Description Of Work: The installation included measuring the installed windows in the casements. The sound proof windows are custom made to fit on the interior side of the window pane. No demolition of the exterior windows occurs. This was an important feature because I wanted to retain the look, style, and authenticity of the original Tudor windows. Although not in the historical district, my house is very near the Belmont historical district.
Member Comments: The project went very well. Richard quoted the price and made the measurements exactly to specification. The project went well and I have had a multi-year relationship with him and can attest to his integrity as well as the quality of his work.
I have known Richard for the past 7 years, introduced to him when I needed to satisfy two requirements for upgrading windows on a recently purchased 80+ year old home: They needed to be storms and they needed to be sound proof. The original Tudor Style windows existed and to replace those I received estimates upwards of Thirty Thousand Dollars. Being a vintage “This Old House,” I needed to make many improvements, so 30+K was not in my budget. When Richard came to my house, he measured 17 windows that varied in size from 17 by 38 to 72 by 62. When they arrived, I helped the trucker move them into my house. One of the windows arrived damaged, so I did not accept that one. Richard made it right, however, see below. Richard completed the job in a couple of days. Some follow-up was required because of fitting and the damaged frame I mentioned earlier. All in all, a very successful installation.
I am writing of this customer experience after so many years because I was unaware of Angies List, and a recent interaction helped me realize this recommendation was long overdue. From my first experience in 2004 to today in 2011, I find that Richard is as customer focused today as then; and not only does he personify the adage that every customer should feel like he’s your only customer, but he also makes you feel like you are his most important customer. From 2004, when he did the installation, we encountered a couple of manufacturing issues that Richard doggedly pursued and worked with the company to satisfactorily resolve. Neither my wife nor I had take time from work or shepherd these project issues. He earned high marks on resolving the issues and finishing project. As a result, we kept the cold and din out, and the heat and quiet in. In my experience with home projects, I rarely have such complete trust and confidence in a contractor as I do in Richard Mann. As I mentioned, the windows worked well. Richard now has his own line of sound proof windows.
In addition to the installation of the sound proof windows, I have asked Richard to do some other small jobs and most recently to monitor and help me with the fire department’s inspection of my house for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Because of an urgent family matter, I could not be present and being so close to my closing, I did not want to reschedule. I thought of Richard Mann. He not only did the 11K job with diligence and oversight, but also did some smaller ones for me as well. He was the one person who I considered able to pinch hit with this inspection and install any alarms the department considered out-of-compliance with the state regulation. It’s rare, to say the least, that you can find someone who is willing to take a small job such as this one, but give it the same diligence and care as he would the more complex and profitable projects.
In conclusion, if you require a skilled person to update your current window system because you live on a busy street, sound proof windows, in my mind, are your best option. If you have other work that other contractors cannot perform, Richard Mann is your best option.
