Hi All,

I am trying to find out what to do in the way of getting replacement windows installed in my house....I am going to have them insalled as I don't trust my handy-man abilities on this.

Price quotes are all over the place....can anyone shed some light on this for me? I am looking at approximately 30 double hung windows- right now I have 70 year old wood frame windos in my colonial style home. No oversized or fancy windows - just double-hung windows.

Sear quoted me $17k (vinyl)...Pella came in around $23K (wood) for the snap-in grill version and $28 for the high-end style (perm. grill).

I was hoping to figure out what the difference between these things are and if anyone has recommendations on quality - middle of the road type windows that are very enery efficient.

Thanks and appreciate the insights!

Rob

 

Pella wood replacements (precision fit) are really nice windows, wood is usually expensive, which explains the high price. Pella usually doesn't boast the most energy efficient windows, however.

I don't mean to rag on Sears, but they are also on the high $ end of the spectrum, because Sears makes money, and the contractor makes money, so Sears bids end up being sometimes 25% higher than if you would have just gone straight to a contractor in the first place, minus the Sears label. One supposed benefit of Sears (or Lowes, HD and the like) is that their contractors have met (or are supposed to meet) certain high quality standards in order to carry the Sears, Lowes, HD name. Those companies' reputations are on the line, so they screen their installers pretty well to make sure they are going to do a nice job for people. Some customers feel that sort of peace of mind is worth something, which is certainly is.

You should probably continue your fact-finding, talk to more people, find out more about windows until you decide what you even want, whether it be wood or vinyl. Be sure you find out if the installer will do a complete job (interior / exterior trim... painting & staining... exterior cladding, that sort of thing) or if there is going to be something left for you to do after they have "finished". Some companies might be the low bid, but if they slap the windows in, then get ready to leave and tell you they didn't include any of those other things, you won't be happy.

If you can find a company that specializes in window replacement, I'd certainly recommend that. Often glass companies will have a residential window replacement division, and they often do good work. Companies that install windows and siding would be another place to look. Best thing I can recommend is: before deciding on a company, get references, call them, inspect some of their work and see how it looks. And don't fall for any of their "if you sign tonight" sales tricks. High pressure salesmen are the worst.

 

You might consider single hung instead of double hung to save a few $s. Also, there should be less infiltration. I went the route of fixed upers and never regreted not being able to open the top.

Just a thought.

Dick

 

appreciate the feedback!

 

Rob,
Check out my reply on quality of windows on the thread titled Champion 365 Windows on 09/21/05. I forgot to mention that the manufacturers warranty should also be considered. If you have 30 windows, I don't think you want to go with middle of the road products when it comes to quality. Quality comes first, price is secondary. Ask the manufacturers for the data that I mentioned in my reply. If any of the data is not available, then move to the next manufacturer for consideration. When you compare data like "air infiltration" make sure the window was put through a wind test of the same speed. Pella uses two wind speeds. 50 mph for double hungs and 25 mph for side vent windows

I just installed Pella double hungs of the design series, triple pane low E at a cost of about $600.00 per window. I did the labor. I am pleased with them.
I was sold on Pella about 5 years ago when I had an aluminum patio door replaced with a Pro Line wood sliding door.

I have seen testamonials on Sears windows from contractors and they say they are quality windows. I don't doubt that; but quality comes at different prices. Use the data to narrow down your choice and the recommendations from those who had windows installed.

Also get some type of work performance guarantee that the contractors will do the installation using good workmanship and approved methods. There are times when the contractors work off the clock instead of making sure approved methods are used which may take longer. I let Pella's contractors install a bay window and entry door and there were problems and I had to complain to their field representative about it to get it corrected. This is in no way condemning their products, but how they pick contractors to install their products.

 

Have you looked into Marvin double hung windows? I built last year and put the ultimate clad double hung in, and am very impressed with them.I can stand in front of them in my skivies on a windy jan. day in minnesota and not feel a thing Marvin also makes a insert double hung window that fits into your old frame [if it is in good shape]called the c.in.dy. clad insert double hung I think. this window is designed the same as the clad ultimate and is just as tight these windows have a nice wood interior and can match any decor just another option for you to consider - window dude-