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Castle Window Installation Review
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I ordered nine windows and three sliding doors from Castle Windows about a month ago and, as promised, they were custom manufactured and delivered within a month. I spoke with their installation scheduler last week and scheduled the installation for yesterday, with the crew scheduled to appear between 7am and 9am (they were driving from Mechanicsburg, PA – 2 hours away). Yesterday, they appeared at 8am, windows and doors in hand, ready to get to work.
Just a brief word about the crew, there were two of them, they were Castle guys, and they were consummate professionals. I’ve seen a lot of construction or home improvement companies just subcontract out the work after they’ve secured the contract. In fact, you can make a very comfortable living selling construction work and then, after you’ve secured the contract, subcontract the work out to some other outfit. Castle didn’t. Why would I even care who performed the work? I care because I don’t want to overpay (which you certainly would if they subcontracted out the work) for the work by going through a middleman taking his/her cut.
What surprised me the most was that these two guys (only two!) installed all nine windows and three sliding doors in six hours. This includes removing the old metal windows and sliding doors, disassembling the security sensors, dismantling the molding, installing the new windows and sliding doors, pumped in the installation, caulked the trim, reinstalled the molding, and cleaned up the workspaces (vacuuming with a dry shopvac)… in six hours. Two guys. It was amazing and it was top quality work too.
After I inspected each of the windows and doors (opening each window, testing each latch, sliding open each door, testing each lock), one of the guys ran through the operation of the windows for completeness sake. After that, I signed some papers, shook each of their hands and they were on their way. Overall, I had a great experience throughout with Castle Windows and I’d recommend them.
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I’m sure they just put on their best face for a celebrity like you.
You’re a jerk.
I was hoping you would post on your experience with them since you last mentioned getting a quote . I will be replacing my windows in the next few months also. If you would be willing to share how much did they quote you per window?
The total project was $7,000 for 9 windows and 3 sliding doors, all the windows and doors are energy star rated (so I could qualify for the tax deduction). Windows were double hung, argon filled, double paned, and custom made.
I don’t have the exact breakdown of how much were for windows and doors because the salesman messed up and gave me too much of a discount. Basically when they worked the worksheet they quote you a price for windows and doors, removal, etc. and that was for like $9-10k. Then you throw in some discounts, some hand waving, some haggling, and we reached a price of $7k. About a week later the sales manager called me up, told me they would honor the price even though he messed up, but that there were other errors (the salesman said they would be brown on the outside, white on the side; they were solid brown through – which was okay with me) that we cleared up.
That is an average of $583 per unit. We know that sliding glass doors cost more than windows, and take more time to install.
Let me help you gain some reality. Anyone can purchase the top of the line, fully “loaded” replacement vinyl window in white for around $200, based on size. Color is only a little more. This is RETAIL pricing! Contractors buying in volume get them even cheaper.
To do the math, AT RETAIL, you paid about $2,000 for 9 color windows. That left $5,000 for 3 sliding glass doors. That is over $1,600 per door. You may want to price these doors to see how you came out on your “deal”.
How do I say this simply and honestly? YOU GOT SCREWED out of a lot of money.
Most of them start out high and then find some reasons to drop the price, making the buyer “think” that they “won” the deal.
While this may all be true, I can’t install windows and sliding doors.
I realize that it is impossible to “unshoot” a cannon once has been shot. However, the home stores such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc., offer subcontractors to do all of these task that you think you cannot do. They support them with contracts that are binding, and are very competitive.
Also, there are many very good and reputable contractors that will do installs. They buy their windows from the same companys that the so called window experts buy theirs.
I can’t fly a jet airplane, but it does not mean that I should pay someone 2-3 times market price to fly me somewhere.
That’s weird, I heard they use subcontractors, and all there subs have magnetic signs on there trucks. Full time workers have permanent lettering on their trucks. You must work for Castle or something, I’ve heard nothing but horor stories, that’s why I didn’t us them, and because the sales guy would not give me an estimate since my wife was not home.
You must be some sort of hater or something because all the trucks I saw were pickups with permanent lettering on them.
