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.  We take great pride in our history with our customers and the fact that we have an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau.   We 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 to the prevailing difficulties in firms obtaining the required certification and worker training, additional time for compliance has been extended.  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 practices in all qualifying environments. Windows 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. 

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, the 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. 

No doubt, every homeowner who is affected by these regulations should be made aware 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 contractor he or she hires for any home projects.  Be sure to know the contractor’s credentials, it’s insurance coverages, history with customers, licensing, warranties and a basic understanding of the company’s business practices.

Reg and Tom have an outstanding reputation in this industry and welcome any questions that you might have on this latest information 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, or at rwayland@windowspls.com, tcamarca@windowspls.com.

We look forward to continuing our work with you!

Going Green with Windows Plus

Windows Plus takes going green very seriously and works diligently with manufacturers to promote the most energy efficient products and the cleanest and safest systems. Here are how some of our manufacturers are supporting the environment and how we are passing this on to you when you are making critical changes in your home.

Windows Plus has worked with Gorell Windows & Doors for over a decade providing homeowners with superior vinyl replacement windows and doors. Gorell recycles most of the materials that enter its factory. Gorell does not cut down trees to make its products and employs minimal energy in its production processes. Gorell is listed with Green Spec in its directory of green building products.  And, for the 6th consecutive year, Gorell was nominated the Energy Star Partner as designated by the Departments of Energy and the Environment Protection Agency. www.gorell.com

Windows Plus works with Vytex Windows for residential and commercial projects. Vytex is a local manufacturer in Laurel, Maryland that focuses on designing and developing products to accomplish great energy efficiency and environmental cleanliness.  In fact, Vytex is a window manufacturer at the cutting edge of energy-saving technologies. Vytex offers homeowners the Envirosealed ™ energy-efficient eco-friendly window that serves to improve the overall environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Envirosealed ™ Windows are constructed to ensure excellence and pass on impressive savings each year to the consumer in energy costs. www.VytexWindows.com

Windows Plus focuses on providing the best education to the homeowner so that you can feel comfortable in making improvements in your home. We recognize that the choices you make in your home are a big investment and that making an informed decision is very important to you and your family. Windows Plus offers Insulated siding with Fullback Technology ™ - insulated siding is a tremendous mechanism for heightened energy-efficiency and is a green product qualified by Energy Star. Insulated siding is “breathable” and proven to improve air quality and reduce mold, mildew and bacteria in the home.

On these products and many more, contact Reg or Tom at 703-916-8372. And, as always, many thanks for your continued business. You are our very best asset.

VIVA VIENNA – JOIN US!

Windows Plus will be exhibiting at the annual ViVa! Vienna! Town Festival May 30 and 31. We are in Booth 136 – same spot as years past. Please join us at this event – it’s a great family event and a  chance to meet excellent vendors that may be able to help you with your home improvements. Stop by our booth and chat with our staff – we would love to see you.

A long-time business in the Vienna community is Jud Tile, Ltd. Windows Plus has the great pleasure of working with Jud Tile for bathroom and kitchen remodeling, so be sure to ask us about updating your own kitchens or bathrooms with gorgeous tiles, cabinetry, flooring and counters. Jud has been a part of the community for over 40 years and is a long-time colleague and friend of Windows Plus. Jud’s work and reputation in this industry are nothing short of excellent. You may visit Jud’s Showroom at 204-G Mill Street, NE in Vienna.

If you have questions about making changes to improve your home -  replacing your windows, entry doors, patio doors, siding or any changes on the exterior of your home, just call Reg or Tom at 703-916-8372.  We thank you for all of your business and most importantly your trust. We are honored that you have returned to us over the years for your particular home improvement needs. We count on your referrals and take great pride that you trust us to take care of your home! See you at ViVa! Vienna!

Washington Post, Monday, May 10, 2010

Read about Windows Plus in today’s Washington Post Business Section, article contributed by Thomas Heath. It will leave you feeling good about two local skilled tradesmen who developed their business based on honesty and integrity and who carry on their traditions today.  

Windows Plus, or rather the owners Tom and Reg, have some unusual focuses, niches, if you will, within the communities they serve.  But, regardless of where they are, the cornerstone of everyday business for Tom and Reg is serving the customer, taking the time to educate consumers and answers questions, and making sure homeowners are comfortable in their knowledge and abilities to make informed decisions. You just don’t find that too often in this industry. Everyday is also about the office and the interactions each staff member has with the person on the other end. It’s about understanding the business, caring about the results, hiring the excellent crew and ensuring complete satisfaction. So, in a nutshell, this business is not the normal sales and marketing situation. It’s just about a lot more. Call Reg, Tom or Kim today if you want to make some changes in your home. Count on us, absolutely! 703-916-8372.

