justify paying the right price?
We’ve heard it all our lives, “You get what you pay for.” As much as we might wish it otherwise, this statement is generally true. More than 100 years ago English writer John Ruskin stated, “It’s unwise to pay too much, but it is worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little-that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot-it can’t be done!
If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better.”
Weiss, mentioned at the beginning of this blog, further indicates that a remarkably lower price means that the company’s performance will likely be lower as well.
Why is this the case?
The two main factors in determining the price of home improvements are material and labor.
A low price could be an indication that the materials are cheap or the labor is cheap or both. Cheap materials are an indicator of inferior quality. Cheap labor probably means that the person is not a skilled professional. The results of this can range from unsatisfactory to disastrous.
Another reason for a low price is that a contractor may never have done a job like yours and doesn’t fully understand what the job entails.
A low price could also mean that the contractor does not have appropriate insurance or worker compensation. This omission can expose an unwary homeowner to significant legal risk. Further, a low price can mean that the contractor has not built service requirements into his pricing. We get calls from homeowners that can’t get their remodeler to come out to look at their problem. Sadly, this shows the wisdom of John Ruskin’s advice.
Even worse, there are unscrupulous contractors that intentionally underestimate a price and draft a contract that is “fuzzy”, then up charge at every opportunity. Weiss said these situations often end up on the desks at the Better Business Bureau.
A good remodeling job is one that can be enjoyed for decades.
So, how can you protect yourself?
Please take advantage of “Seven Little Known Secrets for Successfully and Beautifully Remodeling Your Home!” Get your FREE download on this website.
To contact us for more information CLICK HERE or call 800-800-9343
Posted by Anonymous on September 1st, 2009 0 comments
Introducing the EdenPURE™ G-7 Whole House Air Purifier, one of the most advanced air purifiers on the market. Unlike other air purifiers which offer only 1 or 2 mechanisms to reduce pollution, the EdenPURE™ has 4 mechanisms which help to destroy pollution.
This 4-mechanism system helps destroy pollution from the air in addition to the pollution embedded in walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, furniture, clothing, countertops and other surfaces. The EdenPURE™ G-7 helps to sanitize everything in the house while reducing odors from cigarette smoke, mildew, cooking odors, pet odors, etc. in your home. And the EdenPURE™ is virtually maintenance free and requires no filter replacement. There is a small 4 inch by 8 inch pre-filter made of highly durable mesh that you simply clean periodically by running water over it. The EdenPURE™ is ideal for any room in your home where airborne and surface pollution may be present.
Dimensions: 8" D x 9" W x 12.5" H
The following is John Whitehead’s interview with Julius Toth, Director of Product Development for BioTech Research.
Q. BioTech Research has been in the air purification business for a long time and your previous air purifier model was the all-time best seller and was super effective.
Why is the new EdenPURE® air purifier so much better?
A. Yes, our previous model was an all-time best seller and in our opinion was the best air purifier on the market, which was also the opinion of our customers. But the new EdenPURE® is much more advanced. Our previous model used 2 very effective mechanisms to eliminate pollution, which were combinations of activated oxygen and ultraviolet light. The EdenPURE® utilizes 4 advanced electronic air purification mechanisms. I call it the EdenPURE® process. The advanced technology in the EdenPURE® is that used in spacecrafts such as the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station.
Q. Why is it that you just can’t have a good filter system to eliminate air pollution?
A. There are many reasons. First of all, a lot of the most powerful pollutants such as viruses and bacteria and a number of allergens are so small, filters cannot trap them effectively. HEPA filter type air purifiers mainly remove dust and some allergens. Secondly, filter air purifiers require the air to be brought through the machine. Therefore, it does not get to the air in the far corners of the room. And worse it does not eliminate the main source of the pollution which is contamination on surfaces, and embedded pollution in fabric and walls.
