Timestamps
0:37 Why They Chose C&L Ward
1:24 Design Changes
2:04 Showroom Experience
2:46 Professional Installation
3:11 Final Impressions
When Jim and Diana McGrath started thinking about replacing their windows and doors, the decision was not cosmetic. Their existing windows were failing.
“Our windows were leaking like a sieve,” Diana said. “The shades, the curtains, would blow when the windows were closed. It was freezing.”
After about 25 years in their Clarkston, Michigan home, they decided it was time to invest in new windows and doors. In their testimonial, Jim and Diana explain why they chose C&L Ward, how the consultation helped them make better decisions, and what stood out most during the installation process.
Table of Contents
4 Key Takeaways from Jim and Diana’s C&L Ward Experience
1. C&L Ward Earned Their Trust Through Reputation and Referrals
Before choosing C&L Ward, Jim and Diana looked for reassurance that they were making the right decision.
Jim had seen C&L Ward trucks around, but a personal referral helped build confidence. His brother, who had experience with home building and contractors, had recently purchased windows from C&L Ward and recommended the company.
Diana also said C&L Ward stood out because of its reputation.
“I think we chose C&L Ward because of the reputation,” she said. “Once we had looked into it, hands above, C&L Ward was the most recommended.”
For homeowners, this is often one of the most important parts of the buying process. Replacing windows and doors is a major investment, and many people want validation from reviews, referrals, and others who have already gone through the process.
2. The Design Consultation Helped Them Make Better Decisions
One of the strongest parts of Jim and Diana’s experience was the design consultation.
Jim said their consultant, Stacey, did not make the appointment feel like a sales pitch.
“He wasn’t just here to sell his windows,” Jim said. “He was here to help us make good decisions.”
That mattered because Jim and Diana were not completely sure what they wanted.
“We didn’t know what we wanted,” Diana said. “He helped us figure out what we wanted.”
During the consultation, they made several design changes, including removing a transom, choosing a picture window, and replacing a French door with a sliding door to gain more usable space.
For many homeowners, this is a major concern: “What if I choose the wrong window or door style?”
Jim and Diana’s experience shows how helpful it can be to work with someone who can explain options, make practical recommendations, and help the finished project fit the home.
3. Seeing Products and Options in Person Increased Their Confidence
Jim also visited C&L Ward’s Davison showroom, where he was able to compare window options and see design tools in person.
He mentioned looking at Andersen 100 Series and 400 Series windows, as well as using a virtual door visualization tool that allowed them to change door styles and glass options.
Diana joined by FaceTime, which helped them make decisions together.
“We didn’t have to picture the process in our heads,” Diana said. “We were able to see it in person, and it really helped solidify that was the right choice.”
For homeowners, seeing products in person can reduce uncertainty. Instead of trying to imagine how a window or door will look, they can compare options, ask questions, and make more confident choices before installation begins.
4. The Installation Team Exceeded Expectations
While Jim and Diana were happy with the products and design choices, some of their strongest comments were about the installation crew.
Diana described the crew as professional, punctual, kind, and competent.
“The most professional crew we’ve ever worked with,” she said.
Jim also pointed out that the team handled the installation carefully. He said they did not have to worry about messes, whether the windows were installed correctly, or whether the exterior trim and caulking were done properly.
He was especially surprised that the crew completed the casing work without leaving marks on the walls.
“I expected we’d at least have to do touch-up painting around the windows,” Jim said. “Not at all.”
For homeowners, installation quality can be just as important as the window or door brand itself. Even a high-quality product depends on proper installation, clean finishing, and attention to detail.
What Can Homeowners Learn From Jim and Diana’s Experience?
Replace Windows Before Failure Becomes Expensive
Jim and Diana got about 25 years out of their original windows. By the time they decided to replace them, the windows were drafty, leaking air, and making the home uncomfortable in cold weather.
Homeowners often wait until drafts, water intrusion, rising energy bills, or comfort issues become difficult to ignore. Their experience is a reminder that window problems usually get worse over time, not better.
The Right Design Choices Can Improve More Than Energy Efficiency
This project was not only about replacing old windows and doors. It also changed how parts of the home looked and functioned.
Jim and Diana removed a transom, added a picture window, and replaced a French door with a sliding door to gain more usable space.
These choices show that a window and door replacement project can improve more than comfort. It can also change natural light, room layout, curb appeal, and everyday functionality.
Installation Quality Matters as Much as the Window Brand
Jim and Diana’s testimonial makes one thing clear: the installation experience mattered.
They noticed the professionalism of the crew, the cleanliness of the work, the quality of the trim and caulking, and the care taken inside their home.
