Katy widow says window estimate turned into $50,000 contract dispute

Irene Lynn called for a window estimate and ended up facing a demand letter for more than $44,000 after what she thought was a pricing appointment turned into a contract dispute.

Irene Lynn said she answered an advertisement from Renewal by Andersen because she wanted a price for replacement windows, not an immediate purchase. She said a salesperson repeatedly asked her to sign on an electronic tablet and told her the signatures were needed so an underwriter could prepare a quote. Lynn said she questioned why she was signing papers she had not read, but was told to keep going. When the documents were not sent right away, she later reviewed them and said they appeared tied to a contract worth roughly $50,000.

No windows have been installed at Lynn’s home. She later received an attorney demand letter accusing her of breaching the contract and seeking more than $44,000. Saba, a consumer attorney with Lone Star Legal Aid, said, “Who signs a contract without knowing the price of anything?” Saba also said Lynn’s homeowners association never approved the project.

Under Texas Office of the Attorney General guidance, certain in-home and door-to-door sales carry a 3-business-day right of rescission. The merchant must provide a contract or receipt with the sale date, the merchant’s name and address, and a statement explaining the right to cancel. The agency also warns consumers not to sign contracts with blanks and says to get more than one estimate before agreeing to work at home.

Renewal by Andersen’s dispute form allows customers to submit written notice of a dispute and requires the company to respond within 60 days. Service requests for windows and doors purchased and installed by Renewal by Andersen are handled by the local retailer.