Q. We recently had a contractor finish a bonus space into an office for us. He installed a window. The window leaks in the rain. It damaged the desk he built. The contractor claims that the window is faulty and that we need to contact the window manufacturer and file a warranty claim for a new window. This seems to me like something he should take care of. He bought the window and installed it. How do I know it's a bad window and not a bad installation? Who should take care of warranty claims? And should he be liable for the damaged desk? This all happened within 3 months of his completion. We signed no contract, but now he's trying to get me to sign one that releases him from responsibility. Can anyone help and let me know what standard industry practices are? Thanks for helping.

A. You said he bought it, hes responsible for both installation and material. If its a bad window, he should be calling the window maker and he has no worries about it being replaced. If its a bad installation the factory rep will say so and it falls back on the installer. If it is a faulty window the installer is responsible to see that it is replace at no charge to you. I ve dealt with faulty products before. GL

Q. Window size is 24" x 60". I have 18 windows and was quoted and am trying to determine if I am better off buying windows from homedepot and hiring a contractor to install. A gerneral idea of cost of installation is what I'm looking for.

A. Depends on the quality of windows you are looking for. the cheap ones at home depot will run you about 100 per window. But then you might want to check out Pella and see about the triple paned windows or ones that have gas inside to help keep the heat in your house. The thing with the window replacement companies is that they do the installation quickly (probably a couple of days) a contractor, based on number of employees might take longer to do. You might save some money by buying the windows, but contractor vs. window guy will be probably the same. to truly save, you need to install yourself. Maybe go back to the window guy and say you got a contractor to do it for xxxx dollars and see if he matches it..... As long as they are making some kind of commision the will make the deal.

Q. How about for gutter installation? Not lawns!!!! opps how about for houses needing gutter installation?

A. No, not for gutter installation. But for paint preparation, yes. Also for graffiti removal, driveway and sidewalk cleanups, window cleaning, car washing...

Q. We recently ordered window shades for our home. At the time of the order, we put down a deposit of 50 percent. The company has contacted us and told us that our order is ready for delivery and we need to pay the balance before they'll come to the house and do the installation. We thought from our previous experiences that payment is due after installation. Does anyone know the California law -- whether it's before or after installation.

A. I don't know about any law but generally accepted business practice is the 50% down and the rest of the balance at the END of installation. I would look into the reputation of the business. Also, was there any written agreement or were you informed of their policy before they were hired? You will need to call the owner of the business and have a serious discussion. Also, you are in a situation that if they will not install without payment, you could be out half your money and if you pay them the full amount, you will have no recourse if they do a bad install. If this goes bad for you, you may end up in court. Sorry about you situation.

Q. I have been looking all over the place, HD, lowes, interent, and have not been able to find anywhere how much an actual triple pane window cost with low-e argon gas. I do not want a contractors estimate, as that is all i have been able to find online, as i will be installing the windows myself. If anyone knows of a site or in general how much a 48" wide by 39" high sliding, single, or double hung window would cost, please let me know. thanks. fes1974, how much did you pay for your windows? here they are charging me about $750 for the 48"x 36" slider window, removal and installation.

A. This would just depend on where you purchased the window, trust me shop around before you buy.

Q. I saw ad. of replacement window. $190(window & installation), minimum 12 unit. Company's name is www.allcowindow.com. I think this is a good deal, but I am afraid that the company is trust able,reputable one or not. I couldn't find any consumer's review about the company's products and workmanship. Please tell me your experience with this company. Thank you

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Q. As title. I am looking for a good window replacement/installation company. Appriciate any referrals. Please also include the quality of work of the company if possible.

A. One of the best companies I worked with last year when I did window replacements was Window World. I think they are a national company. They only offer the best quality vinyl sash replacements available. If you are looking for clad, then you will need to select a different company. WindowWorld

Q. A window specialist came to my house and gave me a quote. install 1 thermal gard twin double hung vinyl tilt replacement window. White in color with half fiber screens 7/8 low e argon insulated glass and six colonial grids in all sashes. for $618 this is what we get 1. complete installation 2.cap exterior facings with white brake metal custom bent at jobsite 3.insulate bewteen new windows and present wood jambs. 4.seal complete exteriors with high grade sealant 5. dispose of old window 6.all materials labor and tax Is this a good price? Would window world do this for their $189 price? Which is better? window world? or the professionals that I found?

A. Too high unless the window is huge. A normal size vinyl replacement window cost around $150 at Home Depot. As an installer, they are likely buying them for around $125. So, they are making a profit of approximately $450 after they pay for caulk and metal. However, for one window, the costs would likely be higher as they still have to drive there, set up, do the install, clean up etc. A price of $400 per window if you were having say, 8 of them would be a good price. For one, I wouldn't pay more than $500. Well, OK, I wouldn't pay more than the cost of the window and other materials, but I can do all the installation myself. I think you should make them an offer of $475 and tell them take it or leave it.