Q. What about those air purifiers that have no fan?
A. It has been well documented that an air purifier without a fan cannot possibly remove pollution to any substantial level. Those types mainly remove pollution that is very close to the unit. That’s fine if you’re purifying the air in a broom closet, but not for a wide area. Also, those units have you wiping off a plate to clean off the trapped pollution. But unless those units have ultraviolet light, that plate contains live bacteria and viruses that can be harmful.
Q. How does the Eden-PURE® eliminate pollution without requiring the air to go through the unit, and how does it eliminate pollution on surfaces and fabrics?
A. The EdenPURE® has 4 electronic mechanisms to attack pollution that mimic the way it is done by nature’s thunderstorm. Thunderstorms produce highly activated oxygen which destroys pollution and puts negative ions in the air that also destroy pollution. The air is now ionized fresh and free of the most irritating pollutants, which promotes a healthier environment. Three of the 4 electronic mechanisms in the Eden-PURE® go out and seek out pollution throughout the room, on surfaces, and in fabrics like guided missiles. The pollution cannot hide.
Q. What is the range of pollutants that the Eden-PURE® takes out of the air?
A. It removes nearly all airborne and surface organic and inorganic pollutants. Organic pollutants removed by the EdenPURE® include: fungus, mold, bacteria, tobacco odor, pet odors and most other household odors.
It can also kill viruses. The EdenPURE® removes inorganic pollutants including dust and many other chemical compounds present in the home too numerous to mention here.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that there is 5 times more air pollution in a house than there is in the open air outside the house. Everyday you breathe all these pollutants into your lungs and many go into your body.
Q. Does the EdenPURE® require filter replacement like the old-style HEPA air purifiers?
A. No. There is a small 4 inch by 8 inch pre-filter that you simply clean periodically by running water over it. This pre-filter is made of highly durable mesh that will last a lifetime.
Q. So then the Eden-PURE® sanitizes everything in the house?
A. It works to sanitize the air, walls, floors, ceiling, furniture, carpeting, countertop surfaces, sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and even sanitizes your clothes.
Q. How well does the EdenPURE® work on eliminating odors?
A. The EdenPURE® will work to eliminate all odors. It eliminates odors from cigarette smoke, urine, mildew, cooking odors, and any other odors in your home. The EdenPURE® odor elimination is so powerful that it will eliminate the odor of a skunk in minutes. After eliminating the odor from the air, the EdenPURE® then goes to the source of the odor. It neutralizes embedded urine in carpet, and cigarette smoke that is embedded in carpet, furniture, wallpaper, and clothing. It also destroys mold and yeast.
Q. What are the health benefits to the EdenPURE®?
A. There are many. The EdenPURE® will help relieve allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems. It also introduces extra oxygen into the air and puts healthy negative ions into the air. Therefore you will tend to sleep better at night. As a result you will now have more energy and be much more alert and experience less fatigue when you are awake.
The EdenPURE® works to eliminate toxins so that they do not get into your body. Therefore you will look better, feel better, and live healthier. You will now have more energy and be more mentally alert. The EdenPURE® can change the mood of everyone in your home for the better.
The EdenPURE® Whole House Model purifies air in an area up to 3,000 sq. ft.
End of interview.
I have the EdenPURE® G-7 Whole House Air Purifier in my home. It works great! We would be delighted to supply you with one or more for your home.
Mention this blog andoff the $372 MSRP. This makes
You qualify by purchasing windows, entry doors, patio doors or storm doors that meet or exceed the government’s specifications.
You can get up to $1500.00. This amount is based on 30% of the amount of the items up to $4500. Labor is excluded.
We will provide you with a signed Manufacturer’s Certification Statement from the CFO of the manufacturer.
Use IRS Form 5695 to file for your credit. That’s it!
If you have any questions, just give me a call.
Softwalls exclusive and versatile wall system offers a warm, inviting Finishing System not only for basements but for home theaters, commercial space and quiet rooms above grade.
