“When the Storms Come, They Come a-Running”

Storm chasers. What this can mean to you is that wanna-be “contractors” chase homeowners when the storms hit, expecting to get your business, or at least, your money. Be very cautious in these situations. Know your contractor: Check out the company, ask for referrals for the company and the installers, request identification from anyone who will be working in your home, review the contract for the work to be done, find out about the company’s insurance, guarantees and warranties, inspect work in the neighborhood where the contractor has completed work, and ask for receipts. And, you just cannot be too careful. “Don’t throw caution to the wind.” Call Windows Plus for your home improvement needs – 703-916-8372 or 703-956-6172.

Home Repair Scams

Following is a statement that we received from a crime prevention officer in Fairfax County. It is very important information for all residents: “”Please be aware of increased activity with home repair scam suspects in our area. I have been involved with several of these cases in the past weeks.Ó Ð from one of our CIS Detectives here. Remember solicitors need a license, never pay upfront for work to be done at a later date, and when possible consult with a neighbor or family member if the price seems high or unreasonable.”

Crime does not discriminate, so everyone is vulnerable. Please take extreme precautions to protect you and your loved ones. When we work with residents, we provide our licensing information, addresses, contact data, contracts, references and insurance information. Please request this sort of documentation from anyone who will be working in or around your home. Safety matters. Call Reg or Tom with your questions on home improvements in your home. 703-916-8372 or 703-956-6172. Thank you for keeping your community safe.

We See the Light

The economy, a standard word in many of our conversations for the past several years, sadly enough. We did not experience a simple down-turn of the economy; rather, it hit us head first, a verifiable trainwreck. We melted down financially and the effects are lingering in our backyard. But, I think we can see the light. Consumers have begun to spend, little by little. Homeowners are improving their homes, albeit carefully and more methodically than before. Politicians talk green and efficient and the population is trying hard to react positively to making changes and hoping for a strong impact personally. In the window and door replacement industry, there is great hope. Some consumers are looking at financing options as a way to complete those much-needed home improvement projects. Others are beginning to plan their home improvements, perhaps putting them off for now until they feel more confident about their own job status and the market, but their interest is peaked at the thought of greater comfort, security and efficiency. At this juncture, Windows Plus is here to help you no matter what stages you are in on your own home improvement projects. Call Reg or Tom at 703-956-6172 and discuss your options. Let us be there for you at these critical times.

And, How’s Remodeling Going?

The remodeling forecast for 2011 is on the rise, although homeowners remain cautious about spending, naturally, as they wait to feel good about the market. It is all about “feeling good,” and that’s when consumer confidence rises and the market strengthens.

Likely, only modest gains in the home improvement market will be realized as there clearly is still a stalled housing recovery. This information comes via the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) released by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. The indicator is intended to provide a short-term outlook of the home improvement spending for a quarter and predictors for the remaining three quarters of the year. As reported in the recent edition of “Qualified Remodeler,” the recent volatility in the housing market will be reflected in consumer spending patterns.

What does this mean for you exactly? How do you determine whether this is the right time to improve your home so that you can benefit from the greatest energy efficiency and comfort without impinging upon your retirement or other funding needs?

Windows Plus is here to help you make smart choices in your home. While we appreciate the need to soften expenditures and remain careful about using monies from savings accounts now, rather than guard the monies for future needs, the benefits to replacing old windows and doors, siding and other exterior treatments, may just be greater than the burden of spending.

To ensure that you are taking the right turns for your home at this time, please call on our experts, Reg and Tom, owners of Windows Plus, for some advice that pertains to you and only you and your home. Reg and Tom know their business because it is their business. Call us today at 703-916-8372 and have some peace of mind about your home, your greatest investment during your lifetime. ÊEnjoy the spring and all that it brings!

Who’s Your Improvement Company?

Windows Plus, LLC, is not just another home improvement company in your neighborhood. Yes, we are in your community, yes, we are a family-owned business since 1990 and yes, we will provide you with excellent windows, doors and siding. But, most importantly, Windows Plus will provide you with an experience, one that we are absolutely sure will be a lasting one.

Company owners, Reg Wayland and Tom Camarca, have an extensive history in construction and it is their expertise in this industry that truly makes the difference. Wayland and Camarca have the capabilities to address the full spectrum of home improvement projects.Ê These projects can be complex and present unusual conditions, which would normally go unnoticed by the untrained eye.

For example, a sales person in a home improvement company, much like any one of those companies you hear on the radio, would have no idea what potential problems lie behind the walls of a home. ÊThe experts at Windows Plus provide the customer with services that exceed the normal experience Ð Reg and Tom’s Êapproach, knowledge, and years of working in the field combine to alleviate the inherent complications in home improvement projects and provide the homeowner with a superior experience. And, they are well-trained and own the company, not just sell products. They truly know their business because it is their business.

For your windows, doors and siding, call the experts – they will make your experience a phenomenal one. Contact Reg or Tom at 703-916-8372 for more information on how you can make significant changes in your home.Ê Be sure to visit us on the web at www.Windowspls.com.

 

 

Expanded Our Horizons!

