Architectural Windows Ltd

I promised that I would follow up, and here is the rest of the story. Trevor did finally come out to our house to look at the deficiencies and take measurements for the screens that didn't fit and the glass that was cracked. Then I waited. And I waited. And finally I started calling to find out when things would be completed. Three months have gone by since the measurements for deficiencies. When I did manage to get Trevor, or his Marina (his new office staff) on the phone, I was always told "We'll call you right back- your job is a priority and we want to get it done". This was often followed by an "I promise". Of course, they never, ever called back- even after I was told that a repair person was scheduled to come out in a couple of days. I got tired of waiting (I ordered the windows 13 months ago- they were installed 8 months later, and 3 months after that they are still not done). I drove up to his plant in Brampton and sat and waited for him. When he showed up, I told him that I would like to pick up the glass, the screens and some weather stripping. I was rudely told that the glass was in the back somewhere and that he would have to look for it. He wasn't interested in doing it then however. I told him that I couldn't wait another 3 months, and that if the glass and screens were unavailable (I can get these elsewhere), I would just like him to give me some of the weatherstripping that is used in the windows so that I could replace torn pieces. He went and found some, threw it on the table and asked me "can we wash our hands of each other now?" I couldn't believe it. He seems to think that because we held back $2000 on the job that I should be happy that I've saved money. I've wasted hours of my time, the windows are still not done, I've got no warranty, and I still have to pay to get new glass and screens.

I would never recommend this company to anyone.

After talking to some references provided by Trevor, (the owner of Architectural Windows- and only contact person it later turned out), we decided to choose his company over 2 others that quoted on replacing all of the windows in our Victorian house. Unfortunately, after taking a $10,000 deposit the promised 6-8 week wait stretched to 6 months. During this time, it was extremely difficult to get in touch with Trevor, and when we did, he was evasive. I realized that I had made a big mistake hiring this company. Then in early February, we were shocked to hear that the windows were ready to be installed. Mike McKenzie (a freelance installer hired by Trevor), did an absolutely amazing job. We were extremely pleased with his work, and his attention to detail- in complete contrast to Architectural Windows. When Mike was finished his installation, Trevor showed up very quickly to ask for the remainder of the money owing. He claimed that he needed the money to pay Mike and his crew of installers. We were so pleased with Mike that we wanted to see him paid quickly, but being somewhat cautious, we held back the final 10% until the job could be completed to our satisfaction. There were a few small problems with screens not fitting properly, an area of bubbled finish on the paint of one window, a cracked window and a split rubber seal on the bottom of one window that we asked Trevor to rectify. Since then, Trevor has returned to his evasive self. I've made about 20 phone calls to him and have sent e-mails and text messages outlining what needed to be done. I was always polite and pleasant, and the two times that I actually did get him on the phone, he promised to phone me right back after his "meeting". I'm still waiting. The windows were installed four months ago, and none of the deficiencies have been rectified. I have called Mike McKenzie (the installer), in desperation, to see if he could help. Apparently, he was never paid the money owed to him for his work on this job, but he is trying to find other suppliers who can match the screens and replace the cracked window for me. He, apparently does care about his customers. Trevor apparently does not.

(Note: I finally managed to get Trevor to talk to me on the telephone today. He has promised that the deficiencies will be taken care of this week. I'll update this review if and when that happens.)