Wanted to charge twice as much as others for the same service
Complaint
Helen Iversen
Country: United States
My husband and I decided to replace old windows in our house and signed a contract with Dream House Windows for $9378. We thought it was a good deal because the salesman knocked off $2000 for us from the price they gave us at first.
The same day we spoke to our friends and neighbors and learned that the deal is not good at all. We found out that we will be paying almost twice as much the market price of the service.
The next day early in the morning my husband faxed them our cancellation request (we had 3 days to change our mind according to the contract). He then called and spoke to our salesman.
The sales person was furious that we are canceling our contract. He was rude, called us different names and refused to give us a confirmation that the contract has been canceled. My husband just hung up.
We never heard from them again, and I hope the contract was indeed canceled, and we will not be chased by some collection agency. My advice - shop around and never sign contract with a company before researching it.
The same day we spoke to our friends and neighbors and learned that the deal is not good at all. We found out that we will be paying almost twice as much the market price of the service.
The next day early in the morning my husband faxed them our cancellation request (we had 3 days to change our mind according to the contract). He then called and spoke to our salesman.
The sales person was furious that we are canceling our contract. He was rude, called us different names and refused to give us a confirmation that the contract has been canceled. My husband just hung up.
We never heard from them again, and I hope the contract was indeed canceled, and we will not be chased by some collection agency. My advice - shop around and never sign contract with a company before researching it.
Comments
If the salesperson does an excellent job in "selling" you the moon and you decide to do business with either company I recommend the following be included in WRITING on the contract:
1. The specific name of the window "Earthwise" if that is on their brochure;
2. If they state that it is an Energy Star APPROVED window then the logo has to be on the window label as it appears on the sample window label in their brochures next to their company name. Make sure they write "Energy Star Approved" on the contract. A window can be Energy Star COMPARABLE, but it will not have the logo on the label. A window is only allowed to bear the actual logo only if it was actually tested by Energy Star;
3. If they state it is backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, it should be in writing on the contract for the same reasons outlined in paragraph 2;
4. All specs such as U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain, Visibal Transmittance, etc., and the Window identifier # (very important). The identifier number should look something like this sample (EWG-K-28-00084). The first 3 letters are the abbreviation of the manufacturer's name. The window identifier number can be traced to the ACTUAL manufacturer of the window. You can call the NFRC to verify the manufacturer;
5. NO SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED should be written on the contract;
6. The start and end date and anything else they are "promising" you;
If they are not willing to put in writing any or all of the above items, RUN do not walk away from this company. It is solid proof of their deceitful fraudulent sales pitch. If for some reason you still decide to do business with either company, give a deposit only using a credit card. Do not give cash or a check. It will be easier to recover your money if you have your credit card company disputing the charge with you. In some cases you only have 60 days or less to dispute a charge to your card so I suggest you contact your credit card company and ask about their policy regarding disputes.
On the day of installation you need to go out to their truck and examine each and every window BEFORE you allow them to remove one window in your home. If the windows do not have an official window label affixed to the glass, do not believe the installers response when he attempts to tell you that "they ran short on the production of window labels and that is why a label is not on the glass of the window", or "they did you a favor by removing the labels to save you time and work", or " the little label in the header (which is a small mailing label) is the identifier for the window with all the specs". Not true, the small label in the header is a window identifier for the manufacturer of the window in case it needs future replacement, the manufacturer will know which window it is. It is not proof of receiving the window you contracted for. Do not accept any of their excuses.
In order to protect your line of credit there are many credit card companies/banks that will issue a card with a zero credit line. You can transfer the amount of the deposit for the windows to this card. If you do encounter a problem with Dream House you will not need to be concerned with them attempting to charge the balance due for the windows WITHOUT your authorization which they did with me. I am proof of it. Anyone dealing with either company should use EXTREME caution since you can tell when they are lying and I will let you know how. Their lips are moving.
If the salesperson tells you how they remove only one window at a time, when they show up to install your new window(s) you should do the following:
1. Go out to their truck and examine each and every window to ensure the window labels AFFIXED to the glass has the correct manufacturer's name on it. If the window label bears the Energy Star logo next to the Dream House company name, it is pure fraud. Take a picture as evidence and refuse installation, then contact Energy Star and REFUSE installation logomisuse@energystar.gov and/or kristin.taddei@cadmusgroup.com;
2. Upon examining the window(s) on the truck if they bear the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval this is fraud also. They do not have legal authority to use this logo or the Energy Star logo next to their company name. Take a picture as your documented proof and report them to Good Housekeeping and REFUSE installation SAli@hearst.com ;
3. REFUSE installation and dispute the charge to your credit card as soon as possible based on fraud. This is why you need written, documented proof such as the sales brochure and contract. You will need it to challenge the charge. You can dispute the charge on the basis of fraud ONLY if you do NOT allow the installation to continue. If you allow the installation to continue and suspect fraud afterwards your credit card company may view your allowing the installation as your acceptance of the substitute window and will not allow you to dispute the charge on the basis of fraud. This sounds crazy but it is true as in my case. They removed all windows in my home before I inspected the new ones that didn't get unloaded until after my windows were out and demolished. I had no choice but to allow the installation to continue. Dream House is very savvy in how they operate, and very good at being a chameleon. I was able to dispute the two charges, the second one WITHOUT my authorization only on the basis of poor installation which was not hard to do since they did such a lousy job. I had to get a second opinion from another window company listing what was wrong with the installation and how much it would cost to repair or replace the newly, but poorly and fraudulently installed windows. Sounds easy, but it is not. It is very difficult finding a company who is willing to do so since they don't want to be caught up in the middle of a potential legal action. I was very fortunate in finding a company to do this but it was far from easy and took months.
3. Additionally, on the day of installation do not allow them to remove every window in your home at one time. If for some reason you are not confident with how the installation is going it will be very difficult to stop the installation if you have no windows in your home.
Don't put your full trust in review sites since you can't be sure who is actually writing the reviews. Call the Department of Consumer Affairs and find out how many complaints have been filed against Dream House Windows. Do some research and find out how many lawsuits are pending against them. I know of a homeowner where Dream House did such a poor installation that four years down the road the homeowner now has severe structural damage due to water seepage between the siding and the house costing tens of thousands of dollars and Dream House has walked away from it. So much for their 100% guaranteed warranty for life. Remember a warranty from a company is only as good as the company you are dealing with.
If for some reason you find it necessary to file legal action against them you should not only include Dream House Windows but you should also list Dream House Exteriors, ZaZa Corp. and Firas Emachah and/or any other owner's in your law suit. By naming them personally, if you win a lawsuit against them, you will be able to recover from them personally.
I hope you have found this information useful and thanks for taking the time to read this long but valuable information.
If the salesperson does an excellent job in "selling" you the moon and you decide to do business with either company I recommend the following be included in WRITING on the contract:
1. The specific name of the window "Earthwise" if that is on their brochure;
2. If they state that it is an Energy Star APPROVED window then the logo has to be on the window label as it appears on the sample window label in their brochures next to their company name. Make sure they write "Energy Star Approved" on the contract. A window can be Energy Star COMPARABLE, but it will not have the logo on the label. A window is only allowed to bear the actual logo only if it was actually tested by Energy Star;
3. If they state it is backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, it should be in writing on the contract for the same reasons outlined in paragraph 2;
4. All specs such as U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain, Visibal Transmittance, etc., and the Window identifier # (very important). The identifier number should look something like this sample (EWG-K-28-00084). The first 3 letters are the abbreviation of the manufacturer's name. The window identifier number can be traced to the ACTUAL manufacturer of the window. You can call the NFRC to verify the manufacturer;
5. NO SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED should be written on the contract;
6. The start and end date and anything else they are "promising" you;
If they are not willing to put in writing any or all of the above items, RUN do not walk away from this company. It is solid proof of their deceitful fraudulent sales pitch. If for some reason you still decide to do business with either company, give a deposit only using a credit card. Do not give cash or a check. It will be easier to recover your money if you have your credit card company disputing the charge with you. In some cases you only have 60 days or less to dispute a charge to your card so I suggest you contact your credit card company and ask about their policy regarding disputes.
