Design Windows & Doors Inc

They are TERRIBLE! Do NOT use this company! They are very unprofessional & do a lousy job of installation.

I’m not one to speak negatively but my experience with Design Windows and Doors was so disastrous I had to write a review for the sake of future customers. My husband and I were in the process of doing a full remodel on our house and decided we needed to replace all the windows and doors. It was going to be large order-​15 windows, 2 single pane doors, and 3 sets of French doors. We received several bids but ultimately decided to go with Design Windows and Doors on 10÷28÷15 because their price was reasonable and they told us they would be able to install everything by mid-​December, which worked well with our target move in date of the end of December.
While the doors were being manufactured, we inquired about changing the color of the door hardware. After struggling for some time to get answer, the office manager finally informed us that we would be able to change the hardware without impacting our install date of 12÷15÷15. The week before our install date our contractor cut out and boarded up where we were adding additional windows/​doors. We also lined up stucco and external paint for the end of the install week. On Friday 12÷11÷15 the office manager called me and said that the windows were ready to be installed but because we had made a change to the hardware order our doors would not be ready till 01÷29÷16!!! I reminded her that she told us our change would NOT impact our date and that we had our house boarded up and everything lined up in preparation of the doors to go in. I insisted she call the manufacturer to see if there was any way we could move the date up and finally at the beginning of January we got answer that the doors could be installed 01÷19÷16. Not only did this change impact our move in date it also meant our house was going to be boarded up for five weeks. Meanwhile, our windows went in on 12÷15÷15; however, two of our windows were damaged. I immediately emailed the owner about the windows but didn’t get a response from him for three weeks! He said they would look into it when they came out to install the doors.
The day before our door install, Tina called me to say everything was ready and that they would be there in the morning. The next morning, the day of install, I received another phone call from them that the doors actually were NOT ready and that they would be coming tomorrow. I had to call my contractor who was furious because the stucco guy was already at our house waiting for the doors to come. My husband called the owner to ask how this could have happened and all he said was it was our fault the doors weren’t ready because we apparently rushed the order and were too slow about making decisions about the hardware. He never apologized or took any responsibility about the mess this had turned into.
Unfortunately it only got worse on the day of install. When installing the doors, it was identified that the new door thresholds would not cover the entire opening of the door because the house was built in the 1930s. This required an additional wood threshold to be installed. The current wood thresholds had to be replaced due to rooting. The installers never offered to replace the wood thresholds and made our contractor do the work. What is interesting is later that day they admitted that this was work they should have done. Thankfully our contractor was there and able to do the work as the installers would have replaced the doors with rotted out thresholds. That afternoon, we received a call from the main office indicating that all the installers were sitting around doing nothing as they waited for our contractor to finish installing the thresholds. This was because the installers were unwilling to help install the wood thresholds. However, the installers relied to the home office a different story that they were willing to help but our contractor made it clear to us they never made such an offer. The main office then called again and said that were going to leave and come to install the rest of the doors two weeks later. What is terrible was that they were willing to leave my house with boarded up doors in the middle of an «El Nino» winter. I told them that was unacceptable and ended up coming to an agreement on leaving the uninstalled doors at our house.
To make matters worse, the following day it was identified that the doors that were installed were done improperly. Not only did our contractor have to install the doors that didn’t get put in originally but he also had to fix their installation mistakes on the ones they did install. This all led us to paying $ 1,200 more dollars due to their issues. We knew that Design Windows and Doors would not do anything to compensate us for the issues and we were willing to eat this cost just to get the process over and done with.

