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Window Outfitters Inc
Carpentry Framing - Install, Carpentry Framing - Repair, Interior Trim and Decorative Moldings - Install,
About us
Home owners in the greater metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St. Paul can turn to the customer service specialists at Window Outfitters Inc, to help protect and beautify their homes. We have an outstanding record of satisfied customers who have found out that attention to detail, quality products, and exceptional workmanship is an unbeatable package. We understand that owners of older and historic homes have special concerns when it comes to remodeling and renovating. We’re concerned about that, too -- historic home preservation is our specialty. We understand the necessity of maintaining the architectural integrity of homes built from the 1890s and even up to the 1950s as many of these homes have unique architectural value that deserves to be retained. Regardless of whether you’re seeking wood or wood clad doors and windows to match the originals, or you’d prefer a maintenance-free fiberglass or vinyl solution which will retain the spirit of your home’s original design, we have many door and window choices to offer you. We offer wood and wood clad lines from Marvin (we are an "Authorized Replacement Contractor" for Marvin) and Weather Shield. Our fiberglass windows come from Marvin and Comfort Line. Our vinyl windows are from ProVia. Our steel and fiberglass entry doors are from ProVia and our storm windows are from Mon-Ray. We also sell and install glass block windows. Same as cash & long term zero interest payment plans available. Use subs for labor. Cost is determined by the job. No travel charges. No service fees. License #BC441059. Additional phone number: (651) 209-1001. Additional email - [email protected]. may contact through email. Additional DBA - Garage Floor Outfitters www.garageflooroutfitters.com
Business highlights
22 years of experience
Services we offer
Sales, entry and storm doors, fascia, glass block, gutters, installation & replacement windows, interiors, polyaspartic garage flooring, siding (including installation of James Hardie products), soffit, vinyl, windows, wood clad & fiberglass pella.
Amenities
Free Estimates
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
4.885 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 88% | ||
| 8% | ||
| 1% | ||
| 1% | ||
| 1% |
Showing 26-50 of 85 reviews
Kristen Z.
Feb 2015
It went well. They did a great job and I highly recommend them.
Karen O.
Feb 2015
unknown
Lee H.
Dec 2014
They were okay.
Jacqueline W.
Nov 2014
The window replacement project was started in September of 2013. The window replacement itself went fine, and the great majority of the work was done within a two week time period. We had a problem, however, with scratched glass on five of our windows. Window Outfitters dragged their feet on ordering the replacement glass for these windows, and by the time the glass came in, it was too cold to replace the glass. The Hurd representative did replace the scratched glass on two of the windows in November. The other three panes of glass ordered were scratched as well, and had to be reordered again. They finally received the second replacement glass in December, and it was too cold to replace the glass. We also had a problem with deep scratches on a windowsill, and had to have that replaced.
This was difficult for us, because we had our draperies laying on our living room couch for almost a year, waiting for the replacement glass. We were unable to use our living room, basically, for almost a year. In January, Bob Davis, was pressuring us to put in our replacement glass, even though it was extremely cold here in Minnesota. I had the feeling that all he cared about was collecting his money, not about customer satisfaction or getting the job done right. We paid him another check from the insurance company at that point, just so we could wait until warmer weather to replace the rest of the glass. We finally had the glass replaced on the last three windows in early June.
The main construction person, Joe, did excellent work, but was very rude to me at times. When our kitchen window was installed, a worker stepped on the wooden ledge over our kitchen sink, and wrecked the finish on the wood. This was after I put a rug there to protect the finish. At first Joe denied that his worker did this, but then agreed to have his painter re-sand and stain the wooden ledge. Another time I overheard him talking with the Hurd representative and said, " She's just going to have to live with it one of these times." (referring to the scratched glass). I pretended that I didn't hear that, but he certainly doesn't have the attitude of customer service or satisfaction .On the other hand, David Herstad, the sales representative, was very professional and nice to us.