On the day of installation you need to go out to their truck and examine each and every window BEFORE you allow them to remove one window in your home. If the windows do not have an official window label affixed to the glass, do not believe the installers response when he attempts to tell you that "they ran short on the production of window labels and that is why a label is not on the glass of the window", or "they did you a favor by removing the labels to save you time and work", or " the little label in the header (which is a small mailing label) is the identifier for the window with all the specs". Not true, the small label in the header is a window identifier for the manufacturer of the window in case it needs future replacement, the manufacturer will know which window it is. It is not proof of receiving the window you contracted for. Do not accept any of their excuses.
In order to protect your line of credit there are many credit card companies/banks that will issue a card with a zero credit line. You can transfer the amount of the deposit for the windows to this card. If you do encounter a problem with Dream House you will not need to be concerned with them attempting to charge the balance due for the windows WITHOUT your authorization which they did with me. I am proof of it. Anyone dealing with either company should use EXTREME caution since you can tell when they are lying and I will let you know how. Their lips are moving.
If the salesperson tells you how they remove only one window at a time, when they show up to install your new window(s) you should do the following:
1. Go out to their truck and examine each and every window to ensure the window labels AFFIXED to the glass has the correct manufacturer's name on it. If the window label bears the Energy Star logo next to the Dream House company name, it is pure fraud. Take a picture as evidence and refuse installation, then contact Energy Star and REFUSE installation logomisuse@energystar.gov and/or kristin.taddei@cadmusgroup.com;
2. Upon examining the window(s) on the truck if they bear the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval this is fraud also. They do not have legal authority to use this logo or the Energy Star logo next to their company name. Take a picture as your documented proof and report them to Good Housekeeping and REFUSE installation SAli@hearst.com ;
3. REFUSE installation and dispute the charge to your credit card as soon as possible based on fraud. This is why you need written, documented proof such as the sales brochure and contract. You will need it to challenge the charge. You can dispute the charge on the basis of fraud ONLY if you do NOT allow the installation to continue. If you allow the installation to continue and suspect fraud afterwards your credit card company may view your allowing the installation as your acceptance of the substitute window and will not allow you to dispute the charge on the basis of fraud. This sounds crazy but it is true as in my case. They removed all windows in my home before I inspected the new ones that didn't get unloaded until after my windows were out and demolished. I had no choice but to allow the installation to continue. Dream House is very savvy in how they operate, and very good at being a chameleon. I was able to dispute the two charges, the second one WITHOUT my authorization only on the basis of poor installation which was not hard to do since they did such a lousy job. I had to get a second opinion from another window company listing what was wrong with the installation and how much it would cost to repair or replace the newly, but poorly and fraudulently installed windows. Sounds easy, but it is not. It is very difficult finding a company who is willing to do so since they don't want to be caught up in the middle of a potential legal action. I was very fortunate in finding a company to do this but it was far from easy and took months.
3. Additionally, on the day of installation do not allow them to remove every window in your home at one time. If for some reason you are not confident with how the installation is going it will be very difficult to stop the installation if you have no windows in your home.
Don't put your full trust in review sites since you can't be sure who is actually writing the reviews. Call the Department of Consumer Affairs and find out how many complaints have been filed against Dream House Windows. Do some research and find out how many lawsuits are pending against them. I know of a homeowner where Dream House did such a poor installation that four years down the road the homeowner now has severe structural damage due to water seepage between the siding and the house costing tens of thousands of dollars and Dream House has walked away from it. So much for their 100% guaranteed warranty for life. Remember a warranty from a company is only as good as the company you are dealing with.
