About this company
FREELITE, Inc.
FREELITE, which began in Tucson in 1977 under the name "Desert Living," was not founded by businessmen. We were seven friends in our twenties, well-educated but naive, with big ideas and varying levels of carpentry experience. We were not particularly money-driven, and we were poorly capitalized, but we were resourceful and we were persistent. Our goal was to build an organization that would provide a livelihood for ourselves and for others while materially impacting our customers in a beneficial way. The company was to be a vehicle for making a mark on the world.
We quickly learned that it wasn't easy to start and sustain a business. We tried landscaping, and then greenhouse building, and made very little money in those early years. Eventually we stumbled on a new product, skylights, that was just coming into vogue, and we were able to ride the wave of a new trend in home improvement: opening up interior spaces to natural light.
In 1981, Chip Marvin moved to Phoenix with $500 and an old Ford pick-up truck to open a branch under the trade name "FREELITE," and, later, other partners carried the business to Los Angeles, San Diego, and Dallas. Eventually the company split up into five separate entities, all of which are still in operation. Our continued shortage of money posed many challenges. Lacking the resources needed for a showroom and a large inventory , we couldn't sell as many skylights as the big home improvement retailers. Instead, out of necessity, we concentrated on skylight installations, and soon it became apparent we had tapped into something marketable. People didn't like having to buy the product from a store and then shop for different tradesmen to perform the various types of work -carpentry , roofing, drywall finishing, painting, etc. -that comprise a typical installation. As specialty contractors offering "one-stop" shopping, we were able to bridge the huge gap in the buying process between the firsr stirring of a customer's interest and their actual enjoyment of the product in their home. Our business philosophy was to take complete responsibility for each project. This meant: listening to our customers to ascertain their needs and desires; educating them as to available options; matching a skylight design to their requirements using a low-key, no-pressure sales approach; and, finally, executing a professional installation, down to finishing touches.
Over the years, market demand and our desire to grow as a company have fueled an expansion into other daylighting products that enhance the beauty and value of homes: windows, doors, dome ceilings, and atrium enclosures. And while we have developed a large retail sales division, the heart of our business remains residential installations. Almost all of the items we carry are also available at the big chain stores and yet we now sell a greater volume of our premium skylight, Velux, than do all of the Arizona Home Depot outlets combined. This is because we do more than simply sell products; by overseeing our daylighting projects from start to finish, we literally transform living spaces. We haye responded to our customers and are successful as a result. Our slogan says it all: "We Deliver Daylight." Hide
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Customer satisfaction
Of 1282 customers surveyed, 850 respondedReviews 494
Of 850 respondents, 494 left a reviewRecent reviews
Roger H.
Tiffany has been fabulous helping us with the retractable screen that we are having problems with.
Sandra G.
We needed to have a new sky light installed due to an errant golf ball. The contact that I had with Marvin and his workers was positive and all were very professional. I updated our other sky light to match the other one being installed. They are now both energy efficient and look wonderful. I would recommend this comp-any!
Mona N.
I love the windows, I've had all my 22 windows (6 sliding glass doors and in sizes 6' x 4' to 2' x 2') changed out over a period of several years. I highly recommend the quality, and service. I would not use anyone else.
Anita R.
We are very pleased with the Milgard Window product Freelite suggested and installed. This product has far exceeded our expectations. Not only is it good for better sunlight with excellent tinting, it also keeps the cool in and our music has never sounded better. So bottom line is it keeps our house cooler inside while keeping the heat outside which saves us alot on energy bills. We have a 2500 square foot house and our electric bill was $275 for the hottest month of the year. We do other things to reduce the cost, but these windows are a huge component. As well, we were very impressed by the installation / installers. Matt, the foreman - If I had my preference, I would like to see him leading any construction project. That's how good we think he is. We would recommend Freelite to our friends and neighbors and will continue to do so. They weren't perfect, and they fixed all issues to our satisfaction.
Review in Mesa, AZ
Product Selections Process
Product Selections Process - The education process was effective.
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - I was satisfied with the installers. They were professional and helpful.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Would like to recognize all the installers.
Steve B.
Additional comments
Product Selections Process
Product Selections Process - The gentleman I worked with was knowledgeable.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Chip did a good job.
Marcy R.
Additional comments
Sales Knowledge
Sales Knowledge - He always promptly answered my inquiries and emails!
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - We were amazed the difference the solar light has made in our dark entryway!
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Our installers were very efficient and cleaned up all the mess which was minimal!
Pete L.
Additional comments
Product Selections Process
Product Selections Process - It was very good and I would give it a 4.
