New windows/installation questions

[sparty04]

We just got 30k worth of new windows installed in our house. They look great, however, they are completely filthy. Fingerprints, dust, dirt, sticky residue... to the point where I won’t know if there’s any glass defects until they’re cleaned. Anyone know if this is common? I want DH to mention it to the owner but I don’t know if it’s just par for the course.

They also left our house so dirty. I’ve been finding screws, nails, sharp pieces of metal, and even a dirty drop cloth on my daughter’s changing table. We have 4 kids and this is just not ok to me. Would you expect anything for this type of thing?

Sorry so long, I’m just kind of bummed about the whole installation process.

[simpsongal]

I would definitely email about the messy work in the house, and go ahead and ask about the condition of the windows re: filth. Maybe they sat in the warehouse for a while?

[wildrice]

I don't know what's normal for cleanliness of the windows, but I would have assumed that installation would have included cleaning them? I would probably ask the company to do window washing for you. Like anything else you get new, I'd expect it to be in good, brand new condition and filthy is usually not a part of that.

I'm assuming 30k worth of windows is quite a bit of window and it's going to be hassle for you to do yourself, so it's fair to ask.

Cleaning up after themselves would absolutely be my expectation, too. I'd let them know you are unhappy with that, if nothing else it may help ensure the next customer has a better experience.

[k3am]

Our windows installed looked brand new. I would let the company know and ask them to make it right.

Regarding the mess of the installation.. I'd be annoyed. Make sure the owners know since it's a liability issue for them, but I'd assume you've already cleaned that up by now. I'm not sure what your options are there.

[Velar Fricative]

Windows are $$$ so that sounds like poor service to me and I'd call them to express your concerns. When we replaced some of our windows, they were so clean you would otherwise not be able to tell there were windows there. And our house was spotless after they left. That's a baseline expectation for me from installation companies.

[carmenere]

Jul 21, 2020 12:43:09 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

Windows are $$$ so that sounds like poor service to me and I'd call them to express your concerns. When we replaced some of our windows, they were so clean you would otherwise not be able to tell there were windows there. And our house was spotless after they left. That's a baseline expectation for me from installation companies.

Agreed. I would call and express your concern about both issues (primarily the first) and ask them to clean the windows. I don't think you can expect any other compensation, though.

[sparty04]

Thanks everyone. It’s our whole house, so over 20 windows which would take forever for me to clean (I usually hire a company every spring to do it). I cleaned a few today but there’s some areas where I can’t get some residue (if that’s even what it is) off, so I am going to contact them to see if they will get them cleaned. Appreciate the answers that this doesn’t seem normal!

[tripleshot]

We got new windows at our previous house and they left the house clean and the windows were clean. You wouldn’t even have known they were there. I’d definitely complain, especially from a safety standpoint.

[icedcoffee]

We got new windows a few years ago and the house was a bit of a mess afterwards. We ended up getting a discount after complaining. The windows were mostly clean though. Maybe a little residue here and there but nothing significant.

[samanthamkm]

I live in the Midwest and when we had new windows installed they cleaned inside and outside of the windows. There was very little mess left outside. You wouldn't have known we had new windows installed if I wasn't taking pictures of the before and after.

[silvercrayon]

Workers who come into your home should leave it as they found it. They should clean after themselves. I would expect the windows to be cleaned too. It sounds like a very unprofessional crew. I would call the owner/manager.

[Deleted]

sparty04, what did you end up doing?

I would absolutely call and complain. The dirty windows I would be upset about, but the mess left in the house is unacceptable. I walk around the house barefoot all the time and have animals and kids, that just sounds dangerous.

[sparty04]

Jul 23, 2020 8:21:58 GMT -5 @sameoldstory said:

sparty04, what did you end up doing?

I would absolutely call and complain. The dirty windows I would be upset about, but the mess left in the house is unacceptable. I walk around the house barefoot all the time and have animals and kids, that just sounds dangerous.

I wrote an email that I sent through DH and the owner called him immediately. He apologized profusely, said it was not acceptable, would talk with the installation manager, etc. He is giving us coupons for two free window cleanings, so I am happy with that since we already cleaned up the rest.

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

[thatgirl2478]

a FEW sticky spots on new windows isn't abnormal... but all of them? And leaving your house a mess is a big no in my book. I would definitely complain to the owner.

As for the sticky glass, I keep finding new spots, and it's been 2 years since ours went in. You can use a razor blade to gently scrape it off.

[sometimesrunner]

I would not be happy about that. When we had windows installed, they looked pristine after installation. I would definitely let the company know that the install contractor was messy.

[rubytue]

When we got new windows, we were advised to clean them within a week. No idea why a week, and we didn’t. The house was clean thoigh.