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.
"It went really well! Prompt response to my original request. Prompt arrival for ALL subsequent visits - by the sales rep, 2 different measurement guys, and the installers. We had a very tight schedule and they met it. The installations were done beautifully. I was personally home for the door installation (the windows were done on a separate day) and I can tell you that the two guys paid alot of attention to all the details, tested the door, cleaned the door, swept up after themselves, etc. They were very courteous throughout. I am SO happy with my new windows. 3 of them were straight-up replacements. And never have I had windows that slid up and down so well. And the 4th was a replacement of my kitchen over-the-sink window with a window that cranks open. It is lovely. It is a huge window, but even my 9 year old can crank it open and closed. I am already planning on calling them again for several more windows and would recommend them to anyone. "
"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!!!"
"Jorge Lazo and his crew came in and painted 5 bedrooms, our master bathroom plus a large closet, ALL IN ONE DAY. They were punctual, in fact they were a little early, which is always very nice. They were professional and very tidy. Jorge and his team did a great job in our home and I will definitely use them again when we paint the outside of our house. If you are looking for a painter who is reasonably priced, professional, punctual and very good at what he does, then I highly recommend Jorge Lazo. Malinda Green "
"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, you can clean door hinges with vinegar. The cleaner your door hinges are, the less likely they are to cause that annoying squeaking sound. Simply fill a container with equal parts water and vinegar, dip a microfiber cloth in the mixture, and use it to clean the hinges. You can do this while the hinges are connected or remove them, and wash them piece by piece.
While entryways are seldom added to a house to increase the sale price, they are commonly constructed to increase the livability and enjoyment of a home. So, while they aren’t necessary, they do make for a more comfortable and luxurious-feeling home. Entryways are most valuable in areas of extreme heat, cold, or rain, as the space between the living area and the outdoors helps keep the outdoors outside. Plus, snow, wet boots, and mud are all corralled into one space that’s easy to clean.
Ideally, a gate should be able to swing both in and out. However, if it can only open in one direction, it is generally best for it to swing inward. This is often the safest option, especially for deck gates near steps, as you'll want the gate to swing away from the stairs. An inward swing also prevents the gate from opening into a public space, like a sidewalk, and can be more convenient when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.
There are exceptions, however. The layout of your property may require a different approach. For example, if your property is on a slope, the gate may not be able to swing inward. You should also ensure the gate can open fully without colliding with any objects or blocking access to other areas. For a backyard garden gate where public access isn't a concern, the direction it swings is largely a matter of personal preference. Finally, always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements for which way a gate must swing.
Fire doors are more expensive than your run-of-the-mill residential composite door because of additional materials and expanding sealants that help the door slow down or even prevent the spread of temperatures over 1,000 degrees. If you have homeowners insurance, talk to your company and see if installing fire doors can lower your premiums, especially if you can install steel doors.
The strike plate, hinges, and handle are the parts of a door most prone to damage. These parts see the most frequent use, causing them to wear and twear faster than other parts of a door. If you’re experiencing door issues, check these three parts first to see if they need repairing or replacing.
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.