I am trying to get in touch with Castle Windows to get a warranty inspection done. Every dealer in my area has their phone disconnected. Can anyone provide a contact for me?
Thanks,
Randy
Nari you have posted on every site mentioning Castle however you are not speaking of the same Castle instead of working so hard to ruin all of the Castle’s of the improvement world due some research, you dealt with a DBA not the 8th largest home improvement company in the nation. If you spent as much time researching to whom people were referring verses posting the same comment on every site that has the Castle name you would already be aware of the fact you are unfairly commenting on companies who have nothing to do with the problems you had with your windows. You beef is with the company in Tennessee not anyone else and you should start your postings with that so no customers that are looking at other Castle in their state are mislead by your claims against all improvement companies who have the first name Castle and install windows.
Ron what state are you located? You are out of luck if you are speaking of the companies in Ohio or Michigan they are gone but your windows are Kennsington
I purchased 8 windows jan 2007 in Clarksville Tn I had trouble with them as soon as they left I went to clean one and it fell out almost on my toes my windows were 6ft long it was heavy I freaked I did call the company they did send someone out the contractor didn’t adjust them the frame it was so loose I couldn’t believe you expect good service and confident people doing this type of work them boom I have been scared to try to clean my windows since then. That is why I had new windows put in so I could clean them easy. Well I have been trying to get in touch with the castle window in chattanooga for almost a year still no response I am having a problem with one of my bedroom window when I open it the top comes down I think it is out of the track on one haven’t messed with it scared to. So I keep it closed what are we suppose to do is there anyone that will honor there warranty I really need to know or know if anyone knows how to get in contact with them thanks
If you had a good experience with Castle Windows count yourself lucky. My mother had 6 windows installed last spring. All went in fine except the kitchen window. They had to beat it in with a hammer. From day one, she has had difficulty locking that window. It has been leaking profusely! Water pours in so bad my mom has to use 3 large towels at a time to sop up the water. They have been out 4 times and still can not fix the leak. Water pours in like a sieve! It has subsequently caused damage to the wall and trim. They claimied that it is not the window leaking but a problem with the roof. (2yrs old) She had 2 roofers come out-there is no problem with the roof. Now they claim it is the soffet! They refuse to take care of this problem now. The last roofers out there said there are no J channels in the window and the only support or trim they put around them was a bent piece of metal. It is no wonder it is leaking. The roofer said he could not believe what shoddy work was done on that window. If anyone is considering using Castle-PLEASE DO NOT CALL THEM!!! You will be sorry. Heaven help you if there is a problem. Judy R
I used Champion in MD and have no complaints.
I had Castle Windows installed & they were also installed incorrectly & the locks are not working b/c the top 1/2 of the window slides down. All the sash lock hardware is coming off due to the pressure. I called to have it resolved & I find my dealer is out of business & so is the manufacturer – so I have no warranty any longer as it turns out that CASTLE WINDOWS does not back the product as a company overall so beware of using this so called company as they are independent dealers & this means that you are not backed by the overall company as it would seem only by your dealer. If you do not understand these legalities as I did not, you could get burned. Buy Anderson or Pella – I bought these a year prior & installed these all myself & they are STILL working perfectly
Interesting. Your note was written in 2009. It is now 2011 and my Castle Windows are presenting the same problems. I called to ask for them to be repaired. I am still waiting.
LNegroni – Since your post is so recent, can you elaborate on your experience from the salesman’s visit, installation, and and update on the status now? Also, what state are you located in?
I just wasted 4 hours of my life talking to a sales rep. for Castle Windows.The guy’s name is Mark. I contacted Castle along with a few other companies ,but, Castle just happened to be the first company that was able to come out.They told me that the presentation would last approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours,but,the salesman was at my house for over 4 hours,and, would not take “no” for an answer. I just wanted to find out about their products and the price,but,the salesman kept on and on about how I would be ripped-off by going with another company and how they have the best window on the market. I told him that I wanted to think about and explore my options,but, he was extremely pushy and told us he didn’t come out to have his time wasted and that the future of his job and the company relied upon him making a sale.He then had me sign a tentative agreement ,which, I have already cancelled. I would not recommend anyone going with this company. If you do ,good luck.