This was difficult for us, because we had our draperies laying on our living room couch for almost a year, waiting for the replacement glass. We were unable to use our living room, basically, for almost a year. In January, Bob Davis, was pressuring us to put in our replacement glass, even though it was extremely cold here in Minnesota. I had the feeling that all he cared about was collecting his money, not about customer satisfaction or getting the job done right. We paid him another check from the insurance company at that point, just so we could wait until warmer weather to replace the rest of the glass. We finally had the glass replaced on the last three windows in early June.
The main construction person, Joe, did excellent work, but was very rude to me at times. When our kitchen window was installed, a worker stepped on the wooden ledge over our kitchen sink, and wrecked the finish on the wood. This was after I put a rug there to protect the finish. At first Joe denied that his worker did this, but then agreed to have his painter re-sand and stain the wooden ledge. Another time I overheard him talking with the Hurd representative and said, " She's just going to have to live with it one of these times." (referring to the scratched glass). I pretended that I didn't hear that, but he certainly doesn't have the attitude of customer service or satisfaction .On the other hand, David Herstad, the sales representative, was very professional and nice to us.
Response from Window Outfitters Inc
"We did our very best to satisfy this customer. The reason the scratched glass took so long to be replaced is that our vendor said the scratches were not big enough to warrant replacement. It required considerable effort on our part to get the vendor to replace the glass. Once we received vendor approval to replace the glass under warranty, the weather did play a significant role in when we could replace the glass. Actually, two of the glass packs were replaced twice because the customer saw small scratches in the glass after we replaced it the first time. This is why the glass replacement stretched through the winter months. Yes, we did want our money. We paid for the product and our installation labor and then had to wait several months to receive a significant portion of our final payment. All the while the windows were installed and the customer had full use of them. This was a warranty issue and all glass was replaced under warranty. I feel we took care of this customer in a fashion that deserved an "A" rating. I am sorry she feels otherwise. Bob Davis CEO/President Window Outfitters, Inc."
Joshua K.
Nov 2014
The entire Window Outfitters team was very helpful. Dave provided great guidance and support during the quoting and scheduling process and Victor did an excellent job with installation. The final result was some VERY high quality storm windows.
William J.
Sep 2014
Dave was really helpful throughout the whole process. We went through about 7 or 8 different model designs before settling on what we wanted. Dave never pressured us into a decision. He left it up to us, but with some very helpful suggestions to guide us to where we wanted to go with our design. The owner stopped by to see how our appointment was coming along. He shook our hands and thanked us for using their services. Dave stopped by our house to take initial measurements and the lead foreman, Tom, stopped a few days later to verify the measurements. We were not home the day of the installation, but when we arrived home, the doors were replaced and all construction debris was gone. The only minor issue was the time between placing the order and the installation. We were told it would be approximately 2-3 weeks and it ended up being 7 weeks. This was due, we were told, was due to the rainy spring and their installation schedule was behind. Not a big deal especially with the fantastic door that was installed and the professional installation. Great job!!!
UPDATE (10/27/14): It has been two months since our door was installed and we love, love, love it! We have received several follow-up calls to ensure we are satisfied with our purchase. A neighbor had a new door installed several weeks after ours. They chose to go through a "big box" home improvement store and things did not turn out the way they had hoped. As Forrest Gump said, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what your gonna get." This applies to the, as I call it, "contractor roulette" that you have to play when ordering from these retailers. A very poor job was done and no solution has been rendered yet. No need to worry when dealing with Window Outfitters. Professionalism from top to bottom. You will pay more, but you can have peace of mind that the work will be done properly the first time and they will stand behind it if you feel something is not right. We have literally had neighbors stop their cars to look at the door and have heard nothing but raves from everyone.
