2/3/07
First of all, this review is based on my own personal opinion and was not solicited by anyone. I received no compensation from Gilkey or any other entity.
For a couple of years now, I have known that our windows were seriously in need of an upgrade. We have been dealing with our standard aluminum framed, double pane windows since we purchased this house nearly six years ago. This has been an expense I have put off time and time again.
This year, it finally came to a head and we decided to bite the bullet and go ahead with it. Who to choose?
Last year, we invited a rep from Airtite Windows into our home, only to get hammered with high pressure sales tactics, that resulted in broken promises and no new windows. This year, at the recommendation of my parents I decided to give Gilkey Windows a shot. I went the the website and requested an appointment.
The next day, we were called and an appointment was set up for today with Brian Schamel (Highly recommended for southwest Ohio 1-800-878-7771). He is the same guy that sold windows to my parents, as well as my Aunt and Uncle. Brian came as scheduled and showed us about Gilkey’s windows, and was very friendly and professional. He was not overbearing and seemed to truly have our needs in mind. We were impressed enough that we decided to also have him quote us for a back patio door, as well as a new front entry door system.
After two hours, we had ironed out all details of our purchase. We settled on a total of 11 new windows, a sliding patio door, and a front entry system (A steel door with the side window, and all the fixin’s). Total purchase price - about $9200. This price is well below retail, and well below what any kind of discount a coupon could give. This was “cut to the chase” sales and I like it. We financed a portion of this easy enough and we were told that they would be coming back out to take precision measurements, and that our new home upgrades will be ready for installation in 4-6 weeks. The front door may take a little bit longer because the factory is not local.
2/17/07
We were called this week to schedule the guy to come out and take accurate measurements of our existing windows and doors. The appointment was scheduled for the following day, but we had a major snow storm come through. Nobody showed up to take measurements nor were we called. However, we did get a call the following day and rescheduled the visit for Monday, February 19th.
5/14/07
With every major purchase in my life, there is always at least one thing that keeps everything from going perfectly. In this case, it has been the long delay in actually having the windows and doors installed. 6-8 weeks has turned into a matter of months, not weeks. Fortunately, the windows will be installed this Thursday (May 18th).
We are very excited, the house needs a face lift badly. I am dreading the fact that I will be taking down all of our blinds and curtains, including the mounting hardware. All this only to re-install everything later in the week.
Here are some images of our existing windows. I took the pictures this winter. Click on images to make them larger.
5/21/07
The day the windows were installed, I didn’t have to leave for work until 2pm. I normally sleep in a little bit on days I go in late. Today, my wife woke me up at 7:30am “The window people are here!”. They were right on time. I threw some clothes on and met the window installers.
The first crew to arrive were there to install my Gilkey front entry system. There were two of them. The other guys that showed shortly thereafter were to install the windows, and the patio sliding glass door.
Both crews were very friendly, and professional. My three year old son made a friend of one of them, and followed him around from room to room with his plastic tools asking him lots of questions.
By the time I left for work, all windows were installed and trim finished. The front door was also hung and very nice looking. Several days later, the only imperfection I can tell is where my son stuck his fingers in some caulk after the installers left.
I am confident that we made a good decision by choosing Gilkey. Only time will tell if the product is what they claim, but so far I am impressed.
Here are more pictures of the installation:
If you are serious about making a Gilkey purchase, and call Brian, please let him know about this site!
This article posted 05 13 07
August 8th, 2007 at 9:54 pm
Still happy with the windows? We are looking into Gilkey. They were about $3000 more than other installations, but seem to have a superior product. I think that I am going to call back and ask for your salesman. Honestly, one of the things holding us back on ordering the windows is the saleman. All he talked about is how poor the other brands are.
Please email me and let me know how your Gilkey windows are doing.
Thanks,
Jason
August 9th, 2007 at 10:44 am
Jason, email sent. I hope this blogs helps with your decision!
September 12th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Thanks Jason,
I received a $50 referral check in the mail today!
March 7th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
I am in the same situation as you. We have double hung wooden windows in our 20 year old house. Some of the sashes have rotted and one of the windows has a BB hole in the outer glass. I am just beginning to shop around and found your blog. Are you still happy with your Gilkey windows? Price? Service etc.
March 7th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Richard,
It’s been nearly a year now since we met with Brian and made the decision to go with Gilkey. This winter we found ourselves spending a lot more time in rooms that we avoided last winter due to the cold.
As far as price and service, looking back I am still very satisfied with our purchase. I was afraid I would have buyers remourse, but I am still seeing a dramatic improvement in our home and never regretted our purchase.
If you live in the the area, I would strongly suggest calling Brian, and don’t forget to tell him I sent you!