Renewal by Andersen
Reviews and Complaints

Spent Thousands of dollars in 2013 for window replacements. Two of the 2nd floor window frames are falling apart. It seems that thet were put together with caulking rather than a more permanent hold. None of these window have been abused...waiting for the rest to fall down. Have called Renewal by Andersen many times ... no response after leaving many messages.
Eli Doucette - [protected]@outlook.com
32 Westwood Dr., Simsbury, Ct 06070

I am writing to identify a problem with a RBA Installation of a Front Entry Door. We have tried working with your local franchise agent, without success. The short version of the story is that we contracted on 20 Sep 2011 (Judy and Carl Huenefeld) with Designer Sash and Door Systems Inc in Paris CA (Renewal by Andersen DBA) for a replacement double front door (a Therma-Tru FC 916 and surround). The installation seemed to go well and we were very pleased with the door's appearance. Regrettably we started, since Jan 2012, having problems with door centering, a fading and flaking finish, and with the lockset not matching up. We had a number of Andersen reps come work on the doors, first from the company that installed it, then after they went out of business, from Dream Style San Diego. We have no documentation of these early trouble calls, your reps didn't provide any to us, citing the visits as basic warranty work. This spring we were told by Dream Style that they no longer represented Anderson and we were turned over to Renewal by Andersen, San Diego. The new agent came out and told us they believed the door was warped, took pictures and said they were going to get back to us. We have provided RBA San Diego copies of the original contract paperwork and pictures several times. We, initially were told that we had to go to the manufacturer (TM Cobb) to get the work done. We tried TM Cobb who said that was incorrect - that the request for service needed to be initiated by RBA, and sent us back to RBA. We tried to follow up in August with RBA, the response we got from the service coordinator (Mr. Mario Lopez - who was both pleasant and supportive in our discussions) was that he would talk to his manager, who was talking to TM Cobb (door manufacturer), and get back to us. That response, on 4 Sep 2019 is the last we have heard.

I think you can understand our frustration. We have had several Anderson Products installed in this house, and, with the exception of this door, have been generally happy customers. We used Andersen because of your reputation for using quality materials and standing by your products - at this point that confidence seems to have been misplaced. At this point I also suspect that part of the hesitance on the part of your local franchise is that the other previous attempts to correct the issue may have in fact made it worse. Today we still have a good looking door, but your have to giggle it into place to allow the lock to seat, the finish is struggling and the door doesn't stay closed unless the deadbolt is engaged - I am not confident that it is as secure as it should be - as we should be able to expect.

I would appreciate a fast response. I will also use the corporate site to submit our comments and concerns and, if we don't hear back will try working it next through the Better Business Bureau.

You may respond via this email address, or to Rick.[protected]@gmail.com.

We requested a quote for a sliding glass door. The rep comes over fairly late in the evening and it lasted 3 full hours. At the end, he tells us that the deal he's offering is void as soon as he walks out our door, so we had to make a decision on the spot. Even though they say their quotes are good for a full year after. So we felt pressured and agreed to it.

During the 3 hours, we selected a color for the outside as well as the inside of the frame. However, it was installed with the frame inside as natural wood, which we then had to paint ourselves. The door cost over $6, 000.. we should not have had to paint it ourselves.

About a month after the install, we get a call from a rep telling us that we have to schedule an inspection by the city and that our city permit was about to expire.. if it expired, we would have had fines. Not only did they not tell us that we needed an inspection or the timeline of the permit, but the information that we needed (permit#, etc) was not provided to us until that call, so we couldn't have scheduled it before that even if we wanted to.

Now, about 2 months after install, the sliding screen on the outside is sticking. We requested service. The rep calls to schedule the service and tells me I need to take a picture of a sticker on the frame and text it to them. There is no sticker. I asked why they don't have the info on the sticker on file, he said "it's the customer's responsibility". He then said that if I can't find it, it may delay the service if they need to order parts. I tell him that it doesn't make any sense that they don't keep the info on file or that they didn't tell us about this when they installed. He didn't really offer anything other than "sorry".