UPDATE (10/27/14): It has been two months since our door was installed and we love, love, love it! We have received several follow-up calls to ensure we are satisfied with our purchase. A neighbor had a new door installed several weeks after ours. They chose to go through a "big box" home improvement store and things did not turn out the way they had hoped. As Forrest Gump said, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what your gonna get." This applies to the, as I call it, "contractor roulette" that you have to play when ordering from these retailers. A very poor job was done and no solution has been rendered yet. No need to worry when dealing with Window Outfitters. Professionalism from top to bottom. You will pay more, but you can have peace of mind that the work will be done properly the first time and they will stand behind it if you feel something is not right. We have literally had neighbors stop their cars to look at the door and have heard nothing but raves from everyone.
Kathryn M.
Aug 2014
We recently moved into our home and the owner before us had started to remodel the main level and replaced a few of the windows, so we wanted to continue the project and replace a majority of the remaining windows. Dave with Window Outfitters did an excellent job helping us choose our new windows and understand the different options available. I'm a very detailed person and Dave was more than willing to answer all of my questions. He even came to our home multiple times before we made our final decision. The contractor that was hired by Window Outfitters to complete the installation was wonderful as well and took on additional work to replace our trim at our request. Overall, it was a great experience and we look forward to working with Dave again when we decide to replace the final few windows!
Sandra L.
Aug 2014
Dave Herstad provided invaluable guidance. We knew what we wanted and he helped us (we talked to many potential services, but our confusion & their lack of Outfitters EXTREME organization & efficiency made the experience frustrating). Window Outfitters solved that problem by guiding us in our selections and providing the installers. Installers ran into problems and challenges with our older, quirky home, but they were persistent & stayed on the job until it was done. Final price was more than we had planned, but was due to the products we chose. Very pleased with the experience and would recommend to others.
Robert L.
Jul 2014
unknown
Response from Window Outfitters Inc
"Our storm window supplier short shipped us frame expanders for two of the windows. They were sent to us via Fed Ex and our installer picked them up immediately upon arrival and installed them the following Monday. We are sorry for the mix up which caused our delay in installing the last two storm windows, but we feel our responsiveness was as good as it could be considering that we had to wait for the short shipped parts to arrive. Bob Davis CEO/President"
Marsha M.
Jul 2014
unknown
KATHLEEN T.
Mar 2014
All I can say is WOW!
The first time they came to replace the back door was really a godsend for us. I had called companies I had worked with before for other reasons (which I had found on Angie's List), but because of storm damage and all sorts of things going on in September no one could promise me any time until three months out. At that time, our back door was nailed and boarded shut, due to damage done to it during the burglary, so we couldn't use it. A terrible inconvenience since access to our cars etc was all through the back door. One of the companies I called said he had met this guy at a conference who said he loved doors and gave me the guy's phone number. It was a company called Window Outfitters so I had no idea that they would do doors. I ended up talking to the owner, Bob Davis, who said that even though they too were terribly busy, he could come out and take a look at what I needed. He came right away and said they could do it.
My house is an 89 year old Craftsman bungalow in very good shape, but as usual with older houses (as opposed to new construction), one always runs into problems one couldn't predict. The workers Bob sent over were friendly, patient and extremely creative and competent. They installed our new Provia door not only with attention to doing the door right but also to making sure everything was right with me.
I made up my mind right then and there to hire them to replace the back storm door (not damaged in the burglary, but old and falling apart) and the front entry door (which was fiber glass and with a cheap glass window half). Bob sent over an even better crew than the first one to work on these two doors. Not only did they run into problems due to the age of the house, but also had to deal with terrible cold weather. Again they were extremely friendly, patient and amazingly creative and competent.
My son has been thinking about renovating our basement and our deck and not only will we hire Window Outfitters for the egress window we will need, but also will be hiring some of his workers (who have their own construction companies--ProCraft Construction Services and Minnesota Construction and Property Management) for the basement and deck work.
We now have amazingly beautiful and extremely secure new back and front doors and have found another company and workers we can trust on all levels. The $5200 was for all three doors.