WORST EXPERIENCE EVER! It took me 10 years to get an equity line of credit to make some house repairs. One of the biggest repairs was to change out 18 windows in my home. I wanted to take advantage of the additional funds available and make some window modifications, close up some and open new which included new opening for French doors. If you have a similar situation, I suggest to you somewhere else! It took Design Windows 5 months to install windows and that’s because they don’t know the Ins and Outs of dealing with the City with new openings as I insisted on pulling permits. They clearly don’t like dealing with permits. This resulted in getting an engineer to draw actual plans, $ 2000 fee and then learned that additional reinforcements costing appx $ 10K needed to be done to pull permits. Clearly I did not expect this additional expense. Had Design Windows disclosed the «What ifs» with new openings (assuming they have experience in these situations as they are a large window company), I would have made a different choice and not throw away $ 2000. I’m a single parent and don’t have money to burn. But after 10 years of waiting and wanting to realize my dream of making some changes, I agreed to pay the $ 2000 fee which turned out to be a waste of money! And I wanted to do everything by the book and legal.
I signed contract with Design Windows on July 21, 2015. I provided them with a large deposit of $ 9,750. In August I was still working out some changes which I finalized in mid August. Then everything went silent. I kept calling the office to get an ETA on installation as I had other contractors waiting to do other work pending the installation of the windows. Every time I called, I was told they were discussing the «ingress and egress» of windows in one bedroom. It was not until late September that they finally realized we needed actual engineer drawings and it would be another 2 – 4 weeks to issue. Then drawing communications began and finalized at the end of October, 3 months after signing contract. Communications re drawing is another long story. So think before you actually agree to do something. Waste of time, energy and money!
In mid November I had Design Windows redo the entire contract because I was not about to spend $ 10,000 to make reinforcements for three new window openings. I decided to replace window for window for easy permits. It was during this time I was actually considering seeking legal advice to get my money back. I felt I was being held hostage as they had a large deposit. I had to choose my battles. File a complaint and wait another 5 months to get a refund or just have them redo the contract and move forward. I was tired of waiting. I wanted my windows installed. Period. During this time, I continued paying interest on deposit monies to Design Windows and to my other contractor.
Finally, I get an install date of Monday, Dec. 28^th (5 months after signing contract). I was promised double crew to finish the job in one day. The men showed up and immediately reported it was a two day job. I told them I was promised install in one day, not two days. They successfully installed 4 windows and the rest were just dropped in to cover opening. I tried contacting Design Windows. No return call. I called again next day to find out where was the crew to finish job. After being on hold for more than 10 minutes, the person gets on the phone and asks if I would be home on Saturday, Jan. 2^nd for the men to return to finish job because they have no one available until then. I told them «ABSOLUTELY not and that I need someone here today.» I was told, I’m sorry, we don’t have anyone available. I then sent an email to the owner telling him that his was unacceptable. It was not until Noon or so that I received a text, and two voice mail messages (one on my cell and my office phone) and an email that the earliest someone could be at my house would be Wednesday and that the balance on the account is due and owing. At no time was an apology offered. Turns out, they had to outsource the job to a third party which worked out better because the 2^nd crew, from a different company, were much more professional than the crew that showed up on the 1^st day.
Unfortunately there is no enough space to write down complete story. BUT BEWARE, WORST experience ever! Good luck!

The company gave us the lowest quote from all 4 that we looked at. Their customer service was ok. Pretty quick turnaround. Installers were very nice and professional. Windows work fine. My biggest complaint and why I don’t rate them higher is because the windows are significantly smaller than the opening. They said it was because they are retrofitted, but both my neighbors have newer windows, and neither have such a thick border as ours. I hope they hold up well since it’s just rubber film. I think we got a cheap quote because the windows they put in are so small. Make sure you get properly sized windows. Also we paid more for a crank window since they claimed the size needed to be Maxine’s for egress purposes but the dimensions of the window were big enough to be an up/​down standard type. That was a $ 200 up charge. Another issue they quoted a tempered glass window in the bathroom that didn’t need to be tempered because it is set high and will in no way be subject to breaking. That was another up charge. Do your homework first before. Unfortunately, We did our homework too late. We had a family members friend over who does windows and pointed all this out. I wish we would have met him before signing the contract.

I just got 10 Windows and 2 sliding doors installed in my condo. The installers were very nice and they got it all done within 2 days. The Windows look awesome, they appear to be sealed very well. They were good about cleaning up after themselves and communicated very well. I’m happy with everything and would recommend Design Windows.

Wow, look at the reviews and you’d think these guys should be the focus of an Dateline Expose — well I can tell you that we received 5 different quotes for our windows, including 2 from the ‘Big Box Stores’ with the orange/​blue vests. (By the way, these guys were the most expensive and wanted to overcomplicate everything — pure fear tactics from both of them).
When we had our initial appointment for the measurement/​estimate our salesperson called several hours early and asked if could arrive earlier than our 3:00 appointment — we were tickled — yes.
By the way, we must have received a dozen phone calls confirming one aspect of the process or another throughout the course of the process. Customer Service was actually phenomenal and needs to be praised.
When he arrived, he was professional, thorough and able to communicate in layman’s terms without sounding like an ‘old school’ pushy salesman. He was able to explain and demonstrate various options for us and he went through all of the different financing options, to include the HERO program that we went with.
Because we had already done a lot of due diligence (I was an ‘old school’ window salesperson back in the 90’s) and had investigated the company and the product, we were comfortable with moving forward and writing the contract.
We were told the windows would be ready to install in 4 – 6 weeks. 3 weeks later they called to schedule our install appointment.
The day of install came and so did the crew. We were given an 2 hour window of when they would arrive and they were there 15 minutes into that window — made us happy.
The crew obviously knew what they were doing and went right to work replacing 5 windows and a sliding door. One of the windows was an old school garden window. I had no idea how difficult those things were to remove, but our crew did a great job. This was the only window where there was any stucco damage — which they color matched perfectly.
Here we are a couple of months later and there have been zero issues. Read the reviews and its obvious that the dissatisfied folks (for whatever reason, maybe competitors) are the most verbal and the silent majority of their customers just don’t spread the word — well Design Windows & Doors, we are more than happy with EVERY aspect of our Retrofit Window Installation!
SO# 1 614 634

I had a great experience with design windows and door. Bill came out at first and was a super salesman and genuinely nice guy. I ordered them, Leah called me for an installation date. 2 guys installed the windows. They were on time, courteous cleaned up and did a splendid job.
I would recommend them.

