I have a pending Incomplete Window Installation which is currently approaching the 2 year anniversary since the Signed Contract, without resolve. It includes: 3 Replacement Windows, 4 Installers, Numerous Installation & Inspection Errors, a Weakened wall structure, & a Failed North port City Inspection.
• 10/27/21 – Lowe’s Christopher Truit Consultation & Measured 7 Windows
• 04/27/22 – 5 Windows Installed
• 04/28/22 – Living Room Window installed
• 04/28/22 – Guest Bedroom Window: Installer didn’t measure new window before cutting out old window. Window was too large – installer gave choice of plywood over window opening until new window would arrive or install larger window. Installer cut off all window side trim & shaved off ½” of wood from 24” (on center) wall stud to install window. Stated that it was proper installation & would pass inspection. Pics available.
• Contacted Lowe’s & advised that window installation was unacceptable - wall was weakened & the window was butchered. From inside, window visibly incorrect - New window ordered by Lowe’s
• 08/24/22 – 2nd window arrived at Lowe’s Venice store.
• 11/09/22 – Installer measured installed window & discovered that the 2nd window was too small for existing opening.
• 12/01/22 – Tom, Owner of Home Install Services inspected the installed window. Showed him pictures of butchered window & shaving of wall stud – Tom stated that the window inspection would pass & requested that pictures & explanation be given to the Inspector. Tom stated that Lowe’s would provide $400 compensation for inconvenience after window inspection approval.
• 03/29/23 – Jeff Burnam, North Port City Inspector disapproved window due to weakened wall & requested an engineering report from the Installer.
• 04/13/23 - Lowe’s advised that a 3rd window would arrive May 7th & be installed. Window ordered was 70” wide (too small). Installed window is 72” wide. Requested call back from Lowe’s Supervisor – didn’t occur. Requested call back from Home Install services – didn’t occur.
• 04/25/23 –Pella stated that the window warranty was voided because the window was modified.
• 07/17/23 – 2nd Installer Victor from Vav Home Solutions inspected window. Window should be 71” but a 72” window was ordered & installed. 1/2 “ of 2x4 Stud was shaved to allow larger window to fit. Installer to have Lowe’s order correct window & contact North Port Building Dept. to obtain bracing requirements.
• 08/21/23 – 3rd Installer, Tom called to state that the 2nd Installer was fired & he would need to do an inspection to proceed with window installation. Tom would contact North Port Building Dept. to obtain bracing requirements & check to see if the correct window is in stock at Lowes.
• 08/24/23 – Installer Tom failed to show up to measure/inspect window
• 08/25/23 – Davida from Lowe’s stated that Tom was from the 1st Installer company, Home Install Services. Davida stated that a 4th window was ordered on 08/01 and it arrived at the store - unknown size.
• 09/05/23 – 4th Installer, Paul from Perisic Builders inspected window & didn’t know what size window is installed. Paul questioned if Inspector knew about installation issue. Paul intended to use a 70” window & place additional flange around the 72” window. Paul stated, “We can cheat” – informed him that the installation should be done properly.
• 09/15/23 – Desiree from Lowe’s called for update - no contact from Installer since inspection on 09/05/23. Updated her on “cheat” option & installation of 70” window.
• 09/21/23 – Lowe’s stated that the installer spoke with North Port Building Dept. & the interior wall has to be opened to brace the wall. Installer would remove the window to brace, then re-install the window. Advised Lowe’s that a new window is to be installed which is in the Lowe’s Venice store. Lowe’s to update me on 09/25/23.
• 09/25/23 – Lowe’s failed to provide update.
In Summation, Lowe’s has failed to complete an installation for 2 years and has ordered 4 windows & employed 4 Installers.
1) The 1st Installer & entire company was incompetent & unknowledgeable by failing to measure the existing & replacement windows before cutting a hole in the wall. The 1st Installer cut ½” off the wall stud, weakening the structure & modified the window thereby voiding the manufacturers warranty. The result was a failed building inspection.
2) Lowe’s has been incompetent in their process to order a correctly sized replacement window & employ a contractor to correct, coordinate, & complete the installation.
Desired outcome: I hereby respectfully request reimbursement of $5000 to sever the contract & installation so that I can resolve the issue on my own taking on the responsibility of window replacement, installation, and code requirements to pass inspection.