When using this unique system, the advantages over drywall are many and substantial. SoftWall eliminates the threat of mold. It increases the insulation value of any wall and provides 85% acoustic efficiency, which is ideal for home offices, home theaters and commercial use.
SoftWall systems were designed to install in a fraction of the time it takes to finish space with drywall. The labor saving aspect allows SoftWall applications to compete with drywall on an "installed" cost basis.
SoftWall has been used in commercial applications with great success. The removability of the panels has a great impact on both residential and commercial applications. Residentially, it means access to the grade walls and plumbing in the event repairs are needed. In commercial use it makes networking and new wire runs simple and fast. Quick installation helps make the SoftWall system a terrific value with a quiet, warm and rich look.
For a no-obligation consultation for your project, click here.
The reason this heater works so efficiently is the infrared technology. This heater is so unique it is patented.
Some of the advantages of the EdenPure and Sun-Twin are:
- 1. They will not harm children or pets
- 2. They will not start a fire
- 3. No fumes
- 4. No carbon monoxide
- 5. They will not reduce humidity or oxygen
- 6. They are thermostatically controlled for minimal energy consumption
- 7. Uses standard 110 electricity
- 8. They have a quiet, energy efficient fan
- 9. To give you cleaner and fresher air, they have a micron washable filter
If you have any questions about these heaters, give us a call or just drop by. We have them on display.
Frequently asked questions about our heaters:
WHAT IS THE WARRANTY ON THE HEATER? The EdenPure and SunTwin Heaters have a manufacturer 30-day Money-Back Guarantee and a 3-year warranty.
CAN THE HEATING ELEMENTS BE REPLACED? Yes. If at any time during the three-year warranty something would happen with the unit, your unit will be replaced or repaired. During or after the warranty period, just give us a call and we will get the the paperwork started and give you the exact instructions that you need to take care of any problem.
WHAT IS THE LIFE EXPECTANCY FOR THE QUARTZ ELEMENTS? Average element life is 20000+ hours or approximately 12 to 20 years. The Quartz Elements are replaceable by an authorized service dealer.
CAN I USE A SURGE PROTECTOR OR POWER STRIP WITH MY HEATER? NO. It is designed to plug directly into a grounded 110 volt 15 amp or higher circuit receptacle.
CAN I USE AN EXTENSION CORD WITH MY HEATER? Avoid the use of extension cords because the extension cord may overheat and cause a risk of fire, however if you have to use an extension cord, the cord shall be no. 14awg minimum size and rated not less than 1875 watts. The extension cord shall be a 3 wire cord with a grounding type cord and plug connector.
I DON’T HAVE A GROUNDED OUTLET; CAN I USE A CORD ADAPTER OR REMOVE THE GROUNDING PLUG? NO. If you don’t have a grounded outlet, contact a licensed electrician in your area for advice. Removing or altering any part of the heater will void the warranty.
CAN I USE THE HEATER AND ANOTHER APPLIANCE AT THE SAME TIME? Yes, as long as they are not on the same circuit. Portable, Infrared Zone heaters are considered to be an appliance. You should not run more than one large appliance on a single circuit breaker. Your freezer, refrigerator, microwave oven, washing machine, dryer, and other such appliances should not share a circuit breaker.
CAN I USE MORE THAN ONE HEATER AT A TIME? Yes, but you should make sure they are not on the same circuit. Each heater and appliance should be on its own circuit.
CAN I MOVE THE HEATER AROUND WHILE IT IS OPERATING? It is not recommended to move any portable heater while it is operating. We recommend moving the heater once the fan has completely turned off.
HOW MANY KILOWATTS PER HOUR DOES THE HEATER USE? Heater models 1000, 1500, and LED were tested by an independent lab in a home environment and determined to use 1.263 kilowatts per hour. Heater models 500 and 750 use approximately half the kilowatts per hour as the 1000, 1500, and LED models.
IS THE HEATER HARMFUL TO PETS AND/OR CHILDREN? NO.