Building Your Networks

The partnerships we build with other businesses can only make us stronger in the communities we serve. One of our “Recommended Associates” is Teri Deane, an independent Realtor for REMAX, out of Columbia, Maryland. Teri works in communities much like we do at Windows Plus, focusing on providing consumers with accurate information about the industry and the market so that they can make educated choices.

The decisions to improve your homes and enhance your communities will serve to add value to your house and provide a more secure future for you. These choices are critical ones for homeowners, but with the right support networks and resources, they are attainable.

For more about Teri’s business, you may contact her at 410-715-3261 or terideane@wesellmore.com. And, as always, when you are ready to make significant changes to your home – whether you want to replace your windows, siding, or patio doors, sliding glass doors, french doors or entry doors, call on Tom, Reg, or Kim at Windows Plus to help you make the right choices today. We work to make your home a more efficient, comfortable and attractive place to be.

Be sure to ask if you can qualify for the 2010 Federal Tax Credit on your energy saving products. Thank you for your business, for your referrals and most importantly, for your trust.

Designer Garages Add Storage & Versatility

Windows Plus offers homeowners designer garages with finished walls, floors, cabinets, trim and accessories. This additional space gives you a great solution to your storage needs with added versatility and creativity. Think about hanging your bikes and tools, or perhaps your golf clubs and tennis raquets. A designer garage allows you to free up floor space and give you a neat, contained area for your supplies in a secure way.

In addition to improving the exterior of your home with windows, doors and siding, give some thought to completing the look with a designer garage. With many colors and options available for walls, floors, cabinets, trim and accessories, this designer system is easy to maintain. The walls require no painting and have a UL94 V-O fire rating; the 12″ x 12″ floor tiles are interlocking, ventilated to allow for airflow and drainage, resistant to mold and stains, built tough to withstand heat, cold and humidity and overall very durable. The cabinets adjust to your needs and are open back so you can maximize the wall space behind them.

Call Reg or Tom at 703-916-8372 to learn more about how you can create your extra room today. Why not get everything up off your floor and out of the way so you can enjoy your space?

“What’s Behind the Door?”

How will you know if a door is installed properly? In our experience, we have found situations where a homeowner is lead to believe that the house is “settling”, where the true problem may be that the door was not installed properly. Door installation requires great attention to detail and often involves a good amount of time. Correcting a situation with a poorly installed door adds time and effort, and increases a homeowner’s frustrations.  

We are available to help you make good, sound decisions for changes in your home. The staff at Windows Plus take great pride in providing customers with superior craftsmanship. We prefer to educate you first on the best products and approach for addressing your individual needs. That way, you can feel comfortable in making informed decisions.

Contact Reg, Tom or Kim at 703-916-8372 or at windowsplus@windowspls.com for ways we can assist you with your home improvements.

“Don’t Cut Corners”

A common question we hear from customers is, “How long will it take to install my windows”?  I have consulted with our in-house expert and install manager, Nam, and this is what I found out. What you cannot afford to cut in a window installation project are corners, that is, do not let your contractor take shortcuts just to get the job done quicker. Rushing through this sort of project breeds mistakes, costly ones at that.

In my talks with Nam, this is what I found out: with a 2-3 person crew, on the average, an installation team will be able to install no more than 12 windows per day to ensure the utmost in quality of craftsmanship. Of course, every instance has its variations, but this is a good hard and fast rule to guide you as a homeowner. Otherwise, you may be cutting costly corners.

For more information on this issue or any other home improvement project, you may address your questions to Kim at windowsplus@windowspls.com or kknight@windowspls.com. Of course, you may always call us at 703-916-8372.

If you would like to be on our mailing list to get our quarterly newsletter, please send an email with your contact information to either of the the addresses above. We look forward to helping you make your home more comfortable, secure and efficient. And, to those who already are working with us, we thank you for your continued business and trust.

Got Screens?

Windows Plus has a great working relationship with a longstanding business in the heart of Annandale, Annandale Hardware. Annandale Hardware is owned by Mustafa Nasseh and family members help run the business. Annandale Hardware has a great reputation in the community and has been a cornerstone in Annandale for over 40 years. Annandale Hardware offers many choices for all of your hardware needs - AND, it has a great screens program! If you are in the market to repair or replace your window or door screens, this is the place that can handle those needs.

Whether you live in an individual home, townhome, apartment or condominium, we can address all of your screen needs. Mustafa may be reached directly at 571-499-2073.  Or, just give Reg or Tom  a call at Windows Plus – 703-916-8372.

We thank you for your business and trust and hope that 2010 has been a fantastic year for you so far.  Reg & Tom

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