Scientific Home Services Ltd

We went with another Angies' List vendor, as they were able to do more of what we needed.

We had several companies come out for estimates, Scientific Home Services (SHS) price was right in the middle. We were able to negotiate the price slightly with them. We ended up choosing SHS over a slightly cheaper company because after doing our own online research it seemed like the quality of the windows SHS used was a bit better. They initially told us it would be 6 weeks until windows arrived and could be installed but it took more like 2-3 and we were pleasantly surprised by our earlier than expected installation. Two men (only 1 spoke English) arrived promptly in the morning and went right to work. They were very respectful of our home and cleaned up well after themselves. They replaced any rotted wood we had as well. It took them from about 9am to 3pm to complete the job. In the end all the windows were nicely installed and we are very happy with the work that was done. The only thing we think that could have really improved the service and our happiness with the job would have been a follow up phone call or visit from the person who gave us the estimate to make sure everything was completed as promised. It would have also been nice if we could have been briefed on how to operate the windows before they left...not that this was rocket science to figure out, but it did take us several minutes to figure out how to use the vent latches and pop the windows out as if we were cleaning them, and it would have just been a bonus courtesy. All in all we were happy with this company and would probably use them again.

It was a very professional and low stress experience. The salesperson was friendly, knowledgeable, and didn't give me a hard sell. During the estimate, he wrote down how my energy tax rebate would be based on the cost of the project, which I thought was great, considering he didn't even have the sale yet. The window installers were professional, did a wonderful job (which I fully appreciated this past winter!), and cleaned up the area after they left. The whole process took about 4-5 hours. I have an old glass-block window in my bathroom that should be replaced, and I will not hesitate to call Scientific for this project, as well.

Good proposal, good price for what I got, not the cheapest company that submitted proposals but I think value for the money. Took out the old and did good clean up. Only one problem. The installation crew, who I do not think were full time company employees, used cheap silicone calk and it partially washed out over the winter and this years rains. I was having tuckpointing done this month anyway so I had the contractor rip out the balance of the calk and install good calk in its place. I have told the company about the problem so they can change their specifications.

Jon came out to give an estimate and was punctual, professional and friendly. He explained the window options and had a demo of the window we decided to go with so that we could see how it worked. Someone came out a couple of days later to measure the windows as they needed to be customized. A few weeks later the windows were installed and they look great and there was no mess.

First of all, this report is long overdue! Overall, the experience was excellent (one of the better experiences that I have had with contractors). We initially met Jon Koloms in May 2009; he was extremely polite and professional, and helped my fiancee and I make a decision as to the best possible windows for our townhouse. The order for the windows took about 6 weeks to fulfill, and Jon kept us posted throughout. One the day of the installation, the SHS crew arrived on time, and they pretty much had the full installation completed within five hours or so? They were very good about removing all debris and cleaning up after themselves, and were very courteous. Now, I do need to mention that there was a problem with the window order. Instead of getting the four new double-hung windows that I wanted, I ended up instead getting new sliding windows (which I did not want). I didn't realize the mistake until the crew already had the new windows installed! At that point, though, the crew chief and I got on the phone with Jon. Jon immediately owned up to the mistake and apologized many times. The crew left the new sliding windows in place, and a new order was placed for the double-hung windows that we wanted. The mix-up was probably one of those oversights that happens. The way in which Jon and SHS handled the problem is the important part; they did what was necessary to correct the issue. The new windows arrived and were installed in early August. I was actually able to put my neighbor in touch with Jon about purchasing the erroneous sliding windows, and her new windows were installed on the day that I received my new ones. As for the windows - they are absolutely terrific, and everything that they were advertised to be. We made it through a fairly cold winter with very few issues (the older windows would have meant much lower temperatures inside!). Also, the windows are quite good at dampening exterior sounds (when the windows are closed, you can't hear much outside, which is nice). My overall experience with Scientific Home Services was excellent, and that is in large part due to Jon Koloms, as well as a terrific installation crew (led by Gilberto). Great selection of products, no hassles or pressure in terms of ordering, very good prices (I received quotes from four contractors, and these were slightly south of middle of the pack - worth the money, BTW), very professional, and great quality of work. I'd highly recommend this company (and in fact, I have done so, to most of my neighbors).

SHS had by far the most reasonable quote; they told us they would treat our home like it was theirs, and they did; our project involved some uncertainties because they had to cut openings for windows that had been boarded up and install old stained glass; they did a clean, beautiful job and made everything on the inside and the outside look right; the new larger window replacement also came out great. I was particularly impressed that these guys operated outside the "line item" estimate to do what was needed to make the project look right - this was not what other window companies proposed to do, but I think it's what every good business should.

Victor from Scientific is professional and did an excellent job of replacing my windows balances. He was able to figure out the right course of action from our conversation on the phone and quickly confirmed it after arriving on site. The repairs were done quickly and cleanly and he removed all the broken balances as well. The only complaint I have is that when we discussed the price over the phone I thought he said labor was $50/hr (and I always repeat figures so there is no misunderstanding), but when the bill came I was charged $150/hr. None the less, Victor saved me some money by giving an honest option and not replacing the balances on two other windows so I didn't argue because I was happy to have all working windows again.

