I've spent hours searching the Internet to obtain estimated prices for windows (Andersen, Pella, Marvin, et al.) and for exterior mahogany double doors, and exterior French swing doors. I'm extremely frustrated because I cannot find the information. While I do not want specific prices for specific products, I would like estimated price for U.I., etc. Does anyone have insight into how to obtain this information? You would think it would be available on the Internet.

If it helps, I live in South Florida.

Thanks.

 

Working for a building supply, I am very leary of giving 'ball park' prices on anything.

The companies you mention can all be contacted and asked to provide dealers for their product who are near you.

Make a list of exactly what you want (so you'll be comparing apples with apples. Do you want GBG (grills btween the glass) or applied grills? Do you want Lo-E, Argon gas filled...get the idea?

And get the warranty on each mfg spelled out. Check with the dealers - they are the ones who set prices, not the mfg.

 

Thanks for your reply. While I do not expect specific prices, an estimated price for casement windows, double hung, etc. would be great? Is it $1.00 per U.I., or $1,000 per U.I.???

I was hoping to save a great deal of time and to have approximate in hand when approaching the dealers. Information is power, no?

Thanks again

 

I am in the same situation. Currently getting rough estimates from dealers. Here is what I have so far:
Pella Proline - lo-E/Argon : Double-hung : 30X60 (avg size) : Pocket replacement - $750, Full replacement - $850.00/window. Installed by Pella. HomeDepot (American Craftsman) - lo-E/Argon : same measurements : $250.00/window. Do-it yourself project replacement.

Hope this helps -- still in some minor price shock. Most of the costs seem to be tied up with labor.

 

Your comparing a Pella window with an American Craftsman. That is about like comparing a Ford Focus to a Cadillac.

 

Oh yes.. I'm sorry. My point was I guess that yes - aside from the obvious quality issue between the 2 types of windows - Pella is installing them vs. purchasing replacement windows from HomeDepot and spending 50% less to Do-it-yourself.

 

to megaman: thanks for the reply and the numbers. i've obtained some on my own and will post them later when i finish with all my quotes and can then post an ESTIMATED price per U.I.

what i have learned in the last 10 days conforms to lefty's, that there are ford focus and cadillac windows and one should not compare one with the other. however, it would be wise to have a way to compare brands without having to spend hours upon hours arranging and obtaining price quotes.

although i've learned that windows are not commodities like a 3' piece of red oak, the consumer would benefit a great deal by having a frame of reference. information in a consumer's hand is the best negotiating power against pella, andersen, et al. and their dealers.

best regards, rafasan

 

I just paid $90.00 each for my amaerican craftsman windows 32"x 60" in stock on the shelf at Home Depot and installed them myself.

Arre your windows really big or something ??

 

I cannot find any reviews of American Craftsman windows (probably because they're only sold at Home Depot). I live in Wisconsin, so I need good windows. Are these any good (or can someone point me to reviews for these windows)?

 

New2this,

There are literally 1000's of brands of windows, and they range from super cheap to something that might make even Mr. Gates choke on the price.

Decide first what you can afford to invest in your house. The upper limit of your budget will probably determine which type of frames you will be looking at -- wood, fiberglass, clad, vinyl, ...

Wisconsin -- cold winters. You will want Low-E or Low-E squared glass and argon gas fill. The upcharge for the Low-E generally won't be that much. Around here I can usually get it included at no add'l cost during the spring and summer. Argon will add about 10% to the cost of the windows.

Compare mfgrs. (who's going to be around in 15 or 20 years if you have a problem?), warranties (Lifetime of what? Is it prorated? What's covered -- what isn't), and the NFRC sticker ratings. And understand what the NFRC ratings mean and how they work. The 1st listed is the U-Factor.. That is a measure of how much heat is lost thru the window in the winter -- the lower the number, the better. SHGC is the solar heat gain through the window in the summer -- the lower the number, the better. (Each of these should be less than .40 -- otherwise, look elsewhere for windows.) Finally, visible light transmittance -- the higher the number, the less darkening the window will result in. Look for .50 or higher.

Check with your local utility and see if they are offering any sort of incentives for replacing your windows. My local utility rebates (through a credit on a your utility bill) 10% of the cost of the windows if they have the Energy Star rating. The other major utility in this area also has a rebate program, but it's not quite as generous (works out to about 6% or 7%).

Figure out how much you can afford, then start window shopping. Some types of frames and some mfgrs. will probably get ruled out very quickly. Then it becomes who offers the biggest bang for the buck, and who has the best warranty.