The Window & Door Specialist

Windows & Doors Installation & Service
Richmond Hill ON L4C
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Reviews for The Window & Door Specialist

Average customer rating:
9.3 10 (167 reviews)

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John j Roberts  in North york
John j Roberts in North york
1 review North York, ON
10/10

21 windows & 2 entrance doors

We recently replaced our windows and entrance doors with The Window and Door Specialist. Michael who was our sales representative was very knowledgable, patient and spent close to 4 hours with us discussing all of our options. It was the first time we've replaced our windows and doors I would have to say it was a pleasant experience. The installation and customer service rendered was very professional.

I would highly recommend this company and their team to anyone.

Approximate cost of services:
$0.00
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Angela in York Region
Angela in York Region
1 review STOUFFVILLE, ON
10/10

Double door and patio door

Was reccommeded by my brother who did his windows and doors a few years ago with Window Door Specialists. Toni was very knowledgable and helpful and the installer was great. Will be using them again in the spring when I do my windows.

Approximate cost of services:
$8,500.00
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Tom & Frances, North York
Tom & Frances, North York
2 reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

installation of 5 windows, 5 shutters, and front door

The installation of the windowss dand shutters occured in 2007, the front door was installed in 2009. Since installation,all items have functioned without any problems. Michael was the sales person responsible forthe 3 projects. He was thorough, knowledgeable and gave us excellent advice. We recommend that anyone considering any of the 3 projects mentioned,would be well advised to seek the assistance of Micael.

Approximate cost of services:
$9,000.00
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King
King
2 reviews Toronto, ON
0/10

Nightmare from beginning to the end

I initially contacted Window and Door Specialists because they were the authorized dealer for Jel-wen windows. I met with Michael the salesman in Jan/2011 for a quote on my windows and doors. During our meeting, he explained to me that the Jel-wen windows were not the greatest and recommendeded another company. Beware of Michael, he will promise you anything before you sign the contract. He said the price quoted would not change but that didn’t happen. When the installer came to the house to do the official measurements, he indicated that he need to charge me more to install my windows – at that point the contract was already signed. Even though this was a rush order, it still took 5 weeks for my windows and the patio and entry doors were still not ready. Then I find out that the Door manufacturer made a mistake on the hinges. We ordered custom patio doors about 7 feet tall; the door guys told us if we want to have the hinges placed evenly then it would take them longer. Of course we wanted it done evenly so that took more time. When the installer finally came, he informed me that he was missing one of my windows. I called their office and spoke to Tony. We went through my order and indeed we were missing one. At that point I was very upset. How could I be missing one? A day later I got a call from Michael (the salesman) conferenced with the office manager Louis. He basically blamed me for not counting all my windows? Hello, it's not my job. As the customer I pay them and they do their job. My whole project was now delayed.

My doors were finally ready in March. I wanted the colour of my doors and windows to be the same, guess what they were different. Their explanation was the doors and the windows are made by different manufacturers, what kind of excuse is that and the installer did a terrible job, there were gaps on the patio doors and my entry door was not level. Both sets of doors had to be removed. To top it off, my order said the glass on my front door was to be frosted and it arrived clear. Also, my windows – once I started opening them to test the mechanisms the weather stripping started coming off. Called Tony and he got the manufacturer's people to fix all the weather stripping.

It’s now May, my patio and entry doors are finally ready. The colour is finally the same and the glass is clear. The installer came and installed my doors. I checked for the problems that I had previously and it was fine. Two weeks later I found problems again; the jam for both doors were short and the patio door’s aluminium frame started to bubble. Called Tony again, he advised that because I’d chosen black, the heat of the sun was making the aluminium bubble. It’s not been a month yet. I don’t think it should do that. Apparentally Louis's own doors did the same thing, my question to him was, if you knew the aluminium bubbles why would you still sell these products to your customers.

Six months later, there is a leak in one of my windows and the sash buckled. Window and Door Speciality claims it’s not the window or the installation and blamed it on my other trades. They always give excuses which make no sense to me. I truly believe it’s the window itself.

To sum it up, not sure doing business with Window and Door Specialist was worth it. They don’t seem to know their products; their excuses change every minute. These Windows and Doors cost me a lot. It’s not worth the headache and sleepless nights. Remember… have everything written down on the agreement, if they tell you that the price won’t increase after the quote, make sure that is written down on the agreement.

The worst thing about this reno is that all trades refuse to take responsibility for their errors. They will blame each other to no end but at the end it is the customer left holding the bag.

Approximate cost of services:
$19,000.00
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Company Response

In order to have this review put into proper perspective I'll begin with a sequence of events; the homeowner hired a rough carpenter to reframe their entire house. The carpenter was provided with the size of the windows required by our installer to accommodate brick openings. The carpenter framed the house with openings of up to 6" wider than indicated. Due to the improper framing, our installer had to build up the framing which added to the customer’s costs.

The thickness of the wall studding was not consistent. No lintels (horizontal support structure above window openings) were in place. The building inspector could not approve framing done by carpenter. We advised homeowner to have someone more experienced do the framing work. Insufficient support provided under bay window.

The framing of the doorways was 2x4 when we initially measured for the new doors. The customer had this changed to 2X6 framing without notifying us which is why the door jambs were shorter than the frame. Next the electrician forced an electrical box in between studs causing the door frame to compress thus hindering the proper operation of the door.

