Universal Windows Direct Vs. Window World
- The Wacky Window Woman
- May 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 6
Compare Universal Windows Direct vs. Window World—explore pricing, quality, and customer service to find the best window replacement.
These two companies have significantly different pricing. For my home, the quote I received from Universal Windows Direct was more than double the cost of the quote from Window World.
Be sure to see the Wacky Window Woman Comparison chart for some of the most well-known
Window Replacement Companies
We all do it, we Google phrases like “best windows near me” or “best replacement windows in anytown,” in an effort to feel like we are doing our homework as consumers. When my husband and I finally got to the point where we were ready to replace the builder grade windows in our almost 10-year old house, we dreaded the fact that we knew we needed to be prepared to let 3 or 4 or even 5 different replacement window companies into our home just to get an idea of the cost.
The first company we let in was Mad City Windows, that was a terrible experience. I then found Virtual View Windows and then the last bid came from a local window company. After the Mad City marathon appointment of over two hours I went on a quest to find a company who would provide a quote electronically. So far, I've only found the one, Virtual View.
Virtual View Windows ended up being a hidden gem. They do all their business from quote to contract virtually and don't require that you sit through a demo. They can send to you a pre-recorded video that shows the features of their Alside Mezzo Quattro Window or you can request a Zoom demo, if you want?
I created this website because I knew there had to be a better way to help people start their replacement window journey.
Universal Windows Direct
It’s not that I had a bad experience with Universal Windows Direct, but rather their Sales guy, “R” gave up on the sale once he learned we had quotes from Window World, Virtual View, a local company and then Mad City. It’s as if he knew several of the ones we had already collected a quote from would be lower and there was no way he could compete.
He could have tried to one-up the others with some spec his window had that he knew the others didn’t or played up how his warranty was better by this feature or that feature, but he totally gave up. He called our 1,580 square foot home of twelve-windows a “large” project and that it would be over $20,000.
As we begin to question him on items like would haul-away be an extra cost or was there an add-on if we wanted financing, he said that we could assume his windows would be $2,000 per window give or take and everything were asking was not considered an extra. I thought to myself, so why isn’t he selling that? Rosati charges extra to haul away the old windows and adds a flat fee to the cost if you want to finance, why wasn’t he using those facts to fight for the sale?
“R” basically quoted us $2,000 per window and said that our 1,580 square foot home with 12 windows was a large project? That sounded odd to me, my home is fairly small and I know many people in the Columbus, Ohio area that have way more windows than twelve. So in the end, he never put anything in writing, but said everything was included and the price for all twelve would be $24,000.
Window World
“Walt” from Window World had a different view on our appointment that “R” from Universal did. He confidently walked into our home with his bag of “stuff”, his window sample and his brochures. I was in another room when he arrived and didn’t get to hear the beginning of his sales pitch and he didn’t bother to repeat it for me.
He immediately went to his brochure and using his ink pen as a pointer began to explain how the window was manufactured and some differences that I likely didn’t catch because he was talking so quickly. Once he finished his tour of the Window World brochure, he then grabbed a Window World Price Quote Sheet.
It contained five sections on it:
1. Window World Basics
2. Glass/Window Options
3. Door Options
4. Pre-1978 Built Home option
5. Miscellaneous options
Once he added all the options together his total price was $10,673 making them #1, currently on the Wacky Window Woman Replacement Window comparison chart.
On Window World’s quote, “Walt”, also noted ways to take away features in an effort to reduce the price. We could have removed Argon Gas or Low-E glass for example, but those were all items we knew we wanted and were non-negotiable. There was nothing we were willing to remove only to reduce the price.
"Walt's" price was really good, but as I dove into the Energy Star 7.0, Air Infiltration and U-Factor ratings, it became quite clear that Alside series that Window World sells isn't up to par with the Alside Mezzo Quattro Window that Virtual View sells.
Replacement Windows – Who should you choose?
When you get the point where you feel you have collected enough quotes, seen enough demos and feel comfortable that you recognize a good value when you see it, then it’s time to call it quits and make a final decision.
For me, the window energy ratings, the cost and the virtual sales process/experience all weighed in on our final decision to go with Virtual View Windows.
Universal Windows Direct Vs. Window World
These two big players are both very well known in the replacement window world. Just because you recognize the name doesn't make them the best value.
Be sure to check out the Wacky Window Woman Price Chart to see how Replacement Window companies stack up one against the other.
And regardless of who you choose to purchase from, be sure to tell them the Wacky Window Woman sent you.