A few days after the install, I got a request to submit a review. At that time, the only issue we had was the frame wasn't painted. While it was annoying, it wasn't a huge deal, so I left a decent review. The next day, I get an email from the "customer service manager", Greg Haden. Of course, thanking me for the review. By this point, we had the call from them regarding the inspection requirement and I emailed him back to complain about the issues we'd had. To this day, a month later, I have not heard a single word from them.

If I could take back the original review, I would. In lieu of that, I will be sure to tell everyone I know of our bad experience. Additionally, we will not be purchasing any more products from this company. They clearly don't care about their customers.

I had 11 windows and 1 patio door replaced and the final measure guy insisted that the sales guy didn't know how to measure and he changed the size of my door. The day of the installation they did all of the windows first and then started on the door. They took the old door out and when they tried to put the new door in it was 2 inches to tall. They tried to convince me to allow them to cut 2 inches off of my header which I refused. They then took 4 hours to finally board up the opening. I then had to wait 1 month for my correct door. During the 4 hours of nothing about 20 flies came into my house and my air conditioner broke. I had to call a air conditioner guy to come on Sunday to fix it. I would like a 10 percent discount on my windows. My name is Ellis Edwards II and my phone number is [protected]

On 4/1/19 a sales rep. sold me a Bay window after a 3 hr. presentation. I made a snap decision for which I will not regret forever. I had two other window companies look at my window and they recommended no replacement. I tried to cancel my order after 4 days instead of three and they held me to the contract. They even stated they had not yet factory ordered it but I had to pay. They offered me gutters as I had to pay anyway so I accepted them. I did not need or want them but at least I got something for my money. They punished me so to speak. I had signed to get their financing thru GreenSky and $ was advanced to Anderson. The supervisor, Scott Basiuk refused to have the $ returned to GreenSky so that I could use my credit card and get the points. I asked three times. I am 70 years old and have never been boldly told I could not use my card. Horrible management at this company. Immature management. No people skills. Very unfair in their dealings. My contract # is 17863.

renewal by andersen of albama
dba Integrity Home Services LLC
108 COURT WAY 1
PELHAM, ALABAMA 35124

KEN REIS WAS THE ONE IN CHARGE We signed agreement in October 4 2018
with them. Windows were finally installed in January 24 2019 We had four latches (black) that were broken. He told us he would come back and replaced. We told him not to go to any trouble just send them to us and we would replaced them. As of 4/25/2019 we have not received them after several emails and was told they were not in. We paid almost 16, 000 dollars for these windows and have been patient. Also they left two containers of window trim and etc that are about 20 feet long and left in our garage. Please help if you can. Attached is photo of the latches we need

Candace Williams
1312 Lytelle Circle
Anniston, albama 36206
Phone [protected]
email : [protected]@aol.com

Ordered windows for my new home and spent 26, 000 dollars. First the most expensive window in my house did not have grates inbetween the pains that I paid for, so they had to re order the window and now I'm waiting another 6 weeks after I've already waited a month and a half. Installation was unprofessional, guys that spoke very little English and were constantly outside smoking cigarettes. Wood trimming was supposed to be primed white, it was not so now I also have to wait for someone to come out and prime them white, which I paid extra for and was also not Done. The cutting on the windows was terrible, the fibrex material they use has a ton of gaps and looks terrible, gaps everywhere. One of the biggest financial mistakes I've ever made.

Date of Incident: September 6, 2018
Time of Incident: approximately 12:30
Place: Monroe and Shore Road in Long Beach, Long Island
Vehicle: White Truck
New Jersey Plate
Plate number: XCW M13
KOTR Transport
US DOT: 3019874

I was on my way to the Long Beach Boardwalk. I stopped at the intersection of Monroe and Shore Road. A white truck crossed the intersection and I proceed to cross the intersection. While I was in the middle of the intersection the white truck started to back up while I was in the middle of the intersection. I sped up in order to avoid to be hit. The truck backed up on Monroe which is a one way street and parked in front of 270 Shore Road . I parked my car and and proceed toward the parked truck. I was so upset that I started yelling at one of the delivery man( a Hispanic man with a ponytail) yelling " You almost ran me over and could have killed me" He just ignore me and did not even acknowledge my presence. The other gentleman (a white man with an accent) said " You are alive". I told them I was going to report them and they did not seem to care.

