Gentek Windows/ Window Universe help!

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I recently started an contract with Window Universe and may be regretting it. On Angie's list they had good reviews, and I felt like I did my homework but because the window industry is so opinionated and unregulated, the information out there is overwhelming. I got about five quotes, and maybe in hindsight I was just mentally tired. The original quote was for Berkshire Elite windows, which several other posts that point to them being Aslide renamed. When the windows showed up, gentek brand was stated (not sure why) and there doesn't seem to be much about the windows in terms of reviews...here are my questions.

Details 37 windows, price 23K, mid Atlantic area.

1. I've read several posts on Berkshire Elites, not being good windows but that's all that's it states. When you read their website, like everyone's website, it seems like a decent window. Why are they actually bad windows, and how is a consumer who is at the mercy of a sale's pitch really supposed to know what is a GOOD window?

2. Is Gentek model 3001 a good window? Is Berkshire Elite good windows? Or at least good for what the price point is? I was quoted nearly 60K for Andersen Windows and thought that was completely ridiculous.

3. I saw the posts about WindowDog dot com being potentially tied to WU, but it all honestly seems subjective. Doesn't every window sales person try to push their own product since there are literally 1000+ window manufactures out there? I get that he appears to be an unbiased sales rep but if there's more light to shed out there, I'd sure like to know it.

4. My paranoia is making me think I should back out but besides them touting the wrong window, I don't know if I have much of a leg to stand on if that was the route I wanted to take.

5. It comes with a lifetime warranty on both the window and labor, so at the very minimum, at least there's that.

6. If there is a better window out there for the close price (I'm sure there is) what is it and why?

7. If I'm stuck where I'm at, should I go with the Gentek or push back for the Berkshire Elite?

Just really looking for the closest to factual information that anyone is able to provide and any advice on the best next steps.

I'm pulling my hair out here...so thanks for any help.

Featured Answer

warcrypt
Original Author

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I had to delete my comment since my wife was signed in. I also made some edits...

Hello Lianne, I ended up going with the company and the windows since I was already under contract. Like others have said, the windows aren’t the greatest but I ended up really liking the company. They made a few mistakes with ordering but we’re really good about fixing the problems, did a great job overall and the mistakes ended up in my favor.

This particular company seems to have an exclusive (only ones I came across selling these particular windows) deal on these windows so that’s why they sell them. After talking with other window companies who I built a relationship with they even indicated I got a good deal with the windows that were installed.

I agree with you that shopping for windows is really overwhelming and can be intimidating. Some just want to sell you something, and you don't really know what to exactly look for. I do like the fact Window Universe was not pushy when it came to selling me the windows. They kept me in the loop on times and installs, ate the mistakes they made and corrected any issues they had in a very timely manner. I would use this company again based on the price I got. If you need any recommendations on this company and others I worked with, send me a message.

Hope that helps.-

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Comments (13)

millworkman
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
"should I go with the Gentek or push back for the Berkshire Elite?"

Neither would be considered a good window by any pro's that I am aware of. Replacement windows I presume and not full frames units?
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
5 years ago
Not sure those two would make my top 2 list either. Alside has come a long way with its product quality, but there are a handful of other names you will hear mentioned on here that I would prefer first.
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warcrypt
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
@millworkman, yes they are replacement windows. After dong more of a frantic research last night, I don't think either are GREAT windows, but not sure what I can do at this point. I don't feel I have grounds to back out of the contract. The only possible route I see is there's an option checked for "foam insulated frame" - I didn't think the Berkshire Elite nor Gentek had foam insulated frames.
millworkman
5 years ago
"The original quote was for Berkshire Elite windows"\

" When the windows showed up, gentek brand was stated"

You have these windows already? What brand does your receipt show that you paid for? If the receipt is for Elites and you got Gentek you certainly do have grounds to complain, and I certainly would as that is a classic bait and switch.
Window Genius
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
The gentek and berkshire elite is the exact same window. They just rebrand the name.

its the same window, i wouldnt worry about that.

I dont think its a very good window but you agreed to it and its the same window.
millworkman
5 years ago
OK, was not aware of that. Thanks Window Genius.
Lianne
5 years ago
@warcrypt, what did you end up doing? I just came across window universe and I'm curious about them. Should I avoid them?
Lianne
5 years ago
Thanks for the response. Picking a window company has been a bit overwhelming.
millworkman
5 years ago
I just came across window universe and I'm curious about them. Should I avoid them?

Yes.
PRO
toddinmn
5 years ago
I would not say They have an ”exclusive” deal as Window Genius has clearly pointed out. A good rating on initial quality is good as well as contractors fixing there mistakes. I like to go a little deeper and look at keast 10 years in .
fridge2020
5 years ago
The Gentek/Revere Berkshire/Alside window is about the furthest thing from "exclusive" that you can find. It may very well be the most commonly offered window in existence, with Window World being the main purveyor. If Walmart sold windows, this would be the one. For some people that's exactly what they are looking for, and for others not so much.
Lianne
5 years ago
Thanks for sharing. It's helpful information.