Example of a Window Installation by SMBT Construction, LLC

Types of Replacement Windows:

There are two primary types of replacement window installation: full-frame installation and pocket installation (a.k.a. inset installation). You can see in the image the two types. Having replaced many windows over the years, I am well aware of the two types. I wanted full-frame. It is dark in this location, and important to get as much glass as possible.

A full-frame window replacement is the complete removal of a window and frame right down to the brick and the installation of the new window in the opening. This ensures that any old hidden issues or poor installation practices are revealed and that the ensuing replacement of the complete frame and window is done correctly.

A successful pocket/inset window installation requires that the existing window frame be square, plum and level. It must also be free of rot and in good condition. Special installation steps will need to be performed in order to ensure the window is installed to today's standards.

My Story:

Before the pandemic, I had Home Deport install an Andersen "A" Series window on my third floor. This is Andersen's best window. The "A" Series is a full-frame only installation window. All exterior wood is protected by fiberglass. Andersen also sells windows for inset installation. It is an option available on the 100 Series, 400 Series and E-Series. It is not available as an option for the "A" Series.

I liked the window. I wanted three more of the same windows installed. I contacted Home Deport. And I went to the Andersen website. At the site there was a link to get a quote. I followed it. I received an email from SMBT Construction. The email title was "Anderson certified contractor-Sasson."

I repeatedly told Home Depot and SMBT that I wanted an "A" Series. Both tried to get me to instead choose a lesser window. I insisted on the "A" Series. I knew ordering this window was right for the highest quality full-frame installation I wanted.

SMBT quoted $10,500. Home Depot quoted $11,741.02. I took the lower and paid a $7,500 deposit.

Sasson asked me about removing the casing around the window. I replied he could not remove it. Home Depot installed the window without removing the casing (see pictures below). They did replace the stop molding, but those always get replaced, even with inset windows. The problem is Sasson thought I wanted to save the old stop molding, and he would have added more stop molding on top of it. Note there is no casing around the bathroom window.

As you can see below, all three windows were ordered too small. SMBT forced a full-frame window into an inset installation. He left the 131 year old rotten wood window frame in place. Not the right way to do this. And none of the windows are level. See off-level pictures below.

Now Sasson is young. Despite being recommended at the Andersen site, he lacks experience. He should *not* be an "Anderson certified contractor!!" I will work to get him removed from their website.

SMBT's Installation:

Note that I was not told of the size reduction between my Quote Report and what was installed.

Back Room:
----------
Masonry Opening:    43-3/4" x 69-3/4"

On My Quote Report: 43-1/2" x 68-1/4"
Sasson Ordered:     40"     x 66"

Kitchen:
--------
Masonry Opening:    44-1/8" x 59-5/8"

On My Quote Report: 43-3/4" x 59-1/4"
Sasson Ordered:     39-3/4" x 55-1/2"

Bathroom:
---------
Masonry Opening:    27-7/8" x 51-3/8"

On My Quote Report: 27-1/4" x 50-3/4"
Sasson Ordered:     23-3/4" x 47-1/2"

Pictures here:

Prior Home Depot Window that was to Be Followed
What SMBT Construction Installed
Off Level Pictures

All images have a bigger size. Click web-size image to bring up original size. Then click on image again to not fit to window.

Prior Home Depot Window that was to Be Followed

Note that the outside flashing is the same fiberglass material that the window exterior is. I selected a window with fiberglass exterior, as I wanted no maintenance. I believe the flashing came from Andersen.

What SMBT Construction Installed

As you can see, the window was ordered way smaller the the opening in the masonry. Sasson wanted to put wood around the window to flash over the gap. But then I would have the maintenance of wood!

Back Room

Kitchen

Bath

Off Level Pictures

All three of the windows were not installed level. The kitchen and back room are more unlevel then the bath. Obviously these were installed with no attempt to level them.

Back Room:

Top of Lower Sash

On Window Sill:

Kitchen Window Sill:

Bathroom on Top of Lower Sash: