California Craftsman completed a remodel of our bathrooms. We couldn’t be more satisfied with the results. They gave us a schedule which was followed exactly. All of the work crew were skilled, on time, and stayed within budget.

California Craftsman previously tore off and rebuilt our rear deck, did replacement of windows, and installed a new window in our stairwell.

They are real craftsman and are a pleasure to work with. I have already recommended them to my friends and relatives. I plan to have them do additional work on my home in the future.

~Ron and Joanne Montgomery

Our home was 30 years old when we purchased it in 1994. As we wandered it on our first day of ownership, we thought about the year it was built. There were a lot of changes over that 30 year period. Owning a home built in 1964 has good and bad points. It is framed in redwood, which is never done in this day and age.

We know our house is solid. But if you remember the 1960’s you know that it was a time when energy was abundant and inexpensive. People turned up the heat and opened a window if it got too hot. On the first day in our home we knew we would have to make some changes. Our instinct was to make those changes when we saved enough money. After all, we had just purchased a home.

Our first winter left us in a state of shock. We had never seen such high utility bills. Even with weather stripping and a programmable thermostat, our gas and electric bill seemed outrageously high. This was with two people away at work all day.

Despite these bills, when spring arrived we focused on the aesthetics of our home and not energy. We decided to replace our very ugly front door. As the next winter arrived, we felt distressed as we read our utility bill in the light of our kitchen window. It was simply too expensive and the reason was painfully obvious.

We could feel the cold wind as it whistled through our aluminum widows. They were hard to open and close and even when they were closed tightly we could still feel cold air every time we got near them. Common sense told us it was time for a change.

Installing double pained windows was an easy decision and so was choosing a contractor. We chose California Craftsman. They were the ones we hired to install our front door. They were professional, courteous and cleaned up after themselves. They treated our home as though it was their own paid attention to every detail.

As we expected, they provided a quality job installing our window just as they had done on our front door. Every detail was perfect. When our windows were in, we celebrated. We could tell right away that we were saving energy. No more whistling sounds in the kitchen and bedrooms and no more cold air blowing around.

Our energy bill went down dramatically. We realized that we had not spent money but invested it. We were realizing a return on our investment and it was happening right away.
While we were happy with our energy savings, the unanticipated benefits of our windows took us by surprise. On garbage day we always put our garbage out in the morning rather than the night before. We did not like recycle thieves rummaging through it at night. The first garbage day after we installed the windows we missed the truck. We did not hear it. Our windows had dramatically reduced the sound from the outside.

After a few months we noticed another change. The amount of dust and pollen in our home was significantly lower. No more wind blowing all that stuff through our windows.  We still hear the sound of rain hitting our windows at night, but it sounds softer. It is nice to wake up in a storm and know that our home is truly protecting us from the elements.

Looking back, we realize that purchasing new windows was one of the smartest decisions we made To anyone who thinks they cannot afford to make this investment I would say “How can you afford to avoid this investment?”

How many investments improve the quality of your life, increase the value of your home, and save you money on energy, all at the same time? This one does and it is well worth it. If you don’t believe us, come by and pay a visit. We love to show off the work that California Craftsman did for us.

Joe Bates and Kenneth Manual,
Vallejo California

Q: What is R Value and are California Craftsman’s products energy efficient?
A: Yes. R value is the way we measure the loss of energy through the windows and the doors. California Craftsman products with insulating glass, Low E II and Argon glazing meet Energy Star Requirements in all four regions.

Q: What kind of guarantee does California Craftsman provide?
A: California Craftsman provides a one year guarantee on service and installation. Guarantees on our products and materials vary by manufacturer and model.

Q: How much do windows cost?
A: The price of our windows will be determined by the following:

1. The extent of installation
2. The size of your windows
3. The style that you prefer
4. The options that you choose

Q: Who will do the installation?
A: California Craftsman is an All-In-One operation; we do not subcontract any of our jobs.

Q: What is the difference between an insert window and a standard, full frame window?
A: An insert window is installed into the existing window frame. Insert replacement windows are installed without disturbing the interior trim or exterior of your home. Full frame replacement windows are appropriate when the entire window needs replacement; for example, when it’s substantially out of square or has deteriorated beyond repair. The window, including sash, frame and casing is replaced.

Q: What is the difference between the Ultimate Insert Double Hung Window and the Tilt Pac Sash Replacement System?
A: The Ultimate Insert Double Hung is a complete window unit used when higher performance or traditional interior aesthetics are desired. The frame of the Ultimate Insert Double Hung is placed inside the frame of your existing window. In comparison, the Tilt Pac consists of replacement parts including an upper and lower sash, hardware and vinyl jamb liners for improved operation.