If they only apologized, I would not be writing this email. I think you should be aware of your drivers' dangerous driving. They could have badly injured me or worst killed me. I notified the receptionist at your Long Island office but no manager contacted me about the incident.

By the way, I purchased a front living room window over the summer from you.

Resolution: Retraining your staff and disciplinary action

Bought 4 replacement windows. Program was NO money down, NO payments, NO interest for 2 years.

Before windows were installed contract was sold to finance company who started sending bills for principal and interest. When I refused to pay until windows were installed they threated to ding my credit report for non-payment. To keep credit clean I have been paying my NO money down, NO payments, NO interest for 10 months now.

If this is not unethical I do not know what is.

Solution: I would expect contract/offer to be honored and all monies paid to be refunded instantly and for payments to begin October 2019 per agreement/offer.

Please reimburse Green Sky for the monies you took from them on our account. $4, 995 plus penalties and interest. We have not heard from your company since March of 2018 when we attempted to contact you regarding your numerous screwups on our order. Since we have no product and no attempt by your company to resolve the issues, the monies should be returned to Green Sky.

No photos, as they was no work completed.

Did not receive or install a $3, 203.00 46W 80H window.
Installed the interior trim around the windows on unfinished walls, now I need to pull off all the trim ( possible damage) and re install it.
Was very rushed into an order before I had all the details on my home design. Resulted in many changes, confusion, anxiety, extra windows I don't need and an angry customer

In August, Mr Crabtree [protected]) came to our home and quoted us a price of $23, 000 for replacement windows. He indicated he could not provide me with a copy of the spreadsheet with each window listed with the cost. I asked him to provide a list of local customers who had purchased Renewal by Andersen replacement windows. He claimed there "hundreds" in our area. He said he would have his office send them to me electronically. I never received anything. At the end of the month (August 30), he called and again said he would send those references. On September 17, having gotten no information from him, I notified him we were no longer interested given his lack of followup. He sent text in followup about how seriously he took customer service. He did not even have my name right, repeatedly calling me Kathy. He gave me the name of the district manager, Mr. Merritt. I chose not to contact him but to contact your corporate customer service. My husband and i felt Mr. Crabtree was condescending. He asked if we had heard of JD Power - I have an MBA from a tip program and managed clinical operations for a network of hospitals. He indicated that the contractor division of your company did not provide windows of equal quality. He also said that your windows available commercially were also not of the same quality. When we told him we were getting other quotes, he asked what other company we were considering, I told him that was our business. He immediately made derogatory comments about Pella and Window World - he also showed a picture of a window where vinyl had warped implying that this happened regularly. He is a poor salesman and failed to provide followup that we requested. He is a disservice to your company.

I am told Window Warmth/Denver d/b/a Renewal by Andersen spends more than a million dollars a month trying to brainwash Colorado Homeowners into believing that wood and vinyl windows are the worst, and Fibrex is worth 10 times the money. Truth be known, Fibrex windows are 60% vinyl and 40% wood sawdust. How is that better? Home Depot sells Andersen Fibrex windows for $200-$300 each. Window Warmth sells and installs Fibrex windows starting at $2, 000-$3, 000 each. They say that they have "Factory Trained Certified Installer's". False. Their independent sub-contractor/installer's are paid less than $100 per window, and install for many other contractor's. Have you been robbed too?

I Signed a contract with Anderson Windows on July 7, 2018. The salesman measured the windows on signing. A second man from Anderson came & measured. The windows came in & supposed to be installed August 14, 2018. The windows were 1/8 to big wrong size. My husband talk to a manager that day an said he didn't want the whole frame insert. They didn't want to reorder the right sizes, so they had the salesman & Regional manager Mr Cooper call me & explaining the whole frame wasn't as damaging as it sounded. He said Dave the manager from Middletown, NY store would call me. Dave did call & said that some molding around my windows may crack & he or a supervisor from the factor would come down to look at the style, this was August 14, 2018 that night, he would call before coming. He never called that week. I called, he wasn't available I left a voicemail. August 22, 2018. I called the office again, not around left another voice mail. Call again August 25, 2018 Very early, still no return call. I called my salesman Frank Grillo he said he knew he was in the he would get in touch with him. I waited all day to find out what they were going to do. August 26, 2018 Saturday I bother Frank Grillo again & that he would speak to his manager. This is the 8 week of my contract I am cancelling. I find these people are very unreliable. I also want a window in my bedroom that the installer cut the cords & now I can't open. Dave spoke to me August 28, 2018 & I told him I am cancelling my order. I also spoke to a account manager Ricky at Greensky about my complaint.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Barbara Ristano
My Account-- [protected]