If for some reason you find it necessary to file legal action against them you should not only include Dream House Windows but you should also list Dream House Exteriors, ZaZa Corp. and Firas Emachah and/or any other owner's in your law suit. By naming them personally, if you win a lawsuit against them, you will be able to recover from them personally.
I hope you have found this information useful and thanks for taking the time to read this long but valuable information.
If the salesperson does an excellent job in "selling" you the moon and you decide to do business with either company I recommend the following be included in WRITING on the contract:
1. The specific name of the window "Earthwise" if that is on their brochure;
2. If they state that it is an Energy Star APPROVED window then the logo has to be on the window label as it appears on the sample window label in their brochures next to their company name. Make sure they write "Energy Star Approved" on the contract. A window can be Energy Star COMPARABLE, but it will not have the logo on the label. A window is only allowed to bear the actual logo only if it was actually tested by Energy Star;
3. If they state it is backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, it should be in writing on the contract for the same reasons outlined in paragraph 2;
4. All specs such as U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain, Visibal Transmittance, etc., and the Window identifier # (very important). The identifier number should look something like this sample (EWG-K-28-00084). The first 3 letters are the abbreviation of the manufacturer's name. The window identifier number can be traced to the ACTUAL manufacturer of the window. You can call the NFRC to verify the manufacturer;
5. NO SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED should be written on the contract;
6. The start and end date and anything else they are "promising" you;
If they are not willing to put in writing any or all of the above items, RUN do not walk away from this company. It is solid proof of their deceitful fraudulent sales pitch. If for some reason you still decide to do business with either company, give a deposit only using a credit card. Do not give cash or a check. It will be easier to recover your money if you have your credit card company disputing the charge with you. In some cases you only have 60 days or less to dispute a charge to your card so I suggest you contact your credit card company and ask about their policy regarding disputes.
On the day of installation you need to go out to their truck and examine each and every window BEFORE you allow them to remove one window in your home. If the windows do not have an official window label affixed to the glass, do not believe the installers response when he attempts to tell you that "they ran short on the production of window labels and that is why a label is not on the glass of the window", or "they did you a favor by removing the labels to save you time and work", or " the little label in the header (which is a small mailing label) is the identifier for the window with all the specs". Not true, the small label in the header is a window identifier for the manufacturer of the window in case it needs future replacement, the manufacturer will know which window it is. It is not proof of receiving the window you contracted for. Do not accept any of their excuses.
In order to protect your line of credit there are many credit card companies/banks that will issue a card with a zero credit line. You can transfer the amount of the deposit for the windows to this card. If you do encounter a problem with Dream House you will not need to be concerned with them attempting to charge the balance due for the windows WITHOUT your authorization which they did with me. I am proof of it. Anyone dealing with either company should use EXTREME caution since you can tell when they are lying and I will let you know how. Their lips are moving.