Met with Jon from job start to finish. He was always responsive to my calls and emails. He was the only one out of all the windows companies I spoke with, that seemed to know exactly what I needed. As we want to use this 2-flat as an eventual rental, we did not need fancy windows. We were able to get windows that were reasonably priced, and also qualified for the energy efficiency credit. The only thing that I would say is that the crew needed to clean up better after themselves. They left quite a lot of debris in our yard, but to be fair, that may be because they installed the windows when there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Our experience with scientific was delightful. They were ultra-professional, responsive and friendly. They came out right away for the estimate, gave us a great price, and answered all our questions. On the day of the install, they arrived on time, did the job carefully and completely and completely cleaned up afterward. They were friendly, too, and we would definitely use them again!

They were great! I would have them work in my home anytime!

Jon was able to provide us with an accurate bid on his first visit, they were able to custom fit our non-standard window frames, and the windows were manufactured and installed within the month. The windows look great, and their quality is wonderful. These are the sturdiest triple-track windows I have seen.

They did an excellent job. They were friendly, expeditious, and professional.

John came to the house to measure our windows and quote pricing for our new windows. He is very knowledgable and available to answer questions by phone as a follow up. The installers came out on time, and were very respectful of our condo. It took less than a day to install the 10 new windows and the crew cleaned up as though no one had been there to work.

Excellent. Jon was professional and personable. The crew was quick, polite and very neat. Price was not lowest, but windows seem much higher quality than competition. Service top-notch all the way through.

The employee fixed the problem easily, and did not try to add on extra services that we did not need.

Good experience , no regrets, really happy with the match woth excisting woodwork

They did a wonderful job. They are very courteous and professional. The whole service was A+. Compared to others they had a decent price. They hauled away the old windows and cleaned up well. I would recommend them.

I called around and got about 4 bids and SHS was the best in terms of honesty, quality, service and price. John, a VP, came to the house and was very helpful in providing information and education regarding windows. He even gave recommendation about the style of windows that would be best with the type of house we have. After we secured a contract and put a downpayment, it was easy getting another to come in to confirm the original measurements and have the factory (local in Chicago) make the windows. In addition, we received a discount on top of the government credit, for being an Angie's list customer. The windows are 10 times warmer and on warm days the rooms facing west do not get as hot and stuffy as the previous (original) windows.

John came out in a timely fashion and gave an estimate. Once I signed the contract he had an installer come out to measure the windows. After the windows arrived, John called to scheduled the installation.

We called and received estimates from 3 different companies. Jon from Scientific was the first person I spoke with an he explained everything thoroughly and completely and answered my questions. I felt very comfortable with him. He also explanied to me the tax credits available from the stimulus package and how much we would qualify for. The windows were ordered and came in when expecting and making the appointment for installation was very easy. The windows were installed on time, on budget and look great! I would definitely use them again and would recommend them to friends.

Great. After I contacted Scientific and talked with John about my needs, he had Victor call me to schedule a time to measure the windows. He called promptly, set up a time, and measured the windows within a few days of the call. Once my glass was in (a week or two later), he scheduled a mutually convenient time to install, which he did thoroughly and efficiently. What was really impressive, though, was how clear it was that he wanted to do the job well, and how much he went above the contracted work to ensure my satisfaction. On his first visit he helped me with a broken door closer (he noticed that it was broken and offered to fix it), and on the installation visit he repaired a mini blind wand that he hadn't broken, and did so in a very thorough manner!

In general, efficient operation. The estimation visit was scheduled fast, the estimate took less than an hour. The windows were assembled in about a month, which was fine since I wanted to have warm weather for the work. Just before the installation, the chief installer came to check the window spaces once again to make sure that there would be no problems. People should be aware that the caulking used is a very smelly one, and that the smell will be in the house for at least a month. You want to let in as much air as possible, but since the caulking is on both the inside and outside, you still have the smell. Like most plastic products, there is always a hazard in breathing in caulk fumes. Can''t be avoided with modern processes like this.

One of our windows was cracked. I called Scientific and was told I would be contacted. A short while later, Victor called me to set up an appointment. We found a time when our schedules would work and he came out. On the first visit, he measured, asked for a 50% deposit, and told me he would call when the glass arrived. About a week later I heard from Victor again to schedule the installation appointment. Unfortunately Victor was only available in mid-day, so I had to re-arrange my work schedule to accomodate the appointment. When Victor arrived, he was fast, efficient, and neat. The new glass is perfectly installed and I couldn't be happier.

I called to schedule an estimate, and Jon returned my call the same day. He came a couple of days later and measured the windows. We talked about what I wanted (maintain the look of the house, increase energy efficiency, etc.) and he understood immediately. He also made some very good suggestions about what to do with one problem room. I got estimates from others, and this was neither the highest nor the lowest, but I felt very comfortable with the company. Jon returned to finalize the contract and I gave a deposit check. A couple of days later Gilberto came to make more precise measurements. About two weeks later Jon called me because the factor couldn't do exactly what I had wanted. We discussed the problem and he offered to either achieve the desired energy efficiency in a different way (higher grade, but he kept the same price) or to refund my deposit and cancel the contract. I chose to proceed with the modification, and very much appreciated his willingness to work with me. In two more weeks the windows were ready to install. Gilberto and his crew of three guys were here on time at 9 am and were done by 4:30. They hauled away the old windows and storms and carefully cleaned up. They even helped me take down and re-hang the curtains.