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - I was satisfied with their organization, cleanliness, and knowledge of what was available.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - The painter and the install crew were exceptional.
William C.
Additional comments
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - I was most satisfied with their timeliness and attention to detail.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - I would like recognize the installers for their exceptional service.
Dick N.
Additional comments
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - I was so happy with Freelite, Inc and their serves, I recommended them to 3 of my neighbours.
Lynne D.
Additional comments
Product Selections Process
Product Selections Process - Very effective
Areas For Improvement
Areas For Improvement - They never fell short
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Everyone I worked with deserves recognition.
John B.
Additional comments
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - I was most satisfied that they did a good job.
Linda G.
I highly recommend this company. They really worked with me and my concerns. This was the only company that really helped me pick out the right spot and we decided on one skylight instead of two as my sales person thought it would be enough light. It is perfect. Two would have been over kill and a waste of my money. The rest of the companies who quoted thought I needed two, so I appreciate there honest appraisal. They were clean, efficient, friendly and experts at what they do. Thank you Freelite.
Additional comments
Schedule
Schedule - Even better. They had an unexpected opening and I got my skylight much quicker than anticipated.
Clean & Safe
Clean & Safe - Exceptional care was taken to protect my environment and keep everything clean. Very appreciated.
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - The sales person who took the time to look at things and talk about the company. The clean professionalism of the installers. And the quick reponse when I wanted things to match better.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Joe the finisher was exceptional to work with. The installers were happy and friendly. And the sales person made me feel like he knew what they were doing and what was going to happen.
Jennifer F.
We are very happy with our new skylights and the service and skill of the installer.
Additional comments
Product Selections Process
Product Selections Process - It was very effective. It was a good experience.
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - They give you a list and the cost and value of the product was excellent. The timelines of the serve was great. The guy came to inspect the worksite and did it right then and there instead of us having to have someone come back out.
Current Referrals
Current Referrals - I will definitely recommend.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Chip did great and the installer did great.
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - I am very happy with my experience with them. They exceeded all my expectations.
Rich A.
They guys were all fantastic, I would use them again without any worries knowing they would do a great job
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Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - all exceptions were met
Billy M.
I have already referred someone.
Additional comments
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - Mr. Moyle was driving and could not commit to the entire survey but he wanted to rate FREELITE Inc. and comment on his experience."I had a great experience with FREELITE Inc. There were no problems at all. I give them the highest ratings".
Walt M.
Additional comments
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - Freelite delivers 150% of service and the products they have are tops!
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - I wish I knew the two gentlemen that installed my newest skylight, but I have forgotten their names. They deserve hi-fives and gold stars for their workmanship and professional attitudes. Joe from Classic Painting is first class too!
Gordon H.
FREELITE installed my original skylights, over 25years ago and through all the many storms, summer heat, etc., we needed a replacement. Chip came out at my request and gave me a good price on replacing them with a new more efficient product. They did another great job. Thank YouGordon J. Heser
Charlie R.
Additional comments
Areas For Improvement
Areas For Improvement - They didn't fall short. They were very professional and they have a professional web page
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - The quality of the product that I saw and the quality of Chip, who explained the things to me that I was going to get.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - I'd like to recognize Chip. He was very professional and on time. He also provided a reminder call.
Mike H.
Installed two new doors with window inserts. Installers were professional, focused, stayed on task and left the two areas clean and tidy.
Nicole C.
Additional comments
Product Selections Process
Product Selections Process - Very good. Overall, very pleased with the final product.
Tim H.
Additional comments
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - I was most satisfied with the product, and the installation. I thought they all did a great job.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Everybody did a great job.
Linda D.
They just have great integrity. Integrity permeates the whole business. With their good communication they are very effective.
Additional comments
Product Selections Process
Product Selections Process - They do a great job with this. I have an older home and it is challenging because you have to customize measurements with the products they recommend. It has been absolutely perfect with the products they chose in both circumstances and situations for me.
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - I was most satisfied with the communication and the specification of the right product for the right application.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Chip was exceptional. It is his integrity, character, and professionalism that comes through for the whole company.
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - It was a good customer experience and a good product and I am happy with outcome.
John I.
A bit of debris was left over that I had to clean up myself, but otherwise the materials and workmanship are outstanding.
Roland C.
Freelite is excellent, we have purchased numerous products from them and all with excellent service. We have bought Pella and Milgard mainly with much better service and selection than the big box stores.
Additional comments
Product Selections Process
Product Selections Process - Chip always does an excellent job, he explains every detail so you can make an effective choice on what product to use.
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - Excellent service, installation and selection of products.
GuildQuality
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