To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to formally express our significant dissatisfaction with the porch remodel completed by Champion. What began as a simple window replacement project has turned into an extremely frustrating experience involving misrepresentation, inaccurate measurements, installation of products we specifically rejected, and a number of workmanship deficiencies.
My husband, Mark, originally contacted Champion for a quote to replace the windows in our three-season porch. Eric visited and provided a quote of approximately $30,000. After discussing the project further, we decided to explore the possibility of remodeling the entire porch and asked Eric to return for another consultation.
During that meeting, the very first thing we communicated was that we wanted all-black, double-pane windows that operated vertically (up and down). We were very clear that we did not want slider windows under any circumstances. Having black windows would closely match our existing porch appearance and coordinate with the black fence in our backyard.
Eric told us that all-black windows were not available and stated that "they" did not really like installing double-pane windows that operate up and down. However, he also assured us that those windows could still be ordered if that was what we wanted. We made it abundantly clear that sliders were not acceptable. Had sliders been our only option, we would have hired another company. This was a non-negotiable requirement.
Eric then suggested bronze-colored windows. While we were initially hesitant, he showed us photos of previous projects on his laptop. I specifically asked whether the bronze windows could be ordered as double-pane, vertically operating windows exactly as we had described. Eric confirmed that they could. Once again, he mentioned that most people preferred sliders, but I clearly reiterated that we did not. The reason was simple: sliders would require a different type of window covering than what we planned to install, and our porch experiences significant wind exposure. Vertically operating windows were essential to our design and functionality requirements.
Throughout the discussion, Eric took measurements and made notes regarding the windows we had selected. He explained that the bottom of the new windows would sit approximately 17 inches from the floor, which was an improvement over our existing porch. We were excited about that change. I specifically asked how far the windows would open because I was concerned about airflow. Eric physically walked out to the porch and demonstrated the expected opening height. Based on those representations, we were satisfied with the proposed design.
Like many sales presentations, Eric drew a diagram illustrating pricing options, discounts, and incentives if we agreed to move forward that day. Before signing anything, I again confirmed that we would be receiving the bronze-colored, double-pane, vertically operating windows we had discussed throughout the meeting. Eric confirmed that we would.
I requested a copy of the diagram he had drawn. He stated he did not have one available, so I took a photograph of it with my phone for our records.
We proceeded with the project and waited for installation.
When construction began, the demolition was completed on the first day and framing started on the second. Upon returning home from work, I immediately noticed that the lower windows appeared much higher than the 17-inch height we had discussed. My husband was told by the contractor that the windows were not tall enough and that lowering them would have required reducing the height of the ceiling, which supposedly would have looked unusual.
This was confusing and frustrating, as Eric had personally measured the porch and specifically represented that the windows would sit approximately 17 inches from the floor.
The situation became even worse when the window installation started. Mark called me to inform me that slider windows were being installed.
I was furious.
We never agreed to slider windows. In fact, throughout every discussion, we repeatedly stated that sliders were unacceptable.
When I contacted Eric, he claimed that slider windows were what we had agreed to purchase. That statement is simply false.
Eric referenced the paperwork and diagram as proof. However, I have a photograph of the original diagram taken at our home, and the version later provided to us had clearly been altered. The word "SLIDERS"had been added after the fact. That raises serious concerns regarding the integrity of the documentation and the sales process.
Furthermore, when the remeasure appointment took place, the representative simply asked Mark to initial the paperwork to confirm that measurements had been completed. Mark believed he was acknowledging the remeasure itself, not authorizing changes to the products we had selected. He had no reason to believe that Champion had altered the specifications we had already agreed upon.
As a result, we ended up with:
Windows installed at a different height than promised.
Slider windows that we explicitly rejected multiple times.
A design that does not meet the functionality requirements we discussed in detail with Eric.
At this point, we have serious concerns regarding whether proper measurements were ever taken or whether our requirements were accurately documented and ordered.
The only component of the project that was delivered as originally agreed was the door. Even then, the contractors had to replace the original handle with a mismatched color because the key to the original handle was reportedly thrown away during installation.
To make matters worse, once the project was deemed "complete," we identified numerous workmanship and quality issues, including:
Window screens that are not properly sealed, allowing bugs to enter the porch.
Gaps between the door frame and porch wall where daylight is visible.
Areas that were not properly sealed.
Silver screws used in visible locations instead of matching bronze screws.
Sloppy caulking around the lower windows.
Clear caulk used around the door instead of matching brown caulk.
Missing brackets.
Misaligned or improperly cut window trim/frame pieces.
A missing screw on a window screen latch.
Paint falling off the bottom of the door
For a project of this size and cost, the quality of workmanship and the failure to deliver the products we specifically requested are completely unacceptable.
We entered this agreement in good faith based on representations made by your salesperson. Instead, we received windows we specifically declined, dimensions that do not match what was promised, and a finished product requiring extensive correction.
We expect Champion to thoroughly review this matter, address the concerns outlined above, and provide a plan for corrective action. We have photographs documenting both the original sales diagram and the installation deficiencies and are prepared to provide them as needed.
We look forward to your prompt response and resolution. We are disgusted at the end result of a $70,000+ project that was deemed to be a solid and air tight room that isn't any where close.
Janel and Mark Naatz
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They had exactly the color siding I wanted. It was installed very professionally. I think I got very good value for my money.
No communication from salesman. No communication from champion. Broken contract from champion. Aggressive and demeaning attitude from champion employee.
Overall, my experience with Champion has been wonderful.. I've ended up with a beautiful porch that adds value to my home.
I was not happy with the quality of the work, and the time we agreed on to have the work completed was not met