Adding comfort, beauty and value to your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful Information About Doing Business With Perkins Exteriors

How quickly can you give us an estimate?

In most cases, if you live in the Saint Louis area I can meet you within the same week you call. I am available days, evenings and Saturdays for your convenience. Your appointment will take 15-45 minutes. We will discuss your ideas and needs, and I will take measurements. Based upon those measurements, I can usually leave you with a written proposal that same day. In some cases, however, it may take an additional 24-48 hours to finalize pricing. Proposals are good for either 60 or 90 days.

Do I need to be home when the work is done?

Yes and no. Yes for windows because we need full access to the interior of your home (most of the work is done from inside). But a siding project doesn't typically require you to be home.

Do you install in all types of weather?

The weather does not typically prevent us from working as scheduled, even for windows. However, for the protection of your home and our crew, driving rain and/or lightning will cause us to have to reschedule.

What are your payment terms?

We require a 50% deposit at the time the proposal is signed and accepted. The balance is due the day the work is completed.

Why don't you ever have sales or coupons?

We are a simple organization. We offer an excellent product at a fair price, which leaves us no room for special deals or coupons. That's why you'll never see us offer them. Other companies inflate their prices in order to offer special deals or hook you with a rock-bottom price only to add lots of extra charges. We offer the best all-inclusive price on quality Alside® products, which means you don't need a special offer to feel good about doing business with us.

How quickly can you do my job?

Once a proposal is accepted, we will order your materials. It can take anywhere from 2-3 weeks for those to be ready. In the meantime, we will tentatively schedule your installation date. So in most cases, we can perform your work within about 3 weeks from the date you accept the proposal and pay the deposit.

How long will you take to complete the work?

Most window jobs are completed within 1-2 days depending of course on how many windows are being replaced. A typical siding job can take anywhere from 5-7 days depending upon the size and structure of the home.

What brand/type of windows do you sell?

We deal exclusively in Alside® windows. Alside offers a broad range of styles from single- and double-hung, sliding, fixed lite, casement and awning, bay, bow and garden windows, even patio doors. You can also choose decorative options for your windows including custom grids, beveled leaded glass, or wood grain finishes. Alside backs its windows with a Lifetime Limited Warranty, and we back our installation with a two-year workmanship warranty.

What do I need to prepare for my window installation?

We request that you take down all blinds and curtains before we arrive to install your new windows (you can leave the hanging hardware). We also ask that any furniture in front of a window opening be moved at least three feet back in order to allow adequate room to work.

What is an oriole window?

Oriole windows are taller on the top half than the bottom. They are usually found in houses with 9-foot ceilings. We can order and install Oriole windows.

What is ClimaTech®?

ClimaTech is the name for Alside's own high performance glass. We always price our Alside windows with the ClimaTech glass package, which combines multi-layered Low-E Glass with the Intercept™ Warm Edge Spacer System and argon gas. The ClimaTech glass package is up to 40% more energy efficient than most other low-E or mid-E glass systems, and provides more than twice the energy efficiency of clear glass units. ClimaTech is want we would want in our own homes, so it's what we recommend for yours.

Do you clean up the mess?

Yes. We will haul away all of the old windows, siding, and any other debris created by the project.

Can I expect any damage?

We must be honest. Some windows are easier to remove than others. And while we do our best to preserve windowsills, surrounding trim and drywall, minor damage is sometimes unavoidable. To protect flooring, we always work on tarps.

What is lien waiver and why do you offer it?

A lien waiver provides proof that we have already paid for your materials so that no one can come back to you for payment. This gives you valuable peace of mind.

What is your extended two-year workmanship warranty?

Most companies offer a one-year workmanship warranty; we offer a two-year warranty. If you discover anything that needs additional attention, just call.

Why do you deal exclusively in Alside products?

Alside has been the innovator in low maintenance exteriors since 1947. Their products feature proprietary ingredients and engineered designs for performance, durability and appearance you won't find anywhere else. We've had an excellent relationship with Alside since 1999; they are a trusted partner. And all of their products are made in the U.S.A.

What is the benefit of soffit and fascia?

If you've ever painted the eaves and overhangs of your home, you know it's a chore. Adding soffit and fascia to your home provides a beautiful finished look while providing the ventilation you need to remove excess heat and humidity from eaves, overhangs and attics.

Are your products maintenance free?

100% of what we install is maintenance free. The only maintenance our products will ever need is cleaning.

Are energy tax credits available for my new windows?

Yes. To qualify, windows must be ENERGY STAR® qualified (Alside Excalibur windows are). Homeowners may claim 10% of the product cost (not including installation). For the taxable years of 2006-2011, homeowners may claim no more than $200 for windows. Products must be installed in the taxpayer's primary residence by December 31, 2011. New construction is not eligible. Consult your tax advisor. Additional information may be found at www.energystar.gov/taxcredits.