The first time they came to replace the back door was really a godsend for us. I had called companies I had worked with before for other reasons (which I had found on Angie's List), but because of storm damage and all sorts of things going on in September no one could promise me any time until three months out. At that time, our back door was nailed and boarded shut, due to damage done to it during the burglary, so we couldn't use it. A terrible inconvenience since access to our cars etc was all through the back door. One of the companies I called said he had met this guy at a conference who said he loved doors and gave me the guy's phone number. It was a company called Window Outfitters so I had no idea that they would do doors. I ended up talking to the owner, Bob Davis, who said that even though they too were terribly busy, he could come out and take a look at what I needed. He came right away and said they could do it.
My house is an 89 year old Craftsman bungalow in very good shape, but as usual with older houses (as opposed to new construction), one always runs into problems one couldn't predict. The workers Bob sent over were friendly, patient and extremely creative and competent. They installed our new Provia door not only with attention to doing the door right but also to making sure everything was right with me.
I made up my mind right then and there to hire them to replace the back storm door (not damaged in the burglary, but old and falling apart) and the front entry door (which was fiber glass and with a cheap glass window half). Bob sent over an even better crew than the first one to work on these two doors. Not only did they run into problems due to the age of the house, but also had to deal with terrible cold weather. Again they were extremely friendly, patient and amazingly creative and competent.
My son has been thinking about renovating our basement and our deck and not only will we hire Window Outfitters for the egress window we will need, but also will be hiring some of his workers (who have their own construction companies--ProCraft Construction Services and Minnesota Construction and Property Management) for the basement and deck work.
We now have amazingly beautiful and extremely secure new back and front doors and have found another company and workers we can trust on all levels. The $5200 was for all three doors.
Joe W.
Jan 2014
They said they would be doing our windows in four weeks and he said four to six weeks. It took them two and a half months to start. The manufacturer of the windows said it was not their fault. They blamed it on the manufacturer and the manufacturer came out too and said they never had a manufacturing problem. So we don't know what went wrong. Then in addition to that, there was more problems. We had plantation shutters on our windows and they measured the windows incorrectly, so they brought out windows that were not the same size and then the plantation shutters did not work correctly. They didn't fit. I had ordered the new shades for the sun room and when I knew that the plantation shutters didn't work, I called the drapery people right away and said you better get out here and re-measure because these windows are all off. Sure enough they came out and said those drapes would never have made it. So they didn't measure the right size either. You expect your windows to be the same size they were before. It was a disaster from the beginning and they just kept giving us excuses. I wanted the windows done before it got cold and they didn't do it in the summer. It was really a bad experience. I told them I was going to give them a very bad rate on Angie's List. Their price was medium. It wasn't the lowest and it wasn't the highest. I would not even consider using them again.
