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Power Home Remodeling review: don't let these people in your home 102

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12:52 pm EDT
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I was approached in my front yard by a very nice young guy with a company polo shirt and clipboard. He told me that they had done some work in the neighborhood and asked me if I wanted a free estimate for new windows. I said sure, not knowing what I was getting into. He placed me on the phone with a company rep who scheduled an appointment the following evening for 7:30pm. The salesman arrived and unpacked a variety of equipment and launched into a 2 hour long (literally 2 hours) sales pitch. I interjected several times asking him to get to the point, we had a long day, had not eaten dinner yet, etc., but there was no deterring this guy from the obvious script that the company gave him. After an eternity when he finally got to their numbers, the prices were astronomical. We turned him down, at which point he suddenly came up with several discounts that he could apply, including a low rate that only applied if we committed that night. I asked him to leave us with the estimate and we would be in touch. He replied that he could not leave a written estimate, as it was against company policy. Also I wanted to know where the alleged recent work in our neighborhood was done so I could take a look. Of course he could not tell me, and I now suspect that was also a lie.

DO NOT LET THESE PEOPLE IN YOUR HOUSE. THEY WILL STAY FOR 2 HOURS WITH A BAG OF TRICKS. ANY COMPANY THAT PROMISES YOU A FREE ESTIMATE BUT THEN WILL NOT GIVE IT IN WRITING, PLUS HAS A LOWER PRICE THAT ONLY APPLIES IF YOU COMMIT THAT NIGHT IS SHADY, SHADY, SHADY.

Salesman was a nice young guy though. You gotta feel bad b/c these are some of the only jobs out there right now.

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102 comments
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NJ Dad
, US
Jan 07, 2010 8:22 am EST

Two days ago my fifteen year old daughter came home from school, and had to squeeze past a salesman from this company who was on my doorstep, in to get into the house. Later that same day he was at the door again, before I got home, asking when her parents would be home. He returned again at dinner time, I was home, and he very reluctantly gave me his clipboard so that I could write down the website information for Power Windows & Doors. I left a very detailed voicemail message that evening for someone to call me about being put on a "do not solicit" list; of course no one returned the call.

Not long ago there were a series of similar hard sell, door-to-door sales routines, involving exhorbitantly priced magazine subscriptions. Young kids were recruited from inner cities as "independant contractors" (an effort byt the company to shield itself from liability), and these kids were trucked from town to town as they wore out their welcome and were chased away by the police. These salespeople would frequently take advantage of the elderly, rob homes once they concluded no one was around, and on occaision rape or kill people whose only mistake was to open their door to a smiling young person . Google "Azriel Bridge" to find accounts of his brutal murder of Shirley Reuter in Toms River, NJ.

I doubt I'm the only parent who finds strangers on my property and/or at the door asking questions of youngsters home alone to be a menacing and potentially horrific situation. I do not buy any products or services from, or do business with anyone who "cold calls" at my door, and would urge everyone to call the local authorities when their neighborhood is invaded by these people.

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HappyForNow
, US
Dec 20, 2009 9:06 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Our 7 year old home's window seals have been broken for most of the time we've lived in this house. We've tried repeately to get the builder or window company to replace the windows to no avail. Tired of the $700-$900/month propane bills we decided to start checking out window companies. After meeting a PW&S salesperson and learning about their products, we actually hired PW&S who installed 38 windows, a front door and french doors over the course of 5 days in March 2009. While we apprecited the time the salesperson committed to us during the 'pitch' (4.5 hrs and worth it due to the size of the job) we did not appreciate the lies.

We were told the new windows would be about 1/2" wider than the original windows and that we can still use all of our window treatments and shades and we would lose minimal window sill space. Far from the truth. I think the windows are about 2.5" wider, and of the 38 windows installed, most treatments could not fit in without some engineering. The remaining shades had to be pitched for replacements that install over the window. Plus, our sills are about 2" deep now with no room to display some of the pictures, etc. we used to display.

The other lie was that no bugs would be able to enter the window past the screen. This claim was THE major reason that suaded us into purchasing these windows. No-one else would make that statement. Well, EVERY window allows bugs to enter via the two weep slots, and like the old windows, we cannot open the windows in the summer to keep the bugs from entering the house.