Q: What is the difference between Ultimate Double Hung and Magnum Double Hung Windows?
A: Ultimate Double Hung Windows come in a wide range of standard sizes appropriate for residential construction. As an Ultimate Double Hung Window increases in size, the weight of the sash requires more robust construction and built-in assistance to aid its ability to be opened and shut with ease. For this reason, California Craftsman has created the Ultimate Double Hung Magnum Window.

Q:  I own an historic home. Can California Craftsman meet historic requirements?
A: Yes. California Craftsman can produce historically accurate windows. California Craftsman offers traditional wood construction and authentic, single-glaze divided-lite options, as well as custom sizing, casing and glass options. As the focus on energy efficiency has increased, many historic preservation committees will also consider California Craftsman’s aluminum clad products with insulating glass. Marvin’s  simulated divided lites and ability to extrude historically accurate window profiles and casings offer historic home owners an energy efficient, low maintenance choice.

Q: Do you have a showroom?
A: We have a complete showroom, 3,600 sq ft. building, contemporary, modern, refreshments, easy to find (click for directions), easy parking, a knowledgeable staff of experts, and no waiting. Please visit us at: 13555 Bowman Road Suite 405 Auburn, CA 95603

Q: What are the advantages of vinyl frames?
A: Energy efficiency, longer warranties, relatively low cost and practically no maintenance are the main reasons for the popularity of vinyl replacement windows. Metal frames are terrible insulators and wood frames can be expensive and costly to maintain over time.

Q: What window manufacturers’ products do you sell?
A: California Craftsman is an authorized dealer for Milgard, Jeld-Wen, Blomberg and other top brands.

Q: What are the advantages of wood windows?
A: Many wood manufacturers produce a “clad” product, which means that there is no maintenance on the exterior surfaces. On the interior surfaces of the wood window one has the option of painting or staining and changing colors at any time. Wood windows have a very elegant, warm appearance and feel and can come with more grid options than vinyl windows.

A: How do you install your windows and doors?
Q: We do total replacement “new construction” style and retrofit over existing metal frames. All installs conform to local building code regulations, and we adhere to AAMA guidelines.

Q: Do you replace broken glass?
A: We replace the entire window including the frame. A local glass shop is your best choice for broken glass repairs.

Q: Can I expect my heating and cooling bills to go down?
A: Yes, every house is different in the way it is insulated, heated and cooled, but most owners experience a 15% – 40% reduction. Results can vary.

Q: Do you replace “fogged” dual pane windows?
A: We replace the failed insulated glass unit with a new complete window. A glass shop can replace just the dual pane glass unit for less money, but it is more likely to fail again and rarely comes with good warranties.

Q: Can I expect noise reduction?
A: Most homes are noticeably quieter, and there are several affordable sound reduction options

Q: Do you offer financing?
A: Yes, we offer a range of financing options to make paying for your window/door project as easy as possible

Replacement Windows: Milgard Windows

Milgard has established a name synonymous with quality. Milgard’s full line of windows includes:

• Vinyl windows
• Fiberglass windows
• Wood clad windows

Milgard’s new sound control windows received national recognition as one of the best new products of the year. California Craftsman is proud to represent the Milgard line as one of a few select Milgard Certified Dealers.

Replacement Windows: Marvin Windows & Doors

For over 60 years, Marvin Windows has been known as a manufacturer of fine wood windows and doors with outstanding attention to detail in every product they make. Marvin’s Window & Door product line includes:

• Double Hung Windows
• Casement Windows
• Bow Windows
• Glider Windows

Today, Marvin has over 11,000 different windows and doors available in standard sizes, not counting their amazing custom capabilities. Their new Ultimate Double Hung, available in wood and clad, has raised the standards in the window industry.

Replacement Windows: Infinity® Windows & Doors

It’s easy to see why Infinity® from Marvin stands out from the crowd! Let California Craftsman’s team professionally install your new Infinity® windows and let the savings begin. Infinity® from Marvin includes:

• The unbeatable strength of Ultrex® construction
• Custom sizes to match your existing window openings
• Superior thermal and energy performance ratings
• Virtually maintenance free – our fiberglass windows never need sanding, scraping or painting
• 10-year, transferable warranty on window parts and a 20-year warranty on the glass

Contact us for a free consultation, find out which windows are right for your home, and save big on heating costs this winter.