Window Cleaner Recommendations
Since there have been a few comments on STW about window washing of late, I wanted to make sure people know about Mark Barthman (Phone: 510-724-0800).
We recently hired Mark to wash our windows and he did a really excellent job for us. He is careful and very detailed in his work. He is also very fair in his pricing, charging less than the competition.
Reaching Mark by phone can be a bit of a challenge, but well worth the effort. (October, 2011)
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In response to a request on your Share the Wealth regarding window washers for the Pinnacle Building, we used Smart Window Cleaning, phone numbers (800)464-7299 or (415)382-0999 or (925)837-9999. Their office is apparently in Novato. We used them in November 2008 (when the economy was way down and everyone was looking for work). They did all the outside windows in our unit (208) including taking down the screens and washing them for $120.00. We did the insides ourselves. At the time they did say they could probably do it for a better price if we got a few other units to do it at the same time. Don't know what their 2011 prices might be...or if they are even willing to come here now. (May, 2011)
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The reshingled buildings are looking really nice as the scaffolding comes down...except for those dirty windows! Even though they made the mess, I'm pretty sure the the cost of window cleaning wasn't included in our construction contract. So, for those of you who would like a clear view once again, Mark Barthman is available to do window washing by leaving a message at 724-0800. (He's washed windows here at Brickyard for a number of years, does a great job, is fairly inexpensive, and is careful not to drip water onto the windows of your neighbors below.) (September, 2009)
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I want to alert anyone who is contemplating using the window washer I arranged for last Saturday, WWC. Their representative had come out earlier to give us estimates. He visited several different units and gave us prices for all the windows in each unit. However, when his workers came they announced that the upper slanted windows in some units were skylights and not included in the estimate, and in one unit that I know of, they charged the resident $50 above the estimate to do those windows. Also, I was disappointed in the job done in my unit. After they had left and when the sun came around to some of my windows there were some spots and streaks. Thanks, Ida (June, 2005)
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Once again Mark (510-724-0800) has done all the windows and screens in our unit and they are, as always, done correctly and without any undue mishaps. I do understand the reluctance of some folks to have uninsured workers in their units but if you check with your insurance carrier - I am sure all Homeowners have some level of coverage on contents, etc. - you may find that you can insure "casual labor" for a fee and it is probably not as much annually as you all might imagine. In any event, it would seem that Mark is still the best deal at Brickyard on the window front and can perform a number of other tasks with little or no problem. Not making an ironclad warranty but with a very considered referral. (June, 2005)
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Thanks to Caitlin Far for compiling the following information!
Here is information on two vendors: * WWC (contact: Ron Terry), and * Mark Barthman
Before I compare these vendors, I need to emphasize something very important: WHEN PLANNING TO GET YOUR WINDOWS WASHED, WE ALL NEED TO COORDINATE SCHEDULING WITH OUR NEIGHBORS IN THE UNITS DIRECTLY ABOVE AND BELOW US AHEAD OF TIME. The reason is that when WWC washes our windows, there WILL be some dripping onto the windows directly below. While Mark Barthman takes extra time and care to avoid dripping on the units below; WWC does not work this way. If we don't cooperate with our neighbors directly above and below us when we schedule window washing, we run the risk of creating drips for our neighbors below us, or having our windows dripped on after we've paid to have them cleaned. I know I wouldn't appreciate that!
Here are the differences between the two vendors:
COST:
WWC: This is a little tricky; I've done my best to be clear; however if you have any questions, please contact Ron Terry directly (contact info is below).
The minimum charge per unit is $150 (it's more of course if the cost to wash the number of windows you have exceeds the $150 minimum). If you are part of a group of 5 or more units, Ron will waive the minimum rate, and will charge based on the standard rates shown below:
The base price is $11 per outside window; add $2 to clean the inside window, and $3 per screen. Please note that a window is defined as two panes; if there's an odd number of window panes, it's rounded up as another window. For example, I have a total of 7 window panes in my solarium, with 3 below and 4 above. 6 of those window panes equals 3 windows; the 7th window pane is "rounded up" to 1 window. WWC would count my solarium as 4 windows.
Mark: Mark charges between $75 to $150 per unit, depending on the number of windows.
INSURANCE:
WWC: Ron tells me they have liability insurance, workers' comp and are bonded.
Mark: Mark does not have these coverages.
SAFETY:
WWC: As you know, many of us have had concerns about the method used to clean the upper solarium windows. WWC staff will stand on the windowsill to clean the upper solarium windows.
Mark: I spoke at length with Mark about the concern many people have expressed about him standing on the railing. He is willing to modify how he works and stand on the windowsill to clean the upper solarium windows. He is a little concerned that he won't be able to get the windows quite as clean that way (he has a high standard of cleanliness), but understands the liability issue.
WINDOW SILLS AND SCREENS:
WWC: They will not clean the window sills.
Mark: Mark cleans the window sills as part of his standard service; he would also like to point out that cleaning the oxidation of the window screens is very challenging, and is not confident that a professional window washing service would be able to clean them as well as he does.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
WWC: WWC has been working with Brickyard Landing to clean the skylights for a number of years. They are a solid, professional organization (with insurance) and I believe they will do a good job. It's unfortunate that there will be a dripping problem with them, but I think this would happen with any professional window washing company.
Mark: Mark has been washing windows at Brickyard Landing for almost 15 years. While not insured, he takes great pride in his work (and honesty), "details" windows, avoids dripping onto units below, and spends more time on each unit than WWC. Please note that Mark is not available to clean windows in the 1400 Pinnacle Court building
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ron Terry WWC Phone: 1-800-287-7211 Pager: 1-415-219-6234
Mark Barthman Phone: 510-724-0800
Want make a recommendation? Just email us!