Other than that we are happy with everything and all the neighbors rave on the front door and how nice everything looks. So far so good. They do guarantee a 30% reduction in energy bills. We shall see. Don't let this be a selling point as they will gladly pay you the difference, should you not save 30% in the year, FOR THE FIRST YEAR. For remaining years' bills - all bets are off. Our anniversary is around the corner and I can't wait to see how much we are going to save. Thus far the only thing I noticed is that our heat would cycle 2x / hour and now it cycles once ever 1.5-2 hrs. Also, we have had the new doors replaced due to some defects that we could not live with, esp. due to the crazy price we paid. Additionally, a couple windows were replaced out due to minor defects by the manufacturer. Never did I hear from PW&S that customer satisfaction wasn't a top priority. I've seen it thus far.

Don't be so hard on these guys. Remember, you get what you pay for. So, if you are going to be in your house for a long time, it is worth the extra prices for a 100% guaranteed window and door.

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jamoka3
Crandford, US
Dec 15, 2009 12:30 pm EST

I know its long, but please read in full to understand, thanks!

I was close to getting the siding and everything done on the outside ( facade, trim etc.) And i got a quote of $51, 000. That’s when I said politely said NO THANKS!
Then he said, "BUT wait, today only you can get it for $26, 000 bucks, complete, done, out the door!" So i told him to write it up so i can see the payments and terms, so he sat back down for another hour and wrote it up, and here is what he originally said.The loan was going to be $407 a month for 72 months (6 years). We spread it out through two loans, a GE and a wells Fargo, at $187 a month for 72 months and 220 a month for 72 months. In the end it was a grand total of $29, 304, including the loans interest. . I agreed since i knew i could afford it at that rate and term length ($407 a month for 72 months aka. 6 years)

A few days went by and i got a phone call from there " finance guru", telling me that the sales guy messed up and that my new payment would be spread out over the two loans like before BUT..., the loan was to NOW be $170 a month for 108 months (or 9 years) and the WF loan was going to be $250 a month for 59 months. now I knew right then and there they were trying to play me. Here’s how…
If you take the "Original" quote and agreement that I agreed to of $29, 304 in total and calculated there "new" term lay out then the grand total was now $33, 110. That’s a $3, 804 difference! Remember the cost to do my house was only $26, 000!
So I asked how the interest went from $3, 304 to $7, 110? He had no good answer!

What made me very angry is that he kept saying it was a "minor detail", and "its not a big deal"... "Must have been overlooked". That’s a difference of almost 4 grand, that’s a “minor detail” to them? Come on…
Now if the company took the hit since they messed up and kept my interest at the $3, 304 like before then I would have continued with the job, but over the next 2 days, and talking to 5 different people, it still was no good. Not only did they not admit fault to such a lie, but also they wanted to extend my loan term from 72 to 108 months. That’s 3 years longer! Also they could not tell me why my interest basically doubled from the original quote.

BEWARE OF THIS COMPANY!
POWER WINDOWS AND SIDING IS A RIP OFF!

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myfavoritepetsally
Norristown, US
Dec 12, 2009 11:43 am EST

I was duped by thinking I was entering a contest. I am not that stupid! I know that they were just getting my information to sell me windows. I was not thinking about installing windows, but I said OK to have the salesman come out. He would not leave and was at my house for 3 and 1/2 hours. He wouldn't leave until I agreed and signed up for the windows. The price is not that high--- four windows for $3, 299 and with the government rebate, I would get $821 back. But, I didn't like the way he wouldn't leave and kept giving me different prices. The more I said I didn't want to buy windows because I had other plans for improvements in my home, the lower the prices became. They started at over $5, 000 and ended up at $3, 299. Until finally, he convinced me that if I allowed them to advertise my house with before and after pictures and my street address, the price came all the way down to $3, 299 for four windows. I don't like the idea of my street address being advertised and people coming by to look. Also, I don't know if I got a good price because I didn't get any other estimates. Does anyone know if this is a good deal? They are double hung energy star rated windows. I don't have enough time to get more estimates. I usually get several estimates before I sign up for anything! I let him talk me into this.

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Alan3354
, US
Dec 04, 2009 11:17 am EST

I'm interested in power windows for my house, that is, windows I can open and close with a remote control, or on a timed basis.

My cars have power windows, why not my house?

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oef
Philadelphia, US
Dec 02, 2009 10:50 pm EST

Power Windows and Siding just received the 2009 Dealer of theYear award from Window and Door Magazine, in the category of Overall Excellence, in Leadership Serving Homeowners. I'm proud to work for them and will continue to do so for a long time.

