Universal Windows Direct was founded in April of 2002 by William Barr and Michael Strmac. It was their mission to create a home improvement company that offers high quality home improvement goods at the best possible value. What began as two guys in a 350 square foot office quickly grew to become one of the nation's leading remodeling companies. Today, Universal Windows Direct represents thousands of customers and has a rapidly growing network of locations nationwide, all of which are actively involved in the communities they serve.
"Their sales team was really polite and respectful. Their installation crew did a great job and cleaned up after themselves really well. I was really pleased with the overall experience."
Welcome to Hemlock Hollow Construction! We've been proudly serving Swanton since 1987. Call us today for fast, quality and reliable service from one of the best in the business! We offer free estimates on all remodeling projects.
"I am extremely happy with AJ's service, start to finish. We initially reached out for an estimate at the beginning of 2015. A representative came to our house to explain all the different products as well as pricing and timing. I had reached out to 2 other companies before hand but was not comfortable their high pressure selling. AJ was very patient with us regarding our timing and budget. I received an estimate on the spot and was able to take my time to review and get back to them. We scheduled the work for May and was able to have 7 Windows removed and replaced in only a few hours. We are very impressed with the quick respond time, professionalism and quality of work including cleanup. We plan on using AJ to replace the remaining Windows as well as a sliding glass door in early 2016. "
"Excellent work. We purchased natural cherry cabinets in shaker style, with the panels made of solid wood rather than veneer. That is more difficult work, as each panel has to be constructed from several planks. Moreover, the clear finish would leave any flaws more visible. Simply put, the doors are beautiful--flawless in both construction and finish. They are similar in quality to custom cherry furniture we own."
"My daughter knew of my terrible experience with my prior company and she had just gotten a new wireless system from 1st Security. She could not stop raving about how wonderful they were and how awesome the system was compared to her old one. OMG, I am sooo happy that she insisted that I have Jeremy from 1st Security come do a presentation and an assessment of my security needs. He was on time, friendly, professional and answered all of my questions without hesitation. Jeremy explained the 1st Security wireless system, showed me samples of the state of the art equipment , how easily it operated and then surveyed my house to determine the most comprehensive protection options for me. He offered me the Angie's List Special and a completely affordable package which even included the monitoring. It took less than an hour!!! Jeremy scheduled the installation and sent me all of the paperwork via email to docusign. I could not wait! In a couple of days , Larry, the master technical installer appeared at my door very early. He greeted me with a smile and immediately showed me each piece of equipment ,and where he was going to install them. He did this very quickly, despite having to climb over furniture and enter tight spaces to place the contacts. I was astounded when after he finished, he sat down and gave me a full tutorial on using the system. He showed me all of it's capabilities, and answered my many questions . I could not believe how much easier and more up to date this security system was to use than my old one. I have had many, many technicians in my home from the prior system, but absolutely none were as knowledgeable, personable, efficient or professional as Larry. He would not leave until I was comfortable, and even then advised me to call if I needed anything or had more questions. He was amazing.!!! A few days after my system was installed, I triggered a false alarm. The monitoring station called right away and did not hang up until assured that all was well. I did not have to wait or try to call them and get put on hold like with my old system. I only wish that I had more houses for them to install their system into, but since I don't, I plan to refer them to everyone that I know. 1st Security is affordable, state of the art and comprehensive. They are honest with no fine print that you have to worry about! I sincerely appreciate Jeremy and Larry and sleep so much better because of them . Thank you 1st Security!!!"
"They were very professional and fast. They spackled , caulked, covered a very saturated blue with beige, painted the ceilings, primed and painted doors, and painted trim all in one day. It turned out beautifully. "
"Excellent, the crew were very professional and did a beautiful job and made sure everything was cleaned before they departed. They had me check over the doors and windows that were in installed to make sure I was satisfied, I have asked to have the same crew to come back to install the new windows in the living room."
Yes, pros can match styles and finishes to align seamlessly with your home.
Standard door sizes aren’t one-size-fits-all, but there are common go-to dimensions. For exterior doors—like your front door—36 inches wide by 80 inches tall is typical, though you’ll see 30- or 32-inch widths too, especially in older homes. Interior doors vary more. Bedrooms and bathrooms often use 30- to 32-inch widths, and closet doors can be anything from slim singles to wide bi-folds. Height is usually 80 inches across the board; however, always measure your actual opening. “Standard” only works if it matches what’s already in place.
While not strictly required, it is highly recommended to shim both sides of a door. Shimming both sides allows you to make minor adjustments for wall framing that isn't perfectly plumb, ensuring the door is level and hangs evenly. This practice helps the door swing open and close smoothly, reduces the chances of the frame warping, and can be used to center the door within the wall opening. If you are working alone, you may find it easier to remove the door slab to lighten the weight while supporting the frame and inserting the shims. With two people, the process is generally faster and easier, whether the slab is left in place or not.
Longer screws can make a door more secure, but this isn’t a foolproof method for security. Replacing the short screws in your door’s strike plate with screws that are 3 inches long will make it much more difficult for an intruder to force entry by kicking down the door, but it won’t do anything to stop them from picking the lock.
In general, keyless door locks are considered safe, and their security depends on the type and quality of the lock. They cannot be picked like a traditional lock and often include added features like biometric access, PIN codes, and smartphone connectivity, which can make them more secure. However, they are not without risks. Potential vulnerabilities include hacking for Wi-Fi-connected models, battery failure, power outages, and technical malfunctions. To maximize security, it is important to choose a reliable brand, stay on top of software updates, and perform regular maintenance. While the risks are different, keyless locks are not considered more dangerous than traditional locks.
The Swanton, MD homeowners’ guide to door services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Whether you’re installing a new door or replacing an existing one, the cost of door installation varies based on location, door type, framing needs, and other factors.
Are you looking to upgrade an old door in your home? Use this interior door installation cost guide to estimate the project's total cost and learn how to save.
There are many types of interior doors, from swinging to folding and sliding. This article breaks down each to help you find the right door for your needs.
