What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
We offer free estimates we a 3D model with an accurate quote right on the spot!
We also offer payment plans to customers looking for financing such as 0% for up to 24 months with $0 down! In fact, over 60% of our customers use our financing when they are installing new windows, siding, roofing and/or entry doors. We are committed to making applying for financing easy for you, and we offer a variety of options.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Our typical process begins with a free, in-person estimate. We take measurements and create a 3D model with accurate measurements. We do an assessment and inspection of your home. After that we go over any financing you may need help securing and then give you a quote.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
We are licensed ], bonded and insured, which is a very important question to ask any contractor doing work at your home. If contractors are not insured or are under-insured, you will be liable in the event of an accident. We will happily provide proof that we are licensed and insured to all of our customers.
Also, every member of our install team is licensed, bonded, and insured. They have signed a "25 Point Installation Agreement" to ensure that they are on board with Coastal Windows & Exterior's Code of Ethics throughout every step of every job.
Windows & Doors: Our installers are craftsmen and they perform critical measures to make sure that your custom windows and doors have an airtight fit.
Siding: All of our siding installers have a certification from the Vinyl Siding Institute and they have been trained to perform their work to manufacturer specifications. You simply can't get a better crew than one that has been trained by the manufacturer since they know the product better than anyone else.
Roofing: At Coastal we work with GAF, the largest roofing company in the United States. We are direct partners with GAF, so our process includes visiting your home, measuring the roof, going over styles, options, colors, and the warranty, and leaving you with a free estimate. We are a Master Elite Contractor, so we offer our customers a 25 year labor workmanship warranty and a lifetime warranty on shingles. All of our installers must meet regulations such as 6’ of Ice & Water Shield and 6 nails to every shingle to pass this GAF warranty checklist.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
David Vanderbilt, the co-founder of Coastal Windows & Exteriors, has worked in the home improvement industry for 20+ years. He worked as a manufacturer’s representative for a large window replacement company for over 12 years and served dozens of home improvement companies. In this role, he saw poor work practices and large companies that neglected to provide positive customer service and high quality work. This inspired him to start a home improvement company focused on educating the customer to create lifetime customers. He also wanted to use high quality products and installation methods, and to have team members who receive in-depth training and understand the products. David knew that starting a home improvement company that did everything the right way would earn Coastal Windows & Exteriors repeat customers and referrals. He also knew the perfect person to begin the company with – his wife, Stephanie Vanderbilt.
When David asked Stephanie if she was interested in running the business, Stephanie had a difficult choice to make. She had a successful and rewarding career as a Teacher of the Deaf, and her teaching style centered around empathy. Stephanie did not simply want to help students learn to communicate better. She also wanted to help her peers and other teachers understand what it is like to be deaf and how to best communicate with students.
Stephanie eventually left her teaching career and began making Coastal Windows & Exteriors her full-time "empathy outlet." Stephanie knew that simply satisfying customers would not be enough. Instead, Coastal Windows & Exteriors began creating experiences that "wowed" customers and had them raving to others. Coastal Windows & Exteriors creates loyal, lifetime customers because of this focus on excellent workmanship and premium customer service.
Coastal Windows & Exteriors delivers quality workmanship EVERY day and for EVERY job. This commitment to constant excellence, paired with a focus on empathizing with and educating the customer makes Coastal Windows & Exteriors an exceptional customer service-based business.
What types of customers have you worked with?
We have worked with and continue to work with a wide variety of home owners throughout Massachusetts, lower New Hampshire and Maine. We work on residential homes. We help secure funding for homeowners in need of financing as well.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
We recently completed a vinyl siding project for customers named Kathy and Robert in Gloucester, MA. They had old wood clapboard siding on their house. This type of siding often causes problems such as termite infestation, mold, mildew, peeling, and rotting. They wanted to maintain the classic look of their family home, so we installed a beautiful siding which can be cleaned easily with a quick water spray down in between seasons while maintaining the look of a freshly painted home. Now they never have to paint again!
When the project was completed, Kathy reviewed us saying, “Can’t tell you how happy we are with the results. The product is superior, installation was excellent, and the company was great to work with. The management team communicated frequently as to the status and answering of any questions we had. The installers themselves were also great. Definitely would recommend if you’re interested in a high quality job that is cost effective. -Kathy” We enjoyed working with Kathy and Robert and were thrilled that they were as pleased as we were with their new siding.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
We would advise customers to pay attention to a company's customer service model and their willingness to explain their work to customers. At Coastal Windows & Exteriors, we are committed to educating our customers on our process and being in touch with them to answer any questions they may have during every step in the process. Also making sure they have a strong written warranty and a detailed scope of work in a signed contract.
Also, be sure to look at customer reviews when hiring a provider. Visit our site to see our numerous positive customer reviews, which highlight our customers' experiences with our commitment to excellence, great customer service, and skilled installers.
Finally, make sure that any provider has proper licensing and insurance. You would be surprised at how many contractors are not properly insured. If a contractor is not insured or is under-insured, you will be liable if they get hurt on the job. Never hesitate to ask a company for proof or their licensing and insurance. We are always happy to provide our customers with proof of our licensing and insurance.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Windows: If you are getting windows installed, talk to professionals about what materials they are using. Not all windows are equal and it is important to have high-quality windows made with with virgin vinyl to withstand tough New England weather. It is also important to know which type of windows you are getting to understand the warranty that they will include.
Siding: When installing vinyl siding, make sure you get someone who is VSI (Vinyl Siding Institute) certified in order to be sure that you have a warranty on your siding. When someone is VSI certified, all of the siding that is being applied to your home has been thoroughly checked. Also make sure your siding not only is fade proof that it also offers energy savings.
Roof: For roofing projects, check on the material that is being used. Make sure that asphalt is being used in the creation of your roof. Many companies use “fillers” such as sand and limestone instead of asphalt. These materials are problematic, however, because they’re eaten away over time by causes such as algae-based bacteria. This deterioration happens much less when you have fewer organic filler materials on your roof. You should be buying a roofing system with a transferable lifetime warranty.