Go Team.

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A satisfied Customer
Phoenixville, US
Nov 23, 2009 9:25 pm EST

I love how the people on this board complain about a 2hr presentation. So you'd rather them just give you a price and take your chances on the quality of the product and company? I'd admit they are annoying with their phone calls but the company does a great job of informing the consumer. I can guarentee the people who agreed to a presentation learned more about windows and/or siding then ever before...I know we did. Also just because they give you a price good for the night doesnt mean they are high pressure. Yes they might try everything they can to get you to sign that night, but they are sales guys who are trying to put food on the table. Cut them some slack. They also have a fantastic product. their windows are absolutly amazing, I actually cut my energy bills in half! Granted I had single pane wood windows but it's still amazing! Also yes there prices are a little higher than some other windows out there but you get what you pay for. The poster above me said it great that all the people that compain want is a great product at little to no cost...its not out there Im sorry to tell you.

With that said yea these guys do things a little differently but what matters the most in the end is the product and that is by far the best!

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goodperson
maryland city, US
Nov 22, 2009 7:20 pm EST

You complainers are the same type of bigots who try to get free food at restaurants, movie theatres, etc., just because you are rotten inside and have no supportive social skills so you sit on your dirty couch and waste your days away complaining about everything that isnt free and hate your life.

Fools.

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LOLAVOO
, US
Nov 18, 2009 9:11 am EST

now i know why they came to my house! i just recently saw a tv commercial for this company telling you to enter their "sweepstakes" for a chance to win free windows. it reminded me that several years ago (yes i was young and stupid!) i actually "entered" for a chance to win. i remember some woman called me about my "entry" and when i realized after about 10 minutes that it was actually a sales pitch, i called her on it and she became angry and hung up.

now i dont remember how many years ago that was...then about 3 weeks ago i got the we are doing work in your neighborhood line from a guy at my door. (incidently, Omaha Steaks uses same line saying they are making a delivery in my neighborhood so i SHOULD have heard the alarm bells then) but we needed windows anyway and i thought what harm is an estimate? so i gave them my CELL number not my home number. i waited all day for the confirmation call i was supposed to get before the guy came. nobody called and nobody showed up. i told my hubby to look them up online and he found all these complaints and then remembered my sweepstakes entry from several years ago. later i realized they had left messages on my HOME phone (which i had not given out) instead of calling my cell number as i had instructed them to do. i had my cell with me the whole time and they never even attempted to call.

So, do NOT enter any of these types of sweepstakes. I am just so thankful for people like you all who take the time to warn the rest of us. chances are though, i would have slammed the door and called the cops if he would not leave. and i cannot believe the guy who said they refused to give written estimate! i was told that the current estimate i got would be good forever even if i decided to buy 10 years from now. how can one prove that if they dont have a copy of the estimate?

POWER WINDOWS AND SIDING = UNRELIABLE LIARS

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andrealeev
Lumberton, US
Nov 12, 2009 3:14 pm EST

These people are constantly in my township and have to constantly be chased by the police because they solicit where no soliciting is CLEARLY posted. I was polite with them all 5 times that they came to my door. Today tops it though. I was in the back of my house and heard someone forcibly shaking my door knob. Both dogs went nuts and I thought whoever it was would go away. Five minutes later more hard rattling of my door knob. I have a doorbell which wasn't used. I peeked out the window (past my growling dog) and saw a figure holding a clipboard still at my door. I was terrified and called 911. When the police responded, who was in our courtyard but sales reps for this company. I soon found out from a neighbor 3 doors down that they were actually pounding on his door so loud it sounded like the police. He is a big guy in the military who almost had an altercation with the guy. The guys finally left when the police told them to. Sales people should not be scaring the hell out of homeowners. I plan to file a complaint with the company as well as my township.

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DLML118
Norristown, US
Nov 10, 2009 6:13 am EST

Same exact experience. Kid approaches in my driveway - we are doing work in the neighborhood. Puts you on the phone with the scheduling mangaer who is insistant that your spouse is there? 2 hr agonizing window seminar. My kids are crying because they are so tired, guy still won't leave. The problem for me is they make it sound like some one will swing by, measure and give you an estimate, I'm thinking 15-20 minutes. 2 hours of company history, every other window is crap, our installers are the greatest. Then the best part the quote - hand written on a blank piece of paper. If I sign up write now I save 10, 000! NO HIGH PRESSURE SALES THERE? Total nightmare. I am embarrased to admit I let this person into my home.

