We decided to hire Cadillac Custom Shutters to create and install custom wooden shutters for our bay window. We just spent thousands of dollars getting new windows and frames installed, so wanted new window dressings to match since the bay window is the focal point of the room. Cadillac was not the cheapest, but we wanted quality first.
Hy was our salesperson, he was very knowledgeable and personable. Hy was able to suggest options based on our room set-up and our furniture design. He was not "sales-man-pushy" which we like. Hy also spoke highly of the quality of Cadillac's shutters, and he showed us samples so can we see for ourselves.
Brenda always answers the phones when I call, and is very nice. It is always a pleasure speaking with her.
Danny was our installer, he has been installing for the company for a long time so was very efficient. I specifically asked that he be careful with my hardwood floors since they were new, and he assured me he'd be careful. Unfortunately, after he left I noticed a few things
First, I noticed some paint touch-up was needed on a couple of spots so I called Brenda who helped arrange a time w/ a techican (JP) to have the touch-up done (needed a time when my baby was out of the home since she's highly allergic to paints and other chemicals). This was just a small cosmetic fix that needed to be done.
Then upon further and closer inspection,I noticed a much bigger issue. My shutters and frames were NOT even (things were shifted to one side). I called Cadillac right away and Brenda passed the phone to Shlomo. I then sent some digital pictures to Shlomo to show him the problem. He understood the issue right away (installer shouldn't have installed the frames double-posted, rather they should have been installed single-posted). He has arranged another time to come out to my home to fix the install issue (Shlomo said he will personally do the install).
As I inspected my shutters more, I also noticed that a 2nd set of holes were drilled into my new window frames (to connect the shutter frame to). It appeared a mistake was done and another set of holes had to be drilled. Unfortunately, that left 2 extra holes in my new window frame which doesn't look very nice or professional.
I look forward to Shlomo's visit, and hope that everything will be fine. I also hope that all extra drill holes will be patched up. We didn't just spend thousands of dollars on windows and another $800 on shutters just for them to look unprofessional. I'll write an update after we get our 2nd install visit.
Thanks for reading.
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Update: Shlomo came and fixed the install issue, he corrected the shutters to be single-posted vs. double. JP then came in Jan'09 to help fix up most of the cosmetic issues (a couple of spots he couldn't fix without taking down the shutters which we didn't want to do), and help fill in the extra drill holes. When looking at the filled in drill holes, one can tell since the colour is a little different. We noticed JP missed a couple of spots for touch-up. We'll need to make arrangements for him to come out to finish those the next time we can have the baby out of the home (allergic to paints/touch-up formulas).
It's been more headache than expected w/ the purchase/installation of these shutters...especially w/ a baby at home. The company is very responsive which is nice. They try to attend to the client. They listen to the issues. I must say "thank you" to Shlomo and Steve for your responsiveness to the issues we have had. Based on the other positive HomeStar reviews on Cadillac, I'm sure my less-than-ideal experience was rare.
Thanks for reading again....