Windows Plus now has two locations with its new office in Chantilly. The address is 14230-F Sullyfield Circle, Chantilly, VA 20151. Our phone number at that location is 703-956-6172, 6174 or 6176. We would love for you to come by and see the changes we have made, part of our ongoing interest to ensure that our customers receive the highest quality of service and products.

Also, please send us your updated email addresses so that we can be sure to include you in e-mailings. We continue to send out our quarterly newsletter to your home and very soon, this newsletter will also be available here online. If you have questions or changes and want to talk with us, please call Kim at 703-916-8372.

We are always open to new ideas on how we can best service your home improvement needs. We take great pride in ensuring excellence at every level and hope that you will share the experience you have had with us among your friends and family.

As always, call Reg or Tom to get answers on changes you want to make in your home – they are available to address your needs personally, something that is very hard to find in this industry.

All the best to you in 2011 and of course, many thanks for your continued business and referrals.

Events-ures

Please visit our booths at Oktoberfest on Church Street in Vienna, Saturday, October 2 from 11 – 7. Windows Plus will be in booth #220. This event is a great one! Many things to do for all ages, and of course, the perfect time for you to go “window shopping.” So, come on by and see how you can make your home a more comfortable, pleasant place to live. Call us at 703-916-8372 to schedule your appointment with Reg or Tom. See you at Oktoberfest!

Those tax credits they are a-flying!

Attention all Homeowners: Energy tax credits for 2010 that apply to certain windows and doors will end this year. To qualify, you must have your products installed by 12/31/2010. We have received many calls from homeowners who want to be part of these savings, but timing is very important for anyone who wants to take advantage of this break.

Typically, an order will take 6-8 weeks to arrive; delays with manufacturers are not uncommon. Holiday seasons always impact on orders. All of this means, you need to act quickly if you want to participate. Remember that the maximum credit is 30% of the costs of materialsÊup to $5000, so beautify and energize your home in 2010 and get a little back!

For your free estimate on energy savings & tax credit qualifying windows and doors, call Reg or Tom at 703-916-8372. We appreciate your business and the trust you place in Windows Plus!

Check Out Windows Plus

Go ahead and check us out in the latest consumer reports. You will find that among window installers throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area, we are a superior company.Ê We take great pride in our history with our customers and the fact that we have an A+ ratingÊby the Better Business Bureau.Ê ÊWe know that these accreditations validate our business model of fairness, intregity and pride. We are a business that you can trust for your home improvement needs. Just ask your neighbor about us!

If you are in the market for windows, doors, siding, shutters, or other exterior enhancements, call us today at 703-916-8372. Owners Reg and Tom are here to answer your critical questions and service your needs to ensure that you receive only the finest in customer service and products.

EPA Delays Enforcement

The EPA is delaying the enforcement of their latest rules on lead renovation, repair and painting intended to minimize harm that stems from exposure to lead paint, in particular as it relates to children. In a June 18, 2010 MEMORANDUM issued by the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance of the EPA, it is noted that due toÊthe prevailing difficulties in firms obtaining the required certification and worker training, additional time for compliance has been extended.Ê Apparently, this has been a known issue since early on in the implementation process, and now here we are.

Nonetheless, this delay in enforcement has no bearing on the responsibilities of the window and door industry to ensure lead-safe practicesÊin all qualifying environments.ÊWindows Plus is a lead-safe certified firm. The owners, Reg and Tom are individually certified. Our install manager, Nam and his right-hand man are also certified on an individual basis.

This rule affects approximately 79 million homeowners across the country, given that this is the reported number of homes built before 1978 when the lead paint ban was imposed. Today, there are about 300,00 contractors that have taken the training course and received certification, a number well below the need to service the affected homeowners.Ê

This rule has had a negative impact on many industries, the window and door industry no exception. For those of us in this trade, we have many concerns with a number of aspects of EPA’s rules, for example,Êthe removal of the former opt-out provision and the inclusion of commercial buildings, not formerly a part of the lead-paint regulations. We are hopeful that EPA will visit ways to lesson some of the complexities and burdens of the new rules so that we can have a more hopeful outlook and be in a better position to achieve a successful rate of recovery in this industry.Ê

No doubt, every homeowner who is affected by these regulations should be madeÊaware of the potential hazards associated with lead-based paint, and it is incumbent on the professionals in our industry to impart knowledge and information in every applicable case. It is equally important that every homeowner be well aware of the contractorÊhe or she hires for any home projects. ÊBe sure to know the contractor’s credentials, it’s insurance coverages, history with customers, licensing, warranties and a basic understanding of theÊcompany’s business practices.

Reg and Tom have an outstanding reputation in this industry and welcome any questions that you might have on this latestÊinformation or any other questions that pertain to replacement windows and doors. We are very grateful to have such a loyal customer base and thank you for your many referrals. There is no question that serving our customers appropriately and consistently has served us very well over the years, but if you ever have any comments or feedback that could benefit our ability to service you better, we welcome all comments. You may contact Reg or Tom at 703-916-8372, orÊat rwayland@windowspls.com, tcamarca@windowspls.com.

We look forward to continuing our work with you!

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