DO THE HEATERS HAVE FILTERS? HOW DO I CLEAN THE FILTER? The EdenPure and SunTwin heaters come equipped with a washable lifetime filter which is easy to clean. The manufacturer recommends the filter be cleaned once a month or as needed. To do this, follow these steps:
Pull up on the latches on each side of the filter to release the filter. Remove it from the rear of the unit by tilting out and lifting up at the same time.
Run warm tap water over the filter, the opposite direction of air flow, until water runs clear. The filter might excrete some filtered residue, so be cautious not to drip on any stainable surfaces such as carpeting. You can also soak the filter in water mixed with a small amount of mild dish soap (don’t forget to rinse with water after soaking filter).
Shake the filter over a sink until excess water is removed and allow it to drip dry completely before reinstalling. DO NOT force the filter to dry using any alternative methods.
Reinstall the filter to the rear of the unit and secure side latches by raising them up and locking them down in place.
DO THE HEATERS GENERATE IONS? Yes, a small amount of negative ions.
WHAT IS ZONE HEATING? Zone heating is about focusing heat where people spend the most time. After all, there is no point to heating multiple rooms to 68+ degrees when they are not in use.
MY HOME IS NOT INSULATED VERY WELL, WILL THIS HEATER HELP ME? Yes, but keep in mind that rooms with little insulation will not retain the heat as efficiently.
ONCE I INITIALLY PLUG THE UNIT IN AND TURN IT ON, HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO HEAT MY ROOM? Generally, it takes less than an hour. Please remember that with any type of heating process there are many variables: size of the room, how well the room is insulated, how many door/windows, how much bare concrete (which acts as a heat sink with any type of heating), the opening and closing of an exterior door, etc…
CAN I USE THE HEATER ON A JOB/CONSTRUCTION SITE? The heater was not designed to operate in a high dust construction environment. Using the heater for this purpose will void your warranty.
CAN THE HEATER BE USED IN A BATHROOM? It is not recommended due to the moisture that is in a bathroom.
CAN I USE THE HEATER IF I HAVE VAULTED CEILINGS OR CATHEDRAL CEILINGS? Yes, but it will take a little longer to heat the room initially. Once the room has reached the desired temperature the heater will cycle on and off accordingly.
WILL I BE ABLE TO USE THE HEATER IN A BASEMENT OR GARAGE? Yes, but keep in mind that rooms with little insulation will not retain the heat as efficiently. Bare concrete floors act as a heat sink and will absorb some of the heat. Placing the heater a few feet above the floor will allow for more efficient heating.
CAN I USE THE HEATER TO HEAT MULTIPLE ROOMS AT ONE TIME? Yes. Keep in mind that heating will vary based on how open your floor plan is and the sizes of the rooms involved. We have heard back from many customers stating that with the help of ceiling fans they have been able to heat multiple rooms simultaneously by placing the unit in a central room. Our suggestion is to just give it a try to see if it works for you.
IMPORTANT USER TIPS!
INITIAL SETUP
Unpackage heater: cut open tape area, fold back flaps and gently turn entire box upside down. Lift box from styrofoam packing. Remove styrofoam, turn upright. We recommend keeping the packaging for off season storage and any transporting needs.
Find a level and unobstructed location to place the unpackaged heater.
Plug the power cord directly into an unused grounded 110 volt 15 amp or higher circuit receptacle. Push the red rocker switch located on the front grill to the 'I' position to turn it on; it will glow red when powered on.
Set the thermostat to the highest setting. In one to two minutes the fan will turn on and start delivering safe comfortable heat evenly for maximum efficiency.
When the temperature has reached a comfortable level, slowly turn the thermostat down until you hear a slight click. The thermostat will then cycle the heater on and off to maintain your desired temperature.
If you press the rocker switch to the off position 'O' during a heat cycle, the fan will run until all internal heat has been expelled.