Response from Window Outfitters Inc
"The facts. The order was signed on 8-23-13. A final measure was completed on 9-10-13 and the windows were ordered on that date. The windows were delivered to our warehouse on 10-14-13. When we received the windows it was discovered that our vendor had shipped them with the extension jambs loose (not attached to the windows) and unpainted. The order to the vendor clearly stated that the jambs were to be attached to the windows and be painted at the factory. The vendor offered to have the jambs painted for us, but said it would take two weeks. The delivery was already one week late, so we had the jambs painted by our painter to speed up the delivery. As a result, the jambs were installed on the windows during the installation. The installation began on 10-21-13 and was completed on 10-24-13. Customer sign off was given on 10-24-13. Final payment was collected on 10-29-13. Eight weeks from start to finish. After the installation was completed and paid for, the customer informed us that plantation shutters, on the three windows that had them, did not close properly. Our contract with the customer did not call for us to remove and reinstall the plantation shutters. The customer had a handyman remove the shutters before we installed the windows. They then had the handyman reinstall the shutters after we completed the window installation. After visiting the account, it was obvious that the customer was correct that the shutters did not close correctly. When the shutters were closed there was a gap between the shutters of about 1/2" or less. For whatever reason, their handyman was not able to install the shutters to properly fit between the jambs of the new windows. In order to rectify this situation, at my expense, I had one of my craftsman remove the shutters, make the proper adjustments and reinstall the shutters so that they fit and closed properly. Once again, I want to emphasize that this was done at my expense. The customer is now satisfied with the way the shutters fit. We are sorry for the inconvenience these delays caused our customer, but we did not ignore the issues and we did follow up until we got the situation resolved. On a very rare occasion, and for any number of reasons, we have a installation that does not go as planned. This was such an installation. Do I think we deserved an "F"? Absolutely not! A "B" maybe, but certainly not an "F"! Bottom line, we took care of the problems and the customer has a good installation, not on the schedule they had their expectations set on, but still a good installation with a good product. This is not an easy business and one bad review can be very damaging. This customer makes it clear that their intent was to give us a "bad rate" on Angie's List. I am truly sorry they feel that way. If you have taken the time to read my response to this point, please take the time to read all of the remaining reviews on my company. You will see that overall we do excellent work, customer satisfaction is our number one goal, we handle excellent products and we pride ourselves in being responsive to our customer's needs. Robert E. Davis CEO/President"
Adam J.
Dec 2013
The provider came to do a quote for new windows in our home. David was extremely professional and helpful. He was able to advise on the apparent problem with our windows and that it was not the windows that were the problem. Advised us on how to remedy the situation and referred us to someone who could fix the problem. Provider could have easily sold us on the idea that we needed windows but instead had the integrity to advise us of the real issue and offer solutions.
Anil P.
Sep 2013
Due to big price difference in comparision to other installer, Job was not completed.
Michelle P.
Jun 2013
Ultimately very satisfied with the work performed by Window Outfitters, Inc. Bob Davis was great with communication and follow up. If issues arose, Bob was very prompt to correct.
Laura H.
Apr 2013
My experience was good. The manager that was working communicated well.with me They got the work done quickly. There were no surprises at the end for the final bill.
Charles H.
Mar 2013
all very professional and adept at doing the job. Some confusion over trim, it was easily worked out. They are very cool to work with.
Sharon D.
Jan 2013
Lenny met with us and sent us a proposal. We contacted him
and the product was ordered..it came in on time and the work
was completed as promised. The installers were a bit late each day
but they got right to work and completed the job as promised andwere very neat.
and the product was ordered..it came in on time and the work
was completed as promised. The installers were a bit late each day
but they got right to work and completed the job as promised andwere very neat.
Doug K.
Jan 2013
Good review of all options. Windows Outfitters took plenty of time with us on those. They had plenty of experience with all and that helped us make the correct choice. They are fair on their pricing and on their down payment - 20%. They got everything ordered timely and set up time for the installation timely. The only issue became the work ethic of the installers. They were supposed to take three days and took five. They usually showed up quite a bit later than communicated the prior day. Because they started late, they worked into the evening (family time). Lots of smoking breaks - including when there was a window out in the house and 20 degree temps.
Regardless, the workers were good guys and cleaned up the work site well. Overall, good but not great experience. You can trust the organization and have our recommendation.
Regardless, the workers were good guys and cleaned up the work site well. Overall, good but not great experience. You can trust the organization and have our recommendation.
Joseph O.
Nov 2012
Wonderfully well--they outdid themselves
Scott S.
Nov 2012
It went very well, the crews were on time, clean, thoughtfull and responsive. Good guys.
Jonathan S.
May 2012
All in all, we highly recommend Window Outfitters. We had a couple of other companies out to bid on the job and by far Window Outfitters was the most personable and truly earned our business and respect. Bob has your interests in mind, is very experienced, and responsive. Window outfitters met and exceeded our exceptions and if you are looking for a window company you are settling to quickly if you do not have Bob or someone from his company out to look at your window needs.