Hi Ed,
I just had a very similar experience. Guy came to my house only to tell me my wife needed to be there which they never told me over the phone. So he had to come back the next night when she was available. Anyway, the guy was pushy and seemed insulted when we told them we had to think about it. We actually liked the window and even though it was more than we wanted to spend we probably would have done half the house and the other half within a year. But the deal breaker was when he told us that if he had to come back for us to sign a contract then we would have to pay 1500.00 more because of some one day sale they’re having. Bunch of c**p. He also said it’s a waste of their time to come out again and that their time is better spent trying to get new customers that will sign right away. When I was younger I worked for 5 years installing replacement windows and doors and never saw this kind of unprofessionalism. Only reason I was thinking about paying for someone to install for me is that I really just don’t have the time since i have a newborn at home. But I think now I’ll order some Pella’s and find the time to do it myself. Funny thing is if it weren’t for the sales guy I probably would have bought their windows.
Craig,
Same story here. I just talked to one Calstle Windows guy last Saturday. They’re the first company I met. I actually kind of liked the window and the deal breaker is the salesman himself. He keeps telling me how ignorant I’m about windows, do I think I’m smarter than the scientists that invented the energy saving glasses, etc. Basically, he was trying to talk me down and acknowledge that whatever he talked about was worth listening. That irked the heck of me and I’m done with him. I met with Home Depot guy this morning, they quote a price good for 30 days, no such thing as “Saturday special” crap like what the Castle Window guy did.
Reading all of the above had been quiet confusing, and in doing some research I think overall most of you are quite confused. Castle the window people, out of harrisburg, mt laurel new jersey, newington conn, is a great company with many great reviews, are are in fact one of the largest window companies in the US today. However, the castle in ohio tennesee, kentucky, and other southern area, also know as gold castle windows, is mostly out of business, and seemed to carry a horrific experience with most of what they did. Their windows and installation i agree were completely subpar.
Hey Paul I think you’re confused and should obviously read slower. A lot slower. They’re talking about the right Castle, the sales guy is the guy from the Mt. Laurel office. His name is Frank and he’s posting all over this page acting like a customer himself. There are a few of them on here acting like customers. The truth is, one of their problems is this sales douche and the other is the way the treat and speak to their customers to name a few things. Paul I bet YOU work for Castle too. Dont try to discredit these people just to make Castle look innocent.
Im a real customer and while the guys who did a flawless job with our windows, they still almost never got my business due to Franky boy from New Yawk. What saved the deal was the fact that my wife made Frank her b*tch when he asked stupid questions. I sat back and was quite amused, made him sweat (literally) a little bit and then agreed to the price WE WANTED. We won. The other problem they seem to have is honoring the warranty they offer. They try and make the customer wait weeks for a replacement window. One might assume they make you wait months to get a replacement for the window so you are not likely to call again for any future replacements.
You have to wait because the windows are custom made. If you knew anything about custom made windows you would know that it doesnt take a few days to make a window. They actually do honor their contract even if it is your fault for the problem.
My Castle windows are from the company in New Jersey. They were not installed properly and that are having problems. The locks are not working b/c the top 1/2 of the window slides down. It is 2011 and people are stillhaving problems with the wondeful Castle windowa from New jersey that has offices in other states.
