Paramount Improvements Undisclosed Terms Poor Product & Incomplete Workmanship Flint, Michigan

28th of Oct, 2011 by User864795

We contracted with Paramount Improvements for windows in our 2-story home. The home was built in the early 1900's and the original windows were still in - they were glass and metal and left the house freezing every Michigan winter. When we decided to make such a renovation, we received a few presentations from all of the local window replacement companies, including Paramount. Their salesman showed us the windows we would get and they were fantastic. They opened in such a way that you could pull them inside the home to clean and when he placed a heat lamp on one side and had us feel the other side, there was no transfer through the window. He said this proved that the heat would remain inside of the home and our utility bills would drop significantly within the first year because the window is where the majority of heat lost in a home occurs. Paramount came in and installed the windows. What we were not told was that figurines would be smashed and left to be discovered in the aftermath. We were also not told that one of the windows had the frame cracked prior to installation, but was installed anyway. And we were not told that we would be forced to sign paperwork saying the job had been completed on time, even though the windows were not complete. Some of the windows have caulk around them - others don't. I can sit in front of the computer, which faces a window, and feel air pouring in. The only option is to live like we're in a cave, with the windows closed. Even heavy-weight plastic doesn't stop the influx of air from these windows. And I'm not sure how the salesman managed to make the heat stay on one side of the glass during his presentation, because when we touch the windows, they are freezing cold - and this is only October. In the summer months, as in these most recent fall months, some of the windows have been covered in condensation - it looks like a cloud - you cannot see outside. Others have so much water sitting on them that it looks like it rained inside. These are conditions that were specifically identified by the salesman and we were told they would not occur any time after installation. When we found the crack in the window frame in the basement, we called and the receptionist said it would be $90 to come out and look at it. WTF? No one mentioned a ninety dollar home visit fee. When we asked for a copy of the contract which showed this fee, we were told to contact the creditor. We contacted them and were sent a blank contract. When we demanded the contract showing a signature and indicating this fee's existence, we were told it was in the mail and never received it. I finally got tired of air pouring on my head as I sit at the computer and called them. Now the receptionist says the fee should be $90, but she'll give us a break and send them out to look things over for free. But, if they need to make repairs, it'll cost $40. And apparently this language was buried in the warranty which was handed out in a certificate and does not actually indicate anything about a show-up fee. At this point, Paramount Improvements have pushed too many buttons and are looking at legal action for fraud, including nondisclosure, which violates the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. My Consumer's Energy bill jumps $500 every month unless we turn the heat down to the point that we are buried in sweaters, socks, and blankets. Even then, we still shiver. We were told these windows would cut the bill, but it has not improved even 1% over the amount we were paying with the original windows. I am very disappointed with the workmanship (incomplete), the product (window locks are loose and failing to work, air is pouring in, excessive condensation, freezing to the touch), and the customer service (can't receive copy of contract, no options, undisclosed terms). The product is failing and Paramount is highly resistant to making good on the verbal and written warranties. That makes our dealings with this company not just disappointing, but also irritating. If they cannot bring the product into compliance with the terms upon which it was marketed, I'll just see them in court. I'm not willing to accept shoddy service and products. They are scheduled to come and evaluate what is needed to straighten out these window issues. I'm guessing it will take a bit more than the "caulk some more around the windows" which the receptionist seems to think it will take. Especially since where the air is pouring in is not solely around the edges - the windows are pouring cold in. We'll see what happens and if necessary, they'll receive notice of intent with a sufficient amount of time to correct the numerous deficiencies. I realize that one of the things they cannot correct is the fact that these are not even the windows we ordered. We were supposed to receive windows which open for cleaning inside the house. These ones, only slide left and right. There is no interior cleaning capability. Very upset. Very disappointed.

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