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EDWARD K
Browns Mills, US
Nov 09, 2009 3:19 pm EST

i had my windows installed in 2004 and loved the experience, from salesman to customer service everything was above and beyond expectations. i sat through a 2 hour presentation and didnt mind at all, at the end i knew more about windows than anyone else i knew. my nieghbor bought windows in 2006 from home depot and had a friend put them in, she spent half as much as i did and now is very upset she went with cheap windows. two no longer work and 5 out of 9 have water in the glass, GUESS WHAT THEY SAID WHEN SHE CALLED FOR HER "LIFETIME WAURANTEE"... SORRY THATS NOT COVERED! THERES A DISCLAIMER ON THE BACK THAT NO ONE SHOWED HER. now she has to get new windows again. i love the waurantee i have EVERYTHING IS COVERED FOR LIFE! AND TRANFERABLE!

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Lovethem
, US
Oct 20, 2009 12:45 pm EDT

I got power windows and I think they did a phenominal job. I am surprised to see people upset about the two hour presentation. I had a great time with the salesman and enjoyed my time with him quite well! He was a very nice young man. I am more than happy with the product and recommend them to anyone who needs this type of work done on their home.

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Sandgirl883
Philadelphia, US
Oct 07, 2009 5:09 pm EDT

1. They NEVER EVER hire people off craigslist. My best friend AND my husband work for this company and I know this for a FACT.

2. Their windows are high quality. Yes, you can get a window for 100 bucks. Is it custom-made to your window? Life-time warantee with NO holes in it? All the guarantees? Good luck. The most expensive job is a job that you have to do twice.

3. The reason that they ask for your spouse to be home is because buying windows is an expensive investment and usually (usually!) both spouses have to be home to make a choice like that. The presentation of the window, and the LESSON about windows, is something that both spouses should see before making the choice... plain and simple.

4. The REASON for the "presentation" is so that you can be educated about windows - in general. There have been SEVERAL people in the time that my husband has worked for the company that have declined the estimate BUT told him "thank you - at least i know what to look for in other companies now."

Okay. Now. Really? Before you spout off on the quality of the windows - do you know the specifics?

Like a previous poster said, they ARE sales people. WHAT IS A SALES PERSON THERE FOR? to make a sale. to sell you their product. YES.

However..

-they are NOT seedy
-they are NOT liars

-they have NO upstanding complaints and have a star rating with the BBB.

Thanksbye.

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True Customer Review
, US
Nov 10, 2020 11:50 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

That is a lie! I paid 12K for 6 windows they sold me and yes it's a scam! guess what? the cheap contractors they use goes out of business and then they don honor the guarantee. My windows all are defective and have now dirt and condensation between the panels, they look disgusting and dirty after 8 years! the seal gives up. There is NOT customer service the call is ALWAYS redirected to VM. Check BBB and Yelp, I wish I had checked this earlier before I got scammed. For the payment they don't finance you, they make you apply for a Visa card and whatever the amount you get approved is the amount they finance! I got stuck with a 12% fix interest rate! STAY AWAY!

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bean67
Bordentown, US
Oct 01, 2009 4:10 pm EDT

STAY AWAY FROM POWER WINDOWS AND SIDING! This company is a RIP-OFF! ESPECIALLY the window department! I would NEVER recommend these people to anyone. They installed windows for me and the job was EXTREMELY sloppy and unprofessional. They claim to not bill you until you are 100% satisfied. That's a LIE. Their customer service is HORRIBLE. No one answers the phone or bothers to return your phone calls. It took them 3 months to come back and fix the caulking around my windows. Of course, I was already being billed for 2 months! I'm still not happy with the way they tried to fix it, but I'm so sick of dealing with these people that it will have to do. I've already filed a complaint with the BBB, and anywhere I can say anything negative about them, I WILL.