The stucco company hired stucco’d our painted window.

The window missing was never ordered in the first place.

Customer decided to add window when their attempts to have window supplied at no charge failed.

Approximately 6 months after the window installation, someone other than our company poked holes in the caulking which lead to the leak problems with the window. Our installer shimmed the bottom of the brickmould to accommodate an uneven sill. Both homeowners were present when the installer went to service this window and were shown the holes in the caulking.

We did our very best to satisfy this customer despite raising of their voices, and continual unwarranted threats to badmouth our company publicly if they didn't get what they wanted immediately regardless of whether it was part of the order or not.

We have an A+ rating with BBB; the highest possible rating.

Feel free to contact either myself or Tony our Manager of Operations if you require further information.

Louis Radocchia
905-770-3719

L Furgiuele in Richmond hill
L Furgiuele in Richmond hill
1 review RICHMOND HILL, ON
9/10

Front Door retrofit

A pleasure to deal with. Louis takes the time to go over what you're looking for and offers advice where it's needed. Quick to respond to e-mails and phone calls- customer service is obviously very important to them which is always appreciated. The products and finishes are up-to-date and great quality. Would not hesitate to recommend them.

Approximate cost of services:
$2,500.00
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B Lavigne in Etobicoke
B Lavigne in Etobicoke
5 reviews Etobicoke, ON
10/10

Replaced all old windows (9) including large 3 section window

I was a little nervous at first because I'd heard so many horror stories about contractors and I had a limited budget. Louis was very reassuring and answered all my questions openly and clearly. The guys showed up on time and finished when they said they would. They were courteous, professional and did a terrific job. At my request they cooridinated their efforts with other contractors I'd hired to do insulation and siding. Clean-up was good, and the house looks fantastic. I'd recommend these guys without hesitation!

Approximate cost of services:
$4,600.00
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P Chan in Scarborough
P Chan in Scarborough
1 review Scarborough, ON
10/10

Replacement of all windows and patio door

Louis was very helpful and patient in explaining to us the different types of windows, patio doors and the warranty from different manufacturers. The crew that installed the windows were very professional and did a very good job. They cleared our yard of all the old windows and discarded material. We are very pleased with their work.

Approximate cost of services:
$12,000.00
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Barry  in North york
Barry in North york
1 review North York, ON
10/10

Window replace

The window guy who came to my house was very helpful and gave some great suggestions. The new windows really pop and look fantastic. All and all a pleasant experience from first visit to install.

Approximate cost of services:
$8,000.00
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The reviews on this page are the subjective opinion of the Author and not of HomeStars Inc.

More about The Window & Door Specialist

♦ The Window & Door Specialist has over 35 years of home improvement experience.

♦ A+ rating on Better Business Bureau since 2002

♦ We offer ENERGY STAR® windows, entry doors, patio/garden doors, storm doors and porch enclosures, shutters, blinds, bay windows, casement windows, slider windows, hung windows, bow windows, security windows, comfort windows.

♦ 3800 square feet showroom space with a virtual tour on our website.

♦ Your needs will be accommodated by our trained sales staff and installers.

♦ Helping you make an educated decision by providing honest and unbiased information.

♦ Installations range from simple to the most extensive and elaborate.

♦ All our customers receive standard and lifetime warranties from the manufacturers.

♦ We work closely with manufacturers to ensure your project is completed in a timely manner.

♦ Long term repeat customers have been satisfied with our quality product choices and professional in-house installers.

♦ We offer a Price Match Guarantee.

CATEGORIES
Windows & Doors Installation & Service
PRODUCTS
[ENERGY STAR® Windows and Doors] ♦ Window replacement ♦ Entrance Doors ♦ Patio Doors ♦ Garden Doors ♦ Storm Doors ♦ Porch Enclosures ♦ Blinds + Shutters
SERVICES
♦ Free Estimates ♦ Supply and/or Install
BRANDS
[Primary Brands] ►►► ♦ Vinylbilt (Armor) ♦ Palma Doors ♦ Dashwood ♦ Therma Tru ♦ York Aluminum ♦ Maxxmar ■ 10+ Other brands. Contact us to inquire.
STYLES
♦ Standard and custom designs for both windows and doors.
SPECIALITIES
♦ Bay + Bow Windows ♦ Shaped Windows ♦ Custom Entry Doors ♦ Porch Enclosures + Storm Doors ♦ Construct or Expand Window/Door Openings.
WEBSITE
http://www.windowdoorspecialist.com
YEAR ESTABLISHED
1981
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
10
PAYMENT METHOD
♦ Cheque ♦ Cash ♦ Visa ♦ MasterCard ♦ 0% Financing
MEMBERSHIPS
♦ SAWDAC ♦ Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce ♦ BBB ♦ Energy Star®
LIABILITY INSURANCE
Yes
WORKERS COMPENSATION
Yes
PROJECT MINIMUM
NO
BONDED
Yes
PROJECT RATE
Guaranteed Written Estimate
WRITTEN CONTRACT
Yes
WARRANTY TERMS
♦ Manufacturer's Warranty - Lifetime Transferable and Non-Prorated
Company profile information is not moderated by HomeStars. Ask the contractor to verify before hiring.