Gem Windows and Doors

This is the second time I have used GEM Window & Doors for a home renovation project. The first was a few years ago when they installed a sliding door in place of a window in a spare room. This time around I needed to have 12 windows replaced in my home.
Spiros was very good at taking the time to present he various options to us, not trying to steer us to the most expensive solution as some other window firms tried to do while I was getting quotes for the project.
In the end, we decided to go with the brick mold option rather than simply retrofitting and capping the windows. Yes, it did amount to a few more dollars but having pros and cons explained made me comfortable in making the choice to spend the extra dollars, which after looking at the end result, was money well spent.
Frank the installer was a gem to work with, pardon the pun. Leading up to the installation he was very good about keeping us informed about timelines for the project. On the day of the installation, Frank and his co-worker Al actually showed up when they said they would. Imagine that, a tradesperson who shows up at the time they say they will - not half an hour later or an hour later or half a day later. They were very thorough in the way they went about the job and Frank took the time to explain things as he went along and answered any questions we had. They made sure to get all the interior work done on the first day so that we would `get our house back`that night, all clean and tidy. The second day they spent meticulously finishing off the exterior and making sure everything was done to our satisfaction before we signed off on the final contract.
In the end it was one of the more enjoyable renovation projects and we`re already planning the next one which will be the replacement of our front door and I wouldn`t be surprised if we end up using GEM again as I know I`ll get the same courteous care and service I have had on each of the last two projects.

A neighbour recommended GEM to us and we would gladly recommend GEM to another. It was very simple. We visited the showroom, saw what we wanted and ordered the windows. The price was better than our other quotes and the process so EASY. We were buying windows not a rocket to take us to the moon and back and GEM made it easy for us!
Thank you for a job well done

GEM was a great company to deal with. We originally received a quote for new windows in the fall of 2010 but didn't actually get the work done until the fall of 2011. They honored the price they gave us the year before. The workers who did the measurements and the installation were fantastic. Very nice and respectful of my house and the fact that there were both children and pets in the house. They worked hard, did a great job and left my house tidy. Would definitely recommend this company.

Gem Windows replaced 7 lower level windows. The sales staff told us approx. 8 weeks from time of ordering and they were completed as promised. Installation went smoothly and they look great.

Gem was helpful in selecting window styles and the sales rep was generally quick to respond to questions and to provide multiple revised quotes to allow for easy comparison of muitiple winw options.
Installation wad timely and the proprty was left in a neat and orderly manner. Gem windows had the best price. Like the warranty that comes with the product.

Negatives: the windows look a bit undersized and reduces the amount of natural llight. 1 window was reinstalled due to over expansion of foam which made window very difficult to open. thiough, the window was fixed very soon after Gem was notified.

Very helpfuls sales person helped me select the right windows for my home and lifestyle. The installaltion was quick and trouble-free. And, they cleaned up after themselves nicely. I am very happy with my new windows.

This is the second time I have used Gem Windows and Doors. This recent job required some expertise...it was to replace turn-of-the-century leaded glass windows with something that was energy efficient yet similar in design and feel to the existing windows.

The sales person and installers were very knowledgeable and punctual. Despite a bit of a delay to get the installation appointment (due to some transportation issues with the custom window inserts), the installer showed up once the appointment was scheduled and paid great attention to detail, leaving my home in a clean and tidy state. I was extremely happy with the end result and would not hesitate to recommend this company to others. Overall, a great experience and super finished product that met our needs and expectations.

We had Gem convert a bedroom window into patio doors in 2010 and were so pleased with service, we had them replace other windows in our home in Aug'11. We had 2 quotes and Gem was lower then competitor, as well we felt the product being offered by Gem would be superior to what other company offered.
Installation was done within timeline quoted, (albeit toward end of timeline and we called them to follow-up). The installers (Walter & Dave) were very professional. The install was complete within the scheduled day and they left our home and yard tidy and free of debris.

We were very pleased with the installation, disposal of existing windows, the quality of the new windows and the expected turn around time from order until installation. Overall a very good experience.

I paid Gem $4,000 for their Greenhouse window, with ~ $1,500 being the cost of window.
They were repeatedly told it should be at 36 inch standard counter height. However, they measured it at 33 inch height. Thus my $4,000 window actually starts 3 inches below my kitchen counter, which it sits against.

Gem salesperson promoted side-window openings. Unfortunately the cranks to open these windows are very difficult to reach because they are behind the kitchen counter. Also, the cranks are 3 inches below the counter top, which makes it impossible to crank. Thus, these side windows I paid extra for, are unusable. I feel the salesperson should have relayed this to me when promoting the feature, since he came to my house and knew precisely my kitchen counter plans.

Also, the window locking mechanisms for these same side windows, are not reachable unless sitting on the kitchen counter. In Gem's defence, they did suggest I go into their showroom to look around. Unfortunately, I relied on the salesperson in my home and the brochures he walked me through. I wish I had gone to the showroom, although I'm still not sure I would have thought about reaching across my kitchen counter to access the windows. Hopefully you will now, after this review. If there is no counter between you and the window, then these side window openings are a nice feature.

Because of the visual and practical obstacles on the $4,000 window 3 inches below counter height, I was upset and left many messages for a call back, which went unanswered.

Finally, I took pictures and arranged a meeting with one of the owners, Jim, to show him my predicament. I believe a company can be judged by how they handle difficult circumstances. And to Jims' credit, he met with me. And we negotiated a resolution that met with our mutual satisfaction.

To this date, approximately 2.5 years later, there have been a few minor issues with window locks. Though this does not happen often, I can say that each time, GEM / Jim stands behind his lifetime warranty, and promptly arranges a free GEM service person to remedy the situation.