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grateful1
, US
Sep 30, 2009 4:16 pm EDT

These people stopped by my house around noon today with the same spiel. I have been looking at different window installers lately and said that I would accept their offer of a FREE estimate price-protected for a year. Made an appointment for 4:00 pm. Around 3:00 pm I received a call from a woman in their office, who was confirming the appointment. Everything was fine until she asked if my wife would be here also. Told her no. She said that maybe we could reschedule for a time when my wife would be available. Told her it was not necessary and that I was perfectly capable of making the decision on my own. She said it was their policy to have both spouses meet with the estimator and that this was the only way they could price protect the estimate for a year or more. I began to smell something rotten with the deal and told her to forget about it. She kept saying that maybe we could reschedule. I said no. It was either today with me alone or not at all. She said maybe you will reconsider later and call us back. I said, "Not likely" and "Goodbye". That is when I decided to google their company name and came across this series of complaints. The remarks of "savvy consumer" really hit home. Thanks for the information.

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Darren W.
, US
Sep 17, 2009 3:59 am EDT

Whereas I can understand all of your complaints, I have to disagree with you to a certain extent.

First off, of course you can buy windows for $100 each. They are called builders grade and they are inferior to most windows. What I mean by inferior is that they off you no improvement in quality or energy savings. All they do is REPLACE the old, tattered ones you have in your house now. There are tremendous differences in replacement windows. Heck, Anderson and Pella both sell windows in the $1, 500 range! Suddenly $750 isn't looking too bad! It depends what you're looking for, what you can afford, and how long you'll be staying in your house to enjoy your investment.

Second, whenever I make any significant purchase, especially when it's for something in my home, I research the heck out of what's out there. Having someone spend 2 hours in my home is not unreasonable to me. I'd rather know what I was getting for my dollar than just throw my money at something now knowing what I was getting. When I had my window estimates done for my house, I had a few guys come to my house and measure each window and give me a full demonstration as to why their window was better... and I had others that came and just gave me an estimate without one single measurement! They just eyeballed it! Now, who would you rather have work on your home - a company that takes the time to go over everything with you so you know what you're getting or one that "ballparks" it all and gives no attention to you?

Lastly, with regards to price options... do you really think they're the only company that does this? Go to a car dealership or appliance store and see if they can work deals for you. Especially with the way this economy is right now, is offering homeowners price options or incentives such a bad thing?

Companies can't make everyone happy and this is quite obvious by the responses here. But there are a lot worse companies out there with lesser quality products and at cheaper prices. Just remember, you get what you pay for and if your home is your biggest investment why take the chance.

Just one homeowner's opinion.

p.s. - I don't work for the company but I did get their demonstration. They are one of two that I am considering using.

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newbjam
Philadelphia, US
Aug 19, 2009 5:34 pm EDT

approached with the same offer in northeast philly. Once they came for the estimate the salesman would not take no for an answer and would not leave! He arrived at 330 pm and did not leave until 7 even after telling him several times i had plans and had to leave! The prices were ridiculous! for 8 windows they wanted 10 grand! then his final offer was 7 thousand if he could use my house as advertisement. I had to plead with him that i did not want this! and if you did not book there and then you couldn't get that offer! very very high pressure. The salesman asked me for food, drinks, asked if he could play video games and if I wanted to go get something to eat with him! do not let these people in your house! way overpriced and unbelievably pushy! dont waste your time with them! then on the way out had me carry most of his equipment out for him. Ridiculous!

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GD3
doylesto, US
Aug 12, 2009 12:49 pm EDT

This company came to my door last night with the same offer - to come in to provide a free in-home estimate. I got bad vibes when the polo-shirt clad rep at my door handed me his phone and the guy on the other end asked all the same questions, the scheduled my appt. Neither guy could answer any questions about what to expect from the appt - how long it takes, etc. "Every appt is different" was the answer. He wouldn't answer my followup - "what's your average appt length?" So, bad impressions combined with this post caused me to cancel my appointment. Thanks!

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ASADY
Claymont, US
Aug 07, 2009 6:58 pm EDT

The above comment is all true the with amount of lies these scripted guys tell I can not believe they get away withit.Please do not feel sorry for the little guy in the polo shirt feel sorry for every one who pays $750 + for a $100 dollar replacement window that they pay unscreened subcontractors to install for $65.00 ea. Sometimes they hire guys off craigs list load up there trucks and send them out to install your windows I know my friend is an installer and thats how they started him!He could have been an axe murder for all they knew ! But thats not the lies they tell .If you like there junky window you can go to North east Aluminum in pHilly and get them add $6 -!0 dollars for double stength glass if you like there mallet Trick ! the window is the crusader series .Its unreal how people in 2009 still fall for sales guys lies