Sourcing and installing a custom basement window
I went to Johnston Glass based on a recomendation from a friend who's into interior design and contracting services. Johnston wasn't the cheapest quote, but it also wasn't the most expenssive. The project involved installing a custom awning style window in my basement. It involve cutting concrete in my home's foundation, installing a custom awning style window and completing all the interior finishes (e.g. window jamb/sill, etc). They came out for a free quote and measurements prior to me signing or committing anything. They also sourced the window to be installed. I beleive they charge about $1K for a standard slider window cut and install, but I opted for a custom (upgraded style and quality) window and all interior finishings to be completed, which cost almost exactly $2K all in.
The final job looks decent, but it didn't go as smoothly as I'd hoped. The guy that came to cut the conrete on Day 1 had evidently not talked with the pre-inspection/measurement guy. The concrete cutter decided to cut without measuring. How you can do this on a home foundation is beyond me. But, after doing 100's of cuts prior, he still did. The slot cut for the window was too high..in concrete....not good. This forced him to cut a bit more on Day 2 (he should've been done on Day 1) below the original cut. This left a significant gap above where the window would go.
Jonhston framed and filled the slot above the window, and parged it to look as good as possible, but parging on existing concrete never looks the same. Different mix, different colour etc. In the end, the window is 100% functional, the interior is beautifully finished, and installed where it should be. I will say the 6" above the basement window on the exterior is a bit unsightly to me. (I'm a detailed guy). I notice the new parging job every day. Yes, it bothers me.
With all this said, when they messed up, they righted the situation immediately, were apologetic and, most importantly, it didn't cost me a penny more than contracted. The window is awesome. I recomemend upgrading from old-school slider windows in basements. It was supposed to be done in 2 days and it was.
The reponse time was always great. Their front desk lady is quality.
I liked the pre-visit and the details to attention upon ordering custom work. I like how they stuck to their contract. I didn't like the lack of details when it actually came to cutting concrete (an important step). I liked how they righted the wrong right away.
Additionally, the screen for the window was slightly damaged upon shipping. Without me asking, Johnston ordered another one and followed up themselves on replacing it. I didn't have to nag. It took some time due to the custom nature of the window.
So, to summarize:
On time.
On budget.
Quality? The procurement process went swimmingly, the cutting process wasn't fun, but the final product is decent on the exterior and great on the interior.
All in all, you're not going to get hoodwinked by these guys. They stand by their work. They run a reputable business. When they messed up, they fixed it on their dime.
The moral of the story is, measure before you cut, but also make sure the measurer communicates properly with the cutter.
If they'd done that, they'd be getting 5 Stars across the board.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $2,000.00
- What could this company do to improve their services?
- When cutting wood, measure twice, cut once. When cutting concrete, measure THRICE, cut once.
- Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
- Above all else, Johnston exhibited themselves as a trustworthy contractor. THat may be the most important thing when it comes to getting a contractor. Don't just install ugly slider windows unless they're in low visibility areas. Upgrades are worth it. Pick a contractor based on trusted word of mouth.