We purchased 27 windows from renewal by Andersen, big mistake. They were purchased is year ago. We were told about how efficient and easy to care for they were. Wrong. First of all my bills were not enough lower to even notice. Second they are not easy to care for. Every morning we wake up to condensation on 16 of the 27 windows which takes at least 3 hours after the sun comes up to be able to see out of them. Then it's a everyday thing cleaning them to get the spotted mess of the condensation off of them. I contacted the company and they sent me a video on condensation. They did call and told me maybe taking the screens out would help, but besides that there was nothing else they could do. They are warranted but it worries me if something else happens they will saying the same thing. Family members have bought replacement window which are energy efficient and don't have any trouble. Plus they were thousands less and can show the difference in their bills. So basically if you have money to throw out the window go with Renewal by Andersen . Buyers beware!

The windows slide from side to side when locked, sales man wanted to put pads in to help, all this will do is maintain a gap for more air to enter the home, recall this or fix it properly, not with weathers, if I wanted to use weathers, I would not have put in new windows. I paved over 13, 000 dollars for this and it looks as if we need to file a class action suit, since we are not getting the response or fixes for our windows that YOU GAURANTEED FOR LIFE.

Renewal by Anderson
Customer: Bruce & Sandy Finfrock 10255 Amethyst Way, Parker, CO 80134

February 24, 2017: Ordered windows with Mike Mattingly
April 11, 2017: Windows arrived for installation. Discovered the 3 family room windows were 10 inches too short.
April 11, 2017: Same day Seth called to apologize.
April 12, 2017: Mike called and left a message with apology.
April 12, 2017: I sent an e-mail to Mike (see below)
On Apr 12, 2017, at 6:38 PM, "[protected]@gmail.com" wrote:
Dear Mike,
Sorry I wasn’t able to receive your call today. I was in meetings all day and noticed you had called. Thanks for leaving a message. To be honest I’m still trying to get my head around how someone could be off by ten inches! I was so shocked when I got home that day thinking the job would be done and then realizing that we have a houseful of company coming over for Easter dinner. Would there be any consideration of some compensation? I had to put the shudders all back up for our guests on Sunday and of course will have to take them down again when the new windows come in, and then put them back up. One of the “selling points” for me with your company was that “if” there were any mistakes, there is no “finger-pointing” because Anderson makes and installs everything themselves. I appreciate the apology but just wondering if we just have to suck it up.
Bruce Finfrock
April 14, 2017 Mike responded (see below):
Hi Bruce,
I have been all over town these past few days. I'm sorry I am just now responding. I am in the same boat as you- trying to get my head around a 10-inch difference. I really am sorry that it is adding more to your plate, especially at this time of year.
Have you heard from our Customer Service Department? It was mentioned in the error report that they were going to reach out to you. Because I've been on the road, I haven't spoken to anyone in that department. Maybe you have already had this conversation with them, but what do you think would be a fair way to compensate you for your time and inconvenience?
Thanks, Mike
April 14, 2017 (my reply):
Thanks Mike for your reply. Seth called that same day and apologized but other than that there has been no communication. If you can tell me who to call I will but it doesn't seem like I should be the one to initiate. Since then, we've had an issue with the upstairs bedroom window in that one of the latches broke when we went to close the window. Bruce Finfrock
April 21, 2017: Raymond from Customer Relations called and left a message apologizing again and saying that this was not their usual standard and that they will get it right to our satisfaction.
April 24, 2017: I returned Raymond’s call but had to leave a message. Waiting to hear back.
April 28, 2017: Jeanne called to schedule re-installation for Friday, May 5th. (See e-mail confirmation below):
We are excited to be able to confirm your installation date for your project as Friday, 5/5/2017. . . . . We have set a goal for our branch in Colorado to win the “Best of the Best” award for Renewal by Andersen offices throughout the country. To win that award, we strive to have the highest homeowner satisfaction rating based on a survey you will receive. Therefore, it is my pledge to you that while we can’t stop an employee getting sick or a window getting scratched during shipping, we can let you know about it as soon as we do and work with you to make any changes that will be the most convenient for you.