The selection process felt more consultative than like a sales pitch. Bob spent a considerable amount of time up front helping us understand the options available to us (quality, price, efficiency, style, etc) and the investment we were making in the home. Our old windows were original to the home. We liked the warmth of real wood but also had a budget mindset. I never expected there to be so many choices but Bob helped us understand these like we were family.
We selected windows manufactured by Heard. They are real wood windows but are engineered with modern day technology which makes them more efficient, and budget friendly. We also selected vinyl windows for our bedrooms that from the exterior are a similar style as the wood windows we installed. We were very happy with both selections and the guidance the Bob gave us.
The wood windows needed to be stained. We elected to have Bob's team came out and matched the existing stain prior to the install. The professional that matched and applied the stained involved us in the process and the final stain choice was ours as the homeowner. The stain match was nearly perfect and no third party would be able to tell the difference.
The installation took 2 days. Day 1 the crew removed the old windows with a lead safe process, and installed the new windows. The 2nd day the crew came back completed the exterior window wraps and replaced some shutters. The crew took responsibility for a old shutter that was damaged during the window removal and replaced both shutters at the company's expense less a modest fee for the install. Throughout the install, the crew was courteous and kept the work site clean.
After the install was complete, the crew manager walked through the home to ensure all windows were working and that we were satisfied before the crew left. Within a couple of days (our new friend) Bob was back to make sure we were completely satisfied before he accepted final payment.
Jonathan S ---satisfied customer, January 2012
Colin T.
Apr 2012
We had a great experience from start to finish with Bob Davis the owner. He helped us understand our options as far as manufacturer and explained to us the rules and regulations for fire escapes. He was very willing to work with us on preferences for every window in the house and we are more than satisfied with the final product. We did experience an issue with a large picture window gathering condensation between the panes of glass. We called Bob and they ordered and installed the replacement glass within a few weeks (it was a special order wich took time). All of the installation crew were kind and curteous. They cleaned up really well and we were left with a great end product.
Joe K.
Feb 2012
High quality products. Beveled glass is beautiful. Excellent install. Excellent followup on minor issue with closer. You pay for quality here. I usually never regret doing that in the long run on vital, high use items such as these.
Scott M.
Jan 2012
When we wanted to replace the windows in our house, we received quotes from several companies including Window Outfitters. The sales rep quickly got back to us and set up a time to meet with us. He walked through several options and gave us recommendations on what would look best with our house. He was not pushy at all and very easy to talk to. He was very knowledgeable about his products as well as other manufacturers. Our impression of him was that he was more of a former builder than a sales man which was great.
They quickly got back to us with several different options. The great thing about Window Outfitters is that they carry several different manufacturers so they were able to give us multiple quotes. The products ranged from high end to economy models. The quotes were put together professional and easy for us to understand what they were offering.
In the end, we did not go with any of the quotes from Window Outfitters due to the price. Renewal by Anderson easily beat their prices on comparable windows. If the prices would have been better, we would have felt very comfortable going with Window Outfitters and we will definitely consider them for future projects.
They quickly got back to us with several different options. The great thing about Window Outfitters is that they carry several different manufacturers so they were able to give us multiple quotes. The products ranged from high end to economy models. The quotes were put together professional and easy for us to understand what they were offering.
In the end, we did not go with any of the quotes from Window Outfitters due to the price. Renewal by Anderson easily beat their prices on comparable windows. If the prices would have been better, we would have felt very comfortable going with Window Outfitters and we will definitely consider them for future projects.
Licensing
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FAQ
Window Outfitters Inc is currently rated 4.8 overall out of 5.
Window Outfitters Inc accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
Yes, Window Outfitters Inc offers free project estimates.
No, Window Outfitters Inc does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Window Outfitters Inc does not offer a senior discount.
No, Window Outfitters Inc does not offer emergency services.
No, Window Outfitters Inc does not offer warranties.