That is important because many homeowners compare products first. But the company installing those products plays a major role in how the finished project looks, performs, and holds up over time.
FAQs About Jim and Diana’s Window and Door Replacement Experience
Why did Jim and Diana choose C&L Ward?
Jim and Diana chose C&L Ward because of the company’s reputation, local visibility, and a personal referral from Jim’s brother, who had experience with contractors and had recently purchased windows from C&L Ward.
How long did their original windows last?
Their original windows lasted about 25 years. Jim said they built their home in 1999 and replaced all of their windows and doors in January.
What problems were they having with their old windows?
Diana said their windows were leaking badly. She described the curtains and shades moving even when the windows were closed, and said the home felt freezing.
What changes did they make during the design process?
They removed a transom, added a picture window, and replaced a French door with a sliding door. These changes improved the look of the room and gave them more usable space.
Can replacement windows change the appearance of a room?
Yes. In Jim and Diana’s case, the new picture window changed the look and feel of the room. Jim said it made a major difference.
What was the installation experience like?
Jim and Diana described the installation crew as professional, punctual, competent, clean, and detail-oriented. Jim said he expected to need touch-up painting after the installation, but the crew completed the work without leaving marks on the walls.
Would Jim and Diana recommend C&L Ward?
Yes. Jim said they would definitely recommend C&L Ward to friends and family looking to have major home improvements done.
What’s the next step towards my new windows or door?
Whether you already know what you want or would like to learn more about different materials and options, schedule a consultation with one of our experts design consultants. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and work with you to make custom selections.
Full “From Drafty & Leaking Windows to Peace of Mind | Jim & Diana’s C&L Ward Experience” Transcript
Diana McGrath: Our windows were leaking like a sieve. The shades, the curtains, would blow when the windows were closed. It was freezing.
Jim McGrath: We just decided it was time to make that investment.
Diana: Hi. I’m Diana McGrath, and we’re from Clarkston, Michigan.
Jim: Hi. Jim McGrath from Clarkston, and we had all of our windows and doors replaced in January when it was 10° out. [Laughs.] We built this home in 1999, and so we got 25-ish years out of our windows. C&LWard, I’d seen your trucks around, but my brother, who has built some homes, recently bought windows from C&L Ward last year for his home improvement project. And so I reached out to him because he knows all the different contractors, and he said, “Oh, C&L Ward, just talk to those guys. They know what they’re doing.”
Diana: I think we chose C&L Ward because of the reputation. You know, once we had looked into it, hands above C&L Ward was the most recommended.
Jim: But, you know, frankly, the first time we met with Stacey, we felt like this was somebody who wasn’t just here to sell his windows. He was here to help us make good decisions. And everything that he suggested was a really big change to the look and feel of the room.
Diana: And a change for the better.
Jim: Yeah, it actually started with the sales cycle. So Stacey was our salesman, and he was great.
Diana: All of Stacey’s suggestions were really great. I mean, we didn’t know what we wanted. He helped us figure out what we wanted.
Jim: And we eliminated the transom and all the bulk there. And then we have a picture window now, which Stacey suggested. You know, “Would you guys like a picture window here? Seems like a great spot for it.” And it’s awesome. I mean, it just changes the look of the room completely.
We did make some changes, like this door back here used to be a French door, and we decided to make it a slider because it just saves more room. It was nice to have that extra room back.
Diana: Absolutely.
Jim: I went up to your showroom in Davison and—
Diama: He FaceTimed me in. [Laughs.]
Jim: —Yeah, we FaceTimed her. And so Stacey showed me all the different types of windows. The 100 Series, 400 Series, and then you guys had that virtual door window thing that was really cool. You could pick the door type and then change all the glass and see what it was going to look like. And we love our new front door, by the way.
So, it was really kind of cool to see where all that was done, walk through the workshops area and kind of see people working on windows.
Diana: We didn’t have to picture the process in our heads. We were able to see it in person, and it really helped solidify. That was the right choice. The most professional crew we’ve ever worked with. I have never met a more professional, punctual, just super nice, competent crew.
Jim: And yeah, it was a great experience. We would definitely recommend C&L Ward to our friends and family who are looking to have major home improvements done, because your team is professional. And that just made the biggest difference.
We didn’t have to worry about messes. We didn’t have to worry about the windows being put in right or the outside being, you know, trimmed and caulked properly. It was all done professionally and very, very high standards. I mean, I couldn’t believe they got the casings all in and made no, like no marks on the wall. Like, I expected we’d at least have to do touch-up painting around the windows. Not at all.
[Music].





