Les W in Winnipeg

We had planned to build a new home on our existing lot. I did the CAD drawings up, had the Engineer's Report done and then started to visit various businesses around Winnipeg to get quotes on the various components that were going to go into the new home. I made the rounds to various Window and Door Businesses and liked the staff at Clear Choice. I understand that Mike Sr. had experience with building Custom Built Homes prior to operating Clear Choice. Very few window suppliers knew about the Manitoba Building Code requirements when it comes to what is required when installing windows and in particular windows as a second means of egress from a Bedroom. Well, through a series of life events, we ended up finding a house already built by a Dutch craftsman that was also built with the double studded and staggered exterior walls and in a nice location close to where we were already living. We purchased that house and once more I went around to various suppliers and contractors of items we were going to upgrade. Again, when I went into the Clear Choice Windows and Door Store I felt at ease from saying Hello to Mary at the Front Counter to discussing window and building related subjects with either Mike Sr. or Mike Jr. They understood about the concerns I had installing new PVC windows into a home with the extra thick exterior walls. They knew about the dew point and the freezing point in the walls and how a window can be affected by these items. Our new home had some front windows with complex angles in our Living Room. Several visits by their installer were necessary to confirm the unusual measurements and when the windows came, they fit perfectly. In our house we had a basement bedroom that had an existing non-complying Window. Its opening size did not meet the most recent Manitoba Building Code requirements to provide an acceptable second means of egress (escape) in case of an emergency (fire). Mike SR. and Mike Jr. knew the requirements. That window had to be one that opened inwards and also meant having to make the wall opening larger. Yes, the window cost a bit more, but, you also end up with a home that has a code complying bedroom. That window alone became an investment and probably added value and a degree of safety to our home investment. Sometimes as a customer it pays to ask why does the Building Code enter into my window replacement project? It's not usually a negative thing. We ended up getting 2 patio doors changed and all the windows as well. The hardware has been good. The installation went well. The installers were courteous and professional and cleaned up after themselves. When it came time to replace the windows in my Sister's house; I suggested she visit several businesses and then go into Clear Choice. She did get a quote from a very well known Window Supplier around town but they missed two windows that needed to comply with the Manitoba Building Code Requirements as a second means of egress in case of emergency. She also decided to use the Clear Choice product and is quite happy with everything. When I needed a few new windows for my shop I immediately contacted Clear Choice. I have recommended their products to other friends as well. Sometimes all the various windows out there may look alike and operate alike but it's important to have knowledgeable people selling a good product and good people installing it as well. Les W C.E.T.