I had windows and patio doors installed by this company and so far very happy with the product. The workers were professional and did all the work in 2 days. The only downside is they were pricey.

As of today, I still have not received a formal, written estimate for 5 replacement windows. Joe P came to my condo 5 days ago to discuss options, manufactures, HOA stipulations, etc. During that meeting, it was obvious he came from an old-​school, sales pitch type of mentality. He kept asking me how he could earn my business. Since his company was the first company I had contacted, I explained that I had no basis for comparison and that’d I have to look at all the estimates before making a decision. He then asked what my budget was. When I told him, his response was «if I can do this job within your budget, would you consider moving forward today?». Yeah, no.
After explaining that I’d like to get a few quotes before making my selection, he asked if I had received any other quotes. I said Design Windows & Doors was the first company I’d spoken with. Again, he tried to get me to commit if he could stay within my budget. I simply asked him to email an itemized proposal, which I still have not received.
When I emailed Joe to inquire about my estimate (4 days later), he said he would get it to me by that afternoon. In that email, he inquired about whether or not I had received any other estimates (which is completely unprofessional, in my opinion). I decided not to respond and write off this company as a bunch of total hacks. That afternoon, I received a phone call from Joe saying he had a price: which was $ 2500 MORE than my budget! After asking him to send a breakdown of the estimate, he made up some dumb excuse about how it’s all «rolled into one». What? I argued that I’d like to know how much the labor was, the price of the windows, etc. Then he pulled out the old…“If I can do this for you within your budget, would that earn your business? I could try to get the windows at cost and possibly knock off a couple grand”. At that point, I was beyond annoyed and felt compelled to write this review.
After looking at other reviews, I could clearly see a pattern when it came to customer service. Thank goodness I decided not to use them, as I fear the same thing would happen to me that happened to Joe C –bad install! These guys are totally sketchy and I wouldn’t trust them based on their unprofessional sales approach.

They replaced windows at our building in Santa Monica and they did a poor install work. We still have windows that are not opening and close properly and pieces are falling out. We tried to have then repair their work and we received a rude and not helpful response. Even though their prices were good the service was sub par and very disappointing.

I had retrofitted windows installed at my house and could not be happier with the results. I dealt with Fausto and could not have asked for a better person to guide me through this process. I decided to use Design Windows and Doors because of him. The entire process was easy and extremely professional, the office staff was professional, however the workers that installed my windows were sooo impressive. They were very very clean, worked steadily, there were no messes to cleanup after they left and I’m beyond happy with my windows. I have had the office contact me more than 2 times to ensure my satisfaction. I would absolutely recommend this company to anyone looking for windows.
I have an old house, I had drafts of air everywhere, heard every noise possible and now my house is quiet, energy efficient and I’m thrilled. I now have Milgard Windows and again I’m absolutely thrilled.

Great customer service. The install was easy and the sliding door and windows look great. Pricing was competitive with other quotes I received but went with them because they offered Milgard windows with a lifetime warranty.

I ordered $ 5000 worth of windows. The order and installation went fine. I am happy with the windows I chose. I am not happy about arranging for a simple latch that was not on my screen at installation., and how it has taken so much to get it fixed. The installer said he would order the part and come back to put it on. He did not and I had to call to get it scheduled. Instead of an appt. they called to say they would mail the part to me. I told them I was not going to drill into the window and please schedule an appt. I finally got an app. t after complaining. I waited during the app. t time and they were a no-​show. I was accused of cancelling an appt. before they checked to see that it was actually their lack of communication. I appreciate good customer service and being accused is not appropriate. I was mad, but justified after getting the run around and being accused of something I did not do. The owner said he would call to see about getting an appt. right away, and he never called back. Another incident of poor customer service. I was going to do the second half of my home this summer, another $ 5000, but I think I will find someone with customer service after installation and payment is made.

If you are thinking of working with these guys RUN!!! I purchased over $ 12,000.00 worth of windows and doors from them. They had to have a significant deposit before they would order then they wanted payment the day they arrived to install. The installation was terrible. They damaged my new french door and tried to cover it up. When we asked them to take care of it they referred me to Milgard who will not do anything and now they won’t speak to me. The interior window trim they installed is falling off and the whole experience has been unacceptable. Had to file a complaint with the contractor’s license board. Let’s see if they can do anything for me.

I set up an appointment for an estimate for replacement windows. I explained to the estimator that I needed a formal quote and brochures and pictures of the windows and patio door for submission to the HOA for approval. No problem, he said. He said he woudl email everything to me that afternoon (Saturday aftrenoon). He didn’t.
On monday morning I got a brief (6 line) email with a price. No formal quote or brochures as I had requested. A little later, I got an email from the company saying, «I am emailing you today to follow up on the appointment you had with Fausto. Just wanting to know what it would take to earn your business.»
I replied that I had not received the info I needed for the HOA. I also said their quote was high (actually it was about $ 2100 higher than the next competing quote). I have never heard from them since!
I don’t know if their work is any good or not. The quoting process isn’t very impressive, that’s for sure!