back in jan.09 we purchased a home and called several “window people” but only castle had the time to come out. salesman came and presented his product the good,the bad of different ones. we had budgeted around $2500 for 5 regular windows. when all was said and done it was alittle more then double but we ended up with a bay window instead of three smaller ones for the front. we were told the windows would be installed around the middle of may. on 2/7/09 they called to say they be out around the 16th of feb! 2 guys came with everything they needed( the trucks were painted with co. name ,not the magnetic signs)6 hrs later windows were in. they took time to go through the workings of the windows and were very proffessional and clean, more then i can say for direct tv installers. castle management called a few days later to follow up.we had no problems whatsoever with them.when they called i asked them for some written proof for the tax credit and they said no problem. a week later is was in the mailbox. i would use them again when i need to replace my front door and rear sliding door
I had a terrible experience qith castle windows “The window people”. I had the salesperson given me a quote for $3950 for 6 double hung windows and 1 casement window at the beginnig of march 09. They gave us an estimated install date of 04/28/09 (6 weeks later). After about 5 weeks of waiting I had a call from a castle window representative stating that they had gotten the ok from my condo association to install the windows but that they needed us to sign some paperwork. So they sent a fax to my husband which he signed, but guess what… there was no return fax number. My husband had to call them to get it. About a week after that they called my husband to say that the order was almost done and that they would call the next day to schedule an appointment for installation. The call never happened the next day… nor the next week. So I called them only to find out that one of the windows still wasnt ready and it would be availale for me the following week. Finally they called us to schedule the install about a week after my phone call. My husband scheduled the appointement for the following monday. Unfortunately I nobody was able to be home that day so a tried to call and change the appointment (thursday prior to appointment). Well, they told me that since it was past my estimated scheduled date that they couldn’t change it…. Wow….. so I called out of work yesterday 6/22/09 to stay home and wait for the windows. I was really surprised when only 1 guy showed up with his pick up truck (not identified whatsoever). I have to say that he did a pretty good job if it’s not from the mess he left behind. No drop cloths were put down nor did he clean anything up when he was done. He took him 6 hours to install 6 windows….only to find out that 1 of the windows was missing. I called castl windows to find out if they could come back the very next day to install it but they told me I had to wait an other 1-2 weeks to get it because it was not available. I am vry frustrated with castle windows the window people and would definately not recommend them to anyone.
Castle windows in HORRIBLE!! they damaged my home, claim they never did it, and there rude all around!! DO NOT DEAL WITH THEM
They are horrible.. Lied to me, made a mess of my home. Shotty install. It has been 4 mths and I am still waiting on a miss measured window. This is the 3rd attempt..
Again, very rude.. I spent $20,000 I expect better service. DO NOT USE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had my windows installed by Castle the window people out of Mt Laurel in November 2009.. I had 5 estimates before I made my decision on who to choose. Every company that came out to my house uses pressure tactics. The salesmen are all on commission and they have to do what they do. I went with Castle because they are the 6th largest manufacture of vinyl windows in the nation. I had a large job 21 windows 1 6 foot patio door and an entry door. 2 crews came out to do my job with around 5 installers. They worked around the clock and left no mess. 1 window did break while they were removing from the truck and they came out 5 days later with a new window and finished the job. All there trucks were castle trucks not magnetic. If you use Castle the window people out of Mt laurel Nj Mechanicsburg, conn, new york, new jersey, and main, it is a great company. But if you go to Tennessee,Pittsburg, Carolina, Texas they are all privately owned and are not related to Castle the window people. I read all that on line and talked to the General manager at castle.. I would use castle the window people again without a doubt….
Actually the problem I had was with the company out of Connecticut, read my post above.
What year did you purchase form castle in CT because the New Jersey office did not always work out of CT they purchased them after their buisness started to fall under. Have you tried to call them lately to get service, I am sure that if you did you would have a far better experience then before. Their # is 1 (800) 360-4400.
Castle Windows installed new windows in my entire house. The bay window in the dining room had been leaking since it was first installed over SIX years ago. Castle had been by to “fix” it FOUR or FIVE times with no success. They guaranteed a new window to us on their fifth visit. Now they telling us they won’t replace it, so now I have to take legal action. As a result, I have water coming into my dining room which ruined walls,pictures,curtains, and expensive woodwork. The shoddy job they did to try to repair the outside of the window looks so sloppy and doesn’t match the other bay window, and I’m embarassed by my home. Now I can’t sell my home due to the mold problems in that window’s area. They did not even agree to replace the window, even though I was patient for SIX years. Do not use this company.