All ( except a very few ) Renewal by Andersen United States locations are privately owned franchises. The Greater NYS Capitol Area and The Hudson River Valley Area territories are owned by Eric Minkiewicz who along with his wife Holly lives at 6001 Queen Mary Court Schenectady, New York Home phone [protected]. This is important because this franchise has reverted back to misleading their potential customers on who actually is the installer of the replacement windows and patio doors. Eric Minkiewicz is currently advertising the following: " Renewal by Andersen is the Manufacturer and the Installer ". This is only true if the franchise is not privately owned which Eric Minkiewicz, most assuredly, is aware that is not the case. Eric Minkiewicz is the man in charge of the installation and only he is responsible for the performance of his employees who work for him.
Now, if you still want to overpay for windows and doors that you could get elsewhere I suggest you ask your " friendly " high pressure salesman what is meant by " certified master installer " which is now also on the advertisement. Do you really want to enter a binding contract with an outfit that lies to you from the get go?

Snake oil
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia l
Snake oil is an expression that originally referred to fraudulent health products or unproven medicine but has come to refer to any product with questionable or unverifiable quality or benefit. By extension, a snake oil salesman is someone who knowingly sells fraudulent goods or who is himself or herself a fraud, quack, charlatan, or the like.
Eric Minkiewicz is the owner of RBA of Eastern New York. This company was previously known as Huff N Puff.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Despite what you may have been led to believe with all of the advertising, ordering replacement windows thru RBA of Eastern NY is ordering with Eric Minkiewicz and NOT Andersen Windows and Doors nor Renewal by Andersen. You are actually ordering with Eric Minkiewicz who then orders the windows with RBA.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
RBA also manufactures 2 other replacement windows: The Andersen 100 and The Woodwright. You can get these windows at places like Home Depot, Erie Materials, 84 Lumber, Curtis Lumber, Williams Lumber etc. With a few slight style differences, The Andersen 100 is the exact same window as the franchise window. The Woodwright having a wood frame with Fibrex veneered to the outside is stronger and more attractive than the all Fibrex franchise window.
The Andersen 100 costs 75% LESS than RBA Eastern NY window. So, a house of 20 windows roughly would cost $30, 000 with RBA Eastern NY and $7, 500 with The Andersen100 window.
The Woodwright costs 50% LESS than RBA Eastern NY window. So, a house of 20 windows roughly would cost $30, 000 with RBA Eastern NY and $15, 000 with The Woodwright window.
According to The Times Union newspaper, RBA Eastern NY makes 85% of its money with replacement windows.
If you are a potential customer for replacement windows, it makes no sense to go to RBA Eastern NY
If you are an employee of Eastern NY understand that you are like everyone else, you have free will. You have no excuse to work for such a place.
If you are a friend of Eric Minkiewicz, you should reexamine your ethics.
If you are family of Eric Minkiewicz, especially his parents who started Huff N Puff as a regular home improvement company, my condolences.
If you are a past customer of RBA of Eastern New York, you should consider legal action!
What bothers me the most is how the public is mislead that they are dealing directly with the manufacturer. YOU ARE NOT!
This is a franchise that is owned by Eric Minkiewicz who lives with his wife, Holly, at 6001 Queen Mary Court Schenectady, New York Phone
[protected]. Andersen Windows and Doors also sells their replacement windows thru retail outlets like Home Depot, Williams Lumber etc. The retail outlets replacement window is better looking, stronger, installer friendly and AT LEAST 40% LESS EXPENSIVE
IT MAKES NO SENSE TO GOT TO ERIC MINKIEWICZ'S FRANCHISE AND PAY HIM HIS OUTLANDISH PRICES

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