When people think about updating their homes, kitchens and bathrooms often get most of the attention. Yet few improvements have as much impact on a home's appearance, comfort, and curb appeal as new windows and doors. They frame every view, welcome every guest, and shape the personality of a home inside and out.
For more than three decades, Great Plains Windows and Doors has helped Twin Cities homeowners make those decisions with care. Based in Oakdale, the company specializes exclusively in replacement windows and doors for existing homes, offering everything from the initial consultation through installation and service. That singular focus has helped earn its reputation as Andersen's only Elite Dealer and Installation Company in the Twin Cities.
Tony Flint knows the business inside and out. He joined Great Plains Windows and Doors more than 10 years ago as the division's very first employee and has helped build the operation from the ground up.
"It's a bit of a cliché, but it starts with the customer," Flint says. "We put ourselves in their shoes right from the very beginning."
More Than a Sales Call
Replacing windows and doors is rarely an impulse purchase. For many homeowners, it is their first major renovation project. Flint says his team never loses sight of that reality.
Rather than rushing through estimates, Great Plains takes the time to explain the process, discuss installation methods, answer questions, and even help homeowners compare proposals from other companies.
"We want homeowners to be in a position where they have the information they need," Flint explains. "That helps them make the comparisons they need to make an informed decision."
That educational approach has become part of the company's culture. Every conversation is built around understanding how a family lives in its home, what concerns they have, and what they hope to accomplish through the project.
After all, replacing windows and doors is about much more than measurements. It's about working inside someone's home and treating that space with respect.
Bringing Style Home
Windows and doors do far more than let in light and fresh air. They shape a home's character, influence curb appeal, and help define the style homeowners experience every day.
Outside, darker window colors continue to appeal to homeowners seeking a more contemporary look. Black and dark bronze have become increasingly popular, and today's finishes perform far better than earlier generations.
"We've sold more dark bronze and black windows and doors in the last few years than ever," Flint says. "The technology has improved. The fading concerns people had years ago just aren't the same today."
Inside the home, design choices are changing too.
Some homeowners prefer an all-white look with white walls, white trim, and white windows that brighten living spaces. Others want the warmth of maple or oak interiors, especially in older homes where natural wood complements the original character.
The details matter, too. Hardware finishes can coordinate with kitchen cabinets or interior doors. Black exterior windows can be paired with black interiors for a bold statement, or balanced with white trim for a clean, contemporary contrast.
"We spend a lot of time talking to our customers about the look they're trying to achieve," says Flint. "We almost become designers."
Entry doors open even more possibilities. Decorative glass, sidelights, transom windows, hardware, colors, and panel designs allow homeowners to create an entrance that reflects their personal style before guests ever step inside.
Knowing When It's Time
So, when is it time to replace your windows and doors? Sometimes the signs are obvious.
Windows become difficult to crank open. Double-hung windows no longer slide easily. Hardware begins wearing out. Condensation forms between panes, or moisture starts contributing to rot around the frame. Older single-pane windows often allow outdoor temperatures to transfer directly into the home, making rooms less comfortable throughout Minnesota's changing seasons.
Other homeowners simply want a different look. Many are moving into homes that are new to them and want windows and doors that better match their style while updating how they function.
Whatever the motivation, Flint says homeowners don't need to wait for a particular season.
"We replace windows all year round, even during the winter," he says. "The installation materials we use are made for Minnesota's temperatures."
On especially cold days below zero, projects may be adjusted slightly to prioritize the safety of homeowners and installation crews, but replacements occur year-round.
Built Around One Brand
While some companies offer products from many manufacturers, Great Plains Windows and Doors has focused exclusively on Andersen products since the beginning. That specialization allows the team to develop deep product knowledge while maintaining a close working relationship with Andersen.
The company installs nearly every Andersen product line and understands how different materials perform in Minnesota's climate, whether homeowners are considering composite, wood-core, aluminum, or other construction options.
Flint believes that focus ultimately benefits homeowners. "We're not the biggest," he says. "But we really believe in the process. We believe in helping homeowners. We want them to get what they're looking for, and that what they get makes sense to them."
That philosophy has guided the company since 1991. It's one conversation, one home, and one installation at a time.
To see more design inspiration or schedule an in-home consultation, visit Great Plains Windows and Doors online at https://greatplainswindows.com/.
We put ourselves in our customers’ shoes right from the very beginning.
We replace windows all year round, even during the winter. The installation materials we use are made for Minnesota's temperatures.