AWFUL SERVICE. IM still on the phone with them getting 1 window left to be done the right way. MY husband thought he was doing the right thing by having them install 9 new windows its been hell for 2 years now. I wish I could have had them ripped out and done by another company. This company is awful do not have them istall anything. This company should be in trouble for how much grief they cause. I hope they loose business and fold up. I could go into pages of detail of problems but I dont think thier is enough room for all of it. JUST SAY NO TO CASTLE WINDOWS!!!!!!!!!
Hello regina, I looked at your account and I see that you have had your window removed and re installed after the service manager went out and inspected the work. I do not see an update from your comment. I do believe that your service has been taken care of and your warrentee was honored but you have yet to come back and comment again. You also neglected to mention that you have purchased from us 2 times and have had no issues with the warrentee with all the other work. I feel that you are not being fair to the company based on 1 issue.
NJ office has HORRIBLE customer service. When I called to complain they insulted me by saying ” you should have educated yourself about our product befor wasting the time of our salesman”. I called management to complain about that comment and he called to apologize. During that conversation I was insulted again! Unfortunately I had to call a third time and the manager I spoke to said ” You need to be educated on basic business practices. I have a MA in Organizational Management and informed them I will no longer do business with them. Go somewhere with a better product and a customer service department that treats people with respect.
AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I dealt with the NJ Castle, The window Peole. What a joke!
Customer Service is horrible and the managers are rude. When I told them I was filing a complaint they called me to tell me I did not know the law and the complaint would not matter. REALLY???
Trying to reach Castle “The Window People”
830 Fesslers Parkway, Suite 106 that were located in Nashville, Tn. 615-833-8303 Any luck with where they are. Need warranty information as the windows are fogging up and
after reading all these blogs know I probably won’t find them now……Yuk
Called them in Chattanooga and got a botox company that said this use to be their phone number and they get calls daily for them…didn’t know anything else about them.
THE WORST SERVICE EVER!!!! AVOID THESE PEOPLE!!! I had windows installed and I ended up having a hole in my wall, my alarm system destroyed, and get this, no refund for the damages. If you value you your home do not let these people work on you home.
I had a new sliding door installed. They ripped my old door off my house. The paint on my wall is scratched beyond repair!!! The worst service I have ever encountered. Will NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH AGAIN!!!
My 73 year old mother recently got new windows from Castle. Though she found their installation guys thorough and efficient, I looked at what she was charged and it worked out to over 500 dollars per window. Her windows are average sized, double hung. Nothing fancy. And they charged her over 700 dollars for a rickety lower range storm door (the kind with fixed glass that you have to remove to put a screen on).
I took her to Lowes yesterday and found out we could get a much nicer, similar sized window installed for around 350.
We called the Castle people to get a quote for our other home, and the salesman was really persistent and a BS-er.
He claimed that the windows we were getting from Lowes would be poor quality (Pella), and then when we said that we would take a day to decide on the quote he gave my mom a ton of pressure and refused to leave the house unless she signed RIGHT then. My poor mom got so physically tired after an hour of this that she almost bought a window from him just to get him out of her house!
Some of the things he would say were: “So our relationship means nothing to you?” Or “We will give you our 10K windows for only 7K — I guess the money means nothing to you?” And “I’ve got to eat and feed my children.” Because he could not answer questions about the differences in price and quality of their windows vs what we would get from Lowes.
What was worse was that they never provided a receipt for the previous sale, even after we called them repeatedly after the windows were installed.
you are one in a million, probably an employee. They usually hire subs, theifs at times, and do sub standard work
Ok,… A Castle Rep just left the house. Sorry I didn’t read this thread first. We gave him a desposit on a Main Door/Storm Door combo, which was about $1,000 over a quote the wife and I got from Home Depot. I thought the price dif would be worth it based on the dif in door quality and installation. Many 2nd thought after reading this though. I life-time warranty (which sound suspect at best) is meaningless if the company no longer is in business, and based on this thread, I may not be much longer. Think I’ll call these guys and cancel. Here in Maryland, you get 3 days to rescind. Thanks for the comments.