HEATER STORAGE
When the heater is not going to be used for an extended period of time, please do the following:
Unplug heater.
Wind up electrical cord so as to keep it off of the ground.
Cover the heater to prevent dust from accumulating on filter or internally.
Store the heater in a dry, low dust environment.
THERMOSTAT NOTES
When you first turn on the heater:
Set the thermostat to the highest setting (ignoring the degree setting). In one to two minutes the fan will turn on and start delivering safe comfortable heat evenly for maximum efficiency.
When the temperature has reached a comfortable level, slowly turn the thermostat down until you hear a slight click. The thermostat will then cycle the heater on and off to maintain your desired temperature.
There is a cooling off period once the heater reaches the desired temperature and the air coming out may feel slightly cooler.
The heater will run approximately 5 to 10 minutes after shutting it off to cool down the heating elements.
The Honeywell thermostat is a bi-metal mechanical line voltage thermostat.
All Bi-Metal Mechanical Line Voltage thermostats are less accurate than digital thermostats. Pre-set dial placement and a differential rating of +/- 3 degrees also play a role in accuracy. This is absolutely normal and consistent with all Bi-Metal Mechanical Line Voltage thermostats. If the heater is maintaining your comfort level, it is working correctly.
Keywords:
Posted by Jim Brown on January 31st, 2009 0 comments
1. Our logo states: "Because Quality STILL Matters".
2. IF a service call is needed there is no extra charge during the warranty period.
3. Windows under $200 require more service calls than we have time for.
4. Our largest source of business is repeat customers and referrals from satisfied customers.
5. We don't use "bait and switch" tactics.
6. "Extras" are included in our price.
7. Our windows meet and exceed "Energy Star" requirements.
8. If I meet you in a dark alley , I don't want to be afraid
Arch Home Improvements will save you money on utility bills, plus you'll have quality windows installed properly.
Posted by Jim Brown on January 20th, 2009 0 comments
We know, almost instinctively, that something must be missing, but we've heard it so often that we could begin to believe it really is a bargain. It isn't. What we've heard all our lives, "You get what you pay for," is true for windows.
But, what kind of quality and service can you expect? Is this the final price of a window you would actually want in your home?
Typically the under $200 windows don't come close to being energy star compliant. Energy star is a rating set up by the federal government to rate various products on energy use or savings. Sometimes these windows can be "doctored up" to meet the requirements. This, of course, comes with a price tag and you still have a low-end window.
One complaint mentioned in "Replacement Contractor", a magazine for home improvement professionals, is that "the low-price guys use bait-and-switch advertising to get a foot in the door, then upsell gullible homeowners."
Another complaint "Replacement Contractor" quoted is "'bottom feeder' subcontractors who will install the product in half or a third of the normal time because they're being paid half or a third of market rate. And another: Low-price companies don't stand behind their product because, should there be a problem, they don't make enough profit to be able to afford to service it once it's installed."
And finally "Replacement Contractor" quotes this, "How could anyone sell a window, at retail, and install it, for less than what manufacturers typically charge dealers or distributors on a per-unit basis?"
"Replacement Contractor" discusses one company's tag line which says "Simply the best for less." It seems the "The Better Business Bureau" doesn't agree. The magazine says, "the two organizations have engaged in an ongoing dispute, with the national ...organization finally electing to withdraw from the BBB."
No one wants to pay too much, but English writer John Ruskin said the following:
"It's unwise to pay too much, but it is worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little-that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot-it can't be done!
If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better."
So then, how much should you pay for good quality windows that are properly installed?
Another magazine "Remodeling" has some great guidelines, not only for window projects, but for many projects. Simply go to www.costvsvalue.com and find out what real estate appraisers and other true professionals know windows and other projects should cost.
In many cases we are able to beat these prices. One reason is that we buy directly from the manufacturer.
If you have any questions about windows or any other project, I would be delighted to discuss them with you.
Posted by Jim Brown on January 19th, 2009 0 comments
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