This review is solely based on encounter with Rafael Ariaga. (BEWARE!!!!)
I recently purchased a house that had 'new windows.' When I had it inspected, the inspector mentioned it was improperly installed. There were cracks and gaps in 8 out of the 11 windows. WHHHATTTT??? But they look so pretty I said. Until closer inspection... no seal/ improper installation of flashing and wrong nails.
So I got the info from the Seller's agent and gave Rafael Ariaga a call on 11/14. I informed him that I am the new owner of a house that he recently installed windows. I gave him the address , my name, my phone number. He told me if I didn't have the invoice date/invoice #/ the name of the person who paid for the windows...he couldn't help me. {What? In THIS day and age of technology, you can't pull up an invoice or job order by address?} Anyways...I said ok. Let me get that info, and I'll call you back. Before I can finish that statement, the man hung up. Okkkaayyy.
I relayed this to the seller agent, and next thing I know a few hours later............ Rafael enters my new home unannounced . No call,nothing. Luckily, I just arrived on site, and I walked up to him and he immediately was stand off ish. He states that it wasn't him personally who installed these windows. He said that he had to relay this info to 'Corporate' and they will contact me in a day or two. I said that is fine. I understand everyone has a policy that they have to follow. But I will give them a week to resolve this, or I will have to hire someone else. Since the windows are holding up new drywall and insulation installment. Windows were in such bad shape, surrounding wall had extensive water damage.
(Mind you at the time, I had no idea what company he was with, since that info was not provided to me by neither the Seller agent nor Rafael himself. ) As he walks the perimeter of the house to take measurements, one of my electrician's asked me..." Why does he have to take measurements if the windows are already made? It just needs to be refitted properly with the proper material." I thought that was an interesting observation. I walked out toward Mr. Ariaga...he gave me a nasty look, turned away from me and went to his van.
(coincidentally).... The same night, the house gets broken into. Wires were cut. ceiling fans were broken. Insulation stolen.paint samples were stolen. window screens ( coincidentally only on the windows that were badly installed) were pulled off. Fool stole my lap blanket, my jacket, my kitchen soap, roll of paper towel, light fixtures,and other nitnacks I left there ... real sh!t move. And wait ,even left me stool sample. ---- classy! NOT.
One person did this damage. How do I know this? Ladders, boxes of tiles, anything heavier than 40 lbs were left behind. Did this damage me, no!Set me back, yes... a bit. BUT I have an awesome crew who agreed that this was a childish tantrum, if it was a real break in...they would have taken the expensive stuff.
Any case, I digress... My review is about my horrible encounter with Rafael. His lack of professionalism, willingness to own up to his poor workmanship really does give a bad name for all those in the same industry who work their butt off day in day out. What he didn't see that others I've hired saw was this............potential client that has a large portfolio of other houses that will need his service. Sorry dum-dum. So shortsighted.
For the other reviews about getting a good 'deal' from this company...thats great. But statement stands true. ' You pay for what you get.' Check your support and seals around those windows. Windows are only good with the proper support and seals.
BTW, To the one that broke into my home... hope your sancha enjoys the gift of my jacket, my bath soap, my baby wipes. ... and gifts you something that no antibiotics can cure. read more