It’s been a month and i still haven;t received my door yet. Not even a phone call. When i called them they said to wait for another week. Be aware before you sign the contract….fully read the contract. Once teh contract is signed, deposit is cashed, and 3 days is gone…you are in their hands…
I agree with the previous poster…Company is all about securing the contract. WONT deal with them again….
Castle subcontracts their work and changes the locking mechnanism on PRE MANUFACTURED windows to say that they make them. Ask them if they sub contract their work and if they say no, then you should tell them to leave b/c they are lying. Also, the reason they go done so fast was because the subs get paid per opening not by the hour sp there is no incentive to take your time but is better to rush and get it done… Buyer beware. I used to work in the business and have now moved on to a much better career but trust me I know!!!
if you are thinking about this company: dont!! i never got what i ordered, the installation was horrible and had to be redone, i wish i had read all of these reviews….so much it makes me sick!!!!!
Castle Window, Inc. out of Chattanooga, Tennessee installed my windows. Which has since that time gone out of business. I called the same botox company and the receptionist was very nice. I have been unhappy with Castle Windows since the beginning. Unfortunately, the NJ Castle windows co. informed me that each site is privately owned and that our life time warranty is no longer valid since the Chattanooga company went out of business. We are certainly at a disadvantage now. They also stated that there was no corporate company to file a grievance with so what is our next step?
DH & I saw Castle Windows from Mt. Laurel, NJ at a recent local home improvement show and gave them our name for an estimate for a new entry door. Salesman came to our house and showed us a very nice Pro Via door for around what we expected to pay fully installed. However, salesman would not leave until we signed the contract and paid 1/3 deposit. We did so against our better judgment only b/c we really liked the door. However, later in the day, we read many online complaints about the company. We also looked closely at their “contract” and their WINDOW (not a door) warranty. The contract makes no mention of quality of installation (i.e., good and workmanlike manner) or who is responsible in case they damage our home. If this type of stuff is not written in the contract, we can’t hold Castle to anything. We’ve decided to cancel the contract within the 3-day termination period and have already put a stop payment on our check. Lesson learned.
I had much the sme experience with the company as Jim. I found the installers friendly and helpful. After the windows were installed, I found the house much quieter, and warmer during the winter months. It’s been very dificult to contact someone to do repairs to the windows that have been broken and the screens thqt now have holes in them. I came across this web site, after searching the web by name. But still don’t know how to contact them using a toll free number.
Hello Chic,
My name is Kathy and I work for the Castle windows located in NJ, what state do you live in because we includes screens in our warrentee, we have offices in some east coast states but not all. If we purchased a Castle windows in the area you are located in then we purchased their contracts also. Please let me know because if you are in one of the states that we did purchase then we may be able to help you.
Kathy, you seem to know what is going on with this ‘review’ & are trying to help as many people as you can….good for you. My question is, Castle is coming to my home Saturday (would not come unless both of us are home as stated in most all of the reviews)….why is that? My husband and/or I can make educated decisions without the other. How hard-core selling is done here. I don’t have time for push-y sales people. Thank you.
Kathy
Maybe you can help me. I am still waiting for someone to call me to schedule an appointment to complete the windows’ installation, repair two windows that have problems (the locks are not working b/c the top 1/2 of the window slides down)and install new screens (the ones the windosw came with had not locks) . Also, I am still waiting to hear what is going to be done in order to honor the contract regarding having all my windows with double locks. The sales person indicated and wrote all windows would have double locks. The compnay is now claiming that only certain size of windows canhave double locks. I am in Connecticut.
Wow I’m so glad I was able to say no to this salesman after reading this. I just had to deal with the exact rude hard sales tactic that just made me feel very uncomfortable. This man stood in my house over 2 hrs when all I wanted was an estimate. Pushed a price on me I was not comfortable with and got upset when I didn’t want to accept his offer huffed and puffed out my house like a child. 5800 for 5 windows but would reduce it down 3800 if And only IF I gave him a deposit today only. If I decide to shop around and call back it would go back up to the original quote. I already did an estimate with home depot and they were a lot more reasonable, so I am going to get another estimate and see how it goes.
We have read all entries posted here and we had a Castle representative come to our home recently. Have to say that the representive kept calling his office and did not provide us with a written estimate, as we had thought.
Although he seemed like a nice fellow, he was not happy that we would not be making a split second desision and told us he would come back with the contract , if we needed any further info. Seems like the contact is much more important than the customer.
Bye Bye Castle and no thank you.
Good customer relations is the key to any successful business. We just do not do busines their way!
So far am happy with the guy measuring , he was polite and mannerly.. He even moved his truck so my son could park where he always does.. I hope that the installation is the same, seems to be a good company. and the salesman , Sheldon, he was nice and explained all to me.. Hope to have a good experience with the installation of the windows I ordered..
Just wanted to say the salesman was very nice and explained everything to me .. and the the guy Danny who came to measure was polite and nice , he even moved his truck so that my son could park where he always does.. I hope that the installation will be just as pleasant.I am looking forward to getting my windows asap.. all good so far..
Thanks to everyone for sharing thier experiences with Castle. I got thier flyier and was considering calling them but I always read the reviews first. I just threw the flyer away.
I think it was a great decision to throw their flyer away. I wish I would have done the same. I just believed in the salesperson. How naive of me. No company ever has treated me so badly, ignoring my calls and concerns and just not taking care of the problem. I wonder what are they waiting for.
Castle is a nightmare! When I made appointment girl did not tell me that sales guy wanted 4 hours of my time! Yes, he said 4 hrs when I told him after the first hour that we needed to wrap it up in the next half hour because we had to get my daughter to her travel game. Bruce became very agitated and berated me. I firmly told him the girl who made the appointment should’ve told me we needed a huge block of time he called into his supervisor to ask if he should bother staying and giving the quote if he didn’t have more time. Fir an hour he repeated himself about how every other company was crap, he had his own $3mil business at one time and how they were the only company who would honor their warranty. He insisted they don’t subcontract. What a scam!!! He was pissed that I wasted his time because my hubby had to leave to bring my daughter to her game. The need both owners there bec they have to close the deal that day. He told me that if I couldn’t give a deposit today they will not come back to my home. I missed my son’s playoff game because of this windbag! If he didn’t repeat himself for over two hours and wasn’t so arrogant we woukve considered them. Soooo glad we didn’t! What a waste of 3 hours!
I know exactly what you mean. It has been my 2011 nightmare too. I still have some hope that the company owner will respomnd to my letter of concern and to my requests.
Maryann – I too had Bruce and yes he actually took 5 hours of my night! He was a bit full of himself and he and my husband went off into a conversation about guitars and music. However, my husband and I were truly impressed with the actual product even though Bruce almost blew the sale. I also want to add that Bruce was actually NOT trying to “upsell” me. I wanted a french door for my patio but he explain why that would not work in my home. French doors are more money. Also I would like to add that ANY company is going to have its share of good reviews and bad reveiws. Also, people are very quick to bash a company/product but are not as quick to compliment. I know because I am a business women and get many more complaints than compliments. I would also like to add my husband was truly impressed with the construction of the product, the metal framing that prevents warping. Some of the other features my husband was impressed with include, the monorial system for the sliding back door, the lock for the patio door, the heavy brass handle and the above the door extra lock for the back door.
The thick window pained glass is filled 98% with argon gas, the heavy metal open//close handles for windows with metal components throught the locking system. Coated metal hinges to preven corrosion, welded seals on all corners of the windows. Foam filling for insulation, tight fit of screeens for a snap in fit, UV protection, guranty for life on screens (although we realise the guarantee is only as good as the company is in business – most companies do not gurantee their screens).
Again, there are good and bad for any company – I felt compelled to present the reasons why we liked Castle, The Window People. Often times when we compliment, we fail to list the positives so here they are. Hope this helps!
OH NO! This website has me totally discouraged. I also bought two sets of windows (sliders) which I knew would be expensive. We also had a relentless salesperson (Zeus) that I nearly kicked out of my house a number of times but really liked their product, so didn’t. I am currently trying to get Castle to complete our townhome association application and no one is calling me back after three phone calls and two emails!! After reading all the complaints I am even more concerned. I am in NJ and really hopeful Castle gets this right!