If the salesperson tells you how they remove only one window at a time, when they show up to install your new window(s) you should do the following:
1. Go out to their truck and examine each and every window to ensure the window labels AFFIXED to the glass has the correct manufacturer's name on it. If the window label bears the Energy Star logo next to the Dream House company name, it is pure fraud. Take a picture as evidence and refuse installation, then contact Energy Star and REFUSE installation logomisuse@energystar.gov and/or kristin.taddei@cadmusgroup.com;
2. Upon examining the window(s) on the truck if they bear the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval this is fraud also. They do not have legal authority to use this logo or the Energy Star logo next to their company name. Take a picture as your documented proof and report them to Good Housekeeping and REFUSE installation SAli@hearst.com ;
3. REFUSE installation and dispute the charge to your credit card as soon as possible based on fraud. This is why you need written, documented proof such as the sales brochure and contract. You will need it to challenge the charge. You can dispute the charge on the basis of fraud ONLY if you do NOT allow the installation to continue. If you allow the installation to continue and suspect fraud afterwards your credit card company may view your allowing the installation as your acceptance of the substitute window and will not allow you to dispute the charge on the basis of fraud. This sounds crazy but it is true as in my case. They removed all windows in my home before I inspected the new ones that didn't get unloaded until after my windows were out and demolished. I had no choice but to allow the installation to continue. Dream House is very savvy in how they operate, and very good at being a chameleon. I was able to dispute the two charges, the second one WITHOUT my authorization only on the basis of poor installation which was not hard to do since they did such a lousy job. I had to get a second opinion from another window company listing what was wrong with the installation and how much it would cost to repair or replace the newly, but poorly and fraudulently installed windows. Sounds easy, but it is not. It is very difficult finding a company who is willing to do so since they don't want to be caught up in the middle of a potential legal action. I was very fortunate in finding a company to do this but it was far from easy and took months.
3. Additionally, on the day of installation do not allow them to remove every window in your home at one time. If for some reason you are not confident with how the installation is going it will be very difficult to stop the installation if you have no windows in your home.
Don't put your full trust in review sites since you can't be sure who is actually writing the reviews. Call the Department of Consumer Affairs and find out how many complaints have been filed against Dream House Windows. Do some research and find out how many lawsuits are pending against them. I know of a homeowner where Dream House did such a poor installation that four years down the road the homeowner now has severe structural damage due to water seepage between the siding and the house costing tens of thousands of dollars and Dream House has walked away from it. So much for their 100% guaranteed warranty for life. Remember a warranty from a company is only as good as the company you are dealing with.
If for some reason you find it necessary to file legal action against them you should not only include Dream House Windows but you should also list Dream House Exteriors, ZaZa Corp. and Firas Emachah and/or any other owner's in your law suit. By naming them personally, if you win a lawsuit against them, you will be able to recover from them personally.
I hope you have found this information useful and thanks for taking the time to read this long but valuable information.
http://www.complaintslist.com/general-contractors/dream-house-windows/
www.justticewherefraudexists.com
www.ripoffreport.com
Report #1137331 or copy and paste this into your browser:
http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/dream-home-windows-siding-and-doors/west-berlin-new-jersey-08109/dream-home-windows-siding-and-doors-firas-and-lorenzo-emachah-owners-beware-of-dream-hom-1137331
Tony P
For more information on the practices of this company/owner operating out of West Berlin, NJ please see the following:
Read how they handle payroll:
http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/search/results?q=zaza&search-button=
Copy and paste the above. If it does not work then go to bizjournals.com/philadelphia and search for ZaZa
7/03/2013
Liens and Bankruptcies Leads - Collected week of June 28, 2013
http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/subsc ... nkruptcies.html
, Jurisdiction: Camden County Business or Person: B, Name: ZazaCorp./Dream House Window, Address: 141 Cooper Road, City: West Berlin, State: NJ, Zip: 08091, Amount: $121,486, Taxtype: (940/941), Bookpage: 9822
? 1/08/2014
Liens and Bankruptcies Leads - Collected week of January 3, 2014
http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/subsc ... nkruptcies.html
County Business or Person: B, Name: Zaza Corp./Dream House Window, Address: 141 Cooper Road, City: West Berlin, State: NJ, Zip: 08091, Amount: $373,623, Taxtype: (941), Bookpage: 9933/669, Filedate: 2013 ?
Complaints from others on various sites. It seems that this company and its owner Firas Emachah doesn't like to pay his subcontractors either.
FORECLOSURE!!??? I wonder who owns this business and property? I?ll give you one guess.
http://www.realtytrac.com/property/nj/west-berlin/08091/cooper-rd/32784991
ANOTHER FORECLOSURE!!??? I wonder who owns this home? I?ll give you one guess.
http://www.realtytrac.com/propertydetails/nj/ ... per-rd/49543226