Keep track of all your efforts. Also, read the contract. I readd it and noted I cannot do anything like contacting Better Business Bureau. Consumer Protection or a lawyer. I just sent a letter to the company owner to see if in this way the company treats me with dignity, completes the installation and honor the contract the salesperson and I signed.
Bruce – go with your gut. We too like the product and the warranty. Be your own person. If you research ANY company, you will find good and bad. We have had no problems and really love the product. All sales people are pushy, it is part of their nature and their job. Again, you will always find more bad than good. How many times have you been complained about in your business life versus the amount of times you have been complimented???? Have faith in your own decision making process. If you have done research and chose Castle, it was for a reason, and NOT because you liked the sales person.
7/18/2011
I did not know this site existed. Just after reading all these messages I feel validated. I have had the worst experience of my life with Castle Windows. My experience began in March of this year with a sales person who offered me things that apparently did not exist just for the matter of selling me the windows. Then the date for installation was a problem because it took like four months for those windows to be “built”. Installation was never completed because the installer came five hours late to my home and could not finish that day. Interestingly he gave me his phone number and told me to call him (not the office) if there was a problem with the installation. He was coming the following day to finish installation and never showed up. I called two days later and he said he had forgotten and apologized. He told me he was coming that day and never showed up. After that he never responded to my calls again. I am still waiting for the windows’ installation to be completed. I have been treated very badly by the Castle windows people. The have lied to me, they keep ignoring me and are trying to force me to accept changes to the contract just because their saleperson “made mistakes” (a person who has been working with them for 20 years and claimed to be the manager of the CT area). Two windows are defective, screens were supposed to have locks and they do not, windows were supposed to have double locks and some have not, caukling has not been completed and the worse part is that the last time they sent someone to complete the work it was a man who had no ID from Castle and even forced my screen door asking me to open the door alleging he came to install the new screens and finish the instalation. The man showed up claiming there was an appointment for that day(there was no appoitnment because the people from Castle windows were supposed to call to make the appointment.) It was a scary experience and while he waited outside I kept calling Castle windows. Ryan (or Bryan), was the last person from Castle Windows whom I spoke with. That day he apologized and told me my windows would be finished that same week and that he would call me that same day to schedule someone else to come to my house. It is almost a month and I am still waiting for Ryan or Bryan to call me. This is just a little of what I have gone through with Castle Windows.
I am so glad I read these review before I give them deposit. My salesman told me to give him check for 1/3 down before the final sales. I didnt give him a check. He say you’ve 3 days to cancel the order trust me I will be cancel the order. They talk bad about home depot & lowe’s window about the poor quality they have and Castle’s have the best warranty. It shows by these comment that they have the worst!!!!! I will wait to go with a replica company that you can call. When the girl call me to set up a measurement there was kids in the background and people talking like she was from home. The salesman told me the same contact me directly instead of calling the offices. That was kind of strange when I spoke with my mother. She say something is strange. So, I will be calling the on Monday to cancel. It is very good to read reviews because people spend alot of money for windows & recieve poor service. Walmart is better wit customer service because they honor all their produces.
Has anyone had experience with Castle Windows in the southeast? Would you be willing to discuss with me via email?
I had very bad experience with castle windows, I replaced sliding door then next time it rain it went down to my neighbor , second time they came to do the windows in bed room and living room and kitchen they did the wrong job, the people who came to install was in hurry and they did not know what are they doing, just put the windows and never finish the job, be aware of that, also called to speak with Manager they never called back, I will never recommend it to any one at all, the windows nice but the service is very bad,
Well, sorry for the bad experiences, i have my windows installed about two months ago this summer, from my kitchen to my attic and i am happy to say that i do not need an Air conditioner in my home any more- great savings for me. i barely use the fan to sleep because it could be 100 degrees out side, and my home feels cool when you enter, and i have no AC installed or and no fan on. they cost me $3000 less than what home depot had billed me initially. only two windows i can say are not locking out of 21 windows. But over all, i m happy i called them. Thanks alot.