House windows (1 Viewer)

[tri-man 47]

Hammer - I think that was about the price we paid for full replacement of 11 windows (ripping out the old windows and frames). But we didn't shop around as much as we probably should have. That said, replacing the windows has been a great move. In the winter, we have noticed how much warmer our upstairs is (where we replaced all 8 windows) ...no more leakage of warm air out/cold air. In the summer, it's very noticeable that the new windows deflect the sun's heat - we don't even have to worry about lowering the blinds to keep out the hot rays. The new windows are quieter, too ...and super easy to clean. It's a big household expense, but a lot of tangible benefits.

 

[Battles]

Had a guy come to the house today. We have 22 windows, all pretty standard sizes and only one he termed "slightly" big. Their website shows a fair bit of the details on the window and technology. They are vinyl, aluminum capped, double pane/double hung, argon, low-e, etc, etc. Very good sales presentation but since I'm in sales I saw through most of the fluff (I think).

They offer a lifetime warranty on the windows and the labor, and it can be transferred once (then becomes a 10 year warranty from that point). His "special price if you buy today" (I didn't) came out to be about $850/window installed. To me this just seems a bit high. Any general thoughts on this? I'm probably going to get a few more quotes on this before I make a call but I figure you all know a lot more about much of this than I do.

The sales pitch as far as specs was pretty much meaningless. The video on the website made me throw up in my mouth. They may build a nice window, and if it is, it's no better than a like window from another standard manufacturer like anderson, marvin, etc. If I were to pick the things that make a window better it would be solar heat gain coefficient, u-factor, and installation. The rest is typical stuff inflated to sound good in a sales pitch.

Do some research here. http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/green-basics/windows-glass-ratings-and-installation-0 Go through a few window articles and you'll find what's best for you in your location.

On a remodel here the average install price I usually get here is around $300 per window. A good, name brand, vinyl, 3'x5', double hung should run on average around $400. So, if that were the Austin, Tx area it would be a bit high. I'd get some pricing from a range of providers. Another one stop shop place like you got and a couple from a window/builder's supply with a separate install contractor. A builder's supply (I'm not really referring to HD or Lowes) would be able to recommend a contractor. I have window pricing on some different Anderson 100 series and Marvin windows if it helps.

 

[Polish Hammer]

This may be a stupid question...do they sometimes replace just the window panes and sometimes replace the entire window (frame and all)? If so, what are we generally talking about here? Which is better to do and how do I know which I need?

Or if there is no difference just tell me I am a dummy.

 

[Battles]

This may be a stupid question...do they sometimes replace just the window panes and sometimes replace the entire window (frame and all)? If so, what are we generally talking about here? Which is better to do and how do I know which I need?

Or if there is no difference just tell me I am a dummy.

Replacing the glass, no. It's too much work to get the frame altered to fit the thicker glass. Adding another layer of glass outside the existing window is called a storm window. It's fairly common on older houses that want to retain their wood window look and improve the efficiency of the window.

 

[Joe Summer]

This may be a stupid question...do they sometimes replace just the window panes and sometimes replace the entire window (frame and all)? If so, what are we generally talking about here? Which is better to do and how do I know which I need? Or if there is no difference just tell me I am a dummy.

How old are your windows? I was able to upgrade the glass in my vinyl windows that were about 10-15 years old, but that glass was already "double pane".

 

[Polish Hammer]

About the same age. Roughly 15-18 years. And yes, they are double pane. But I think the problems are more than that. Many of the windows can't lock properly and I think that has something to do with "sagging" or some other industry term.

 

[Polish Hammer]

I have gotten some more quotes and now it is just getting more confusing. Here's where I am at:

First I got a quote from a company that does Paradigm windows (which another FBG had mentioned he got and liked). They are in the area and have been doing business for 30+ years with a showroom and several references. I feel like they are reputable. For 22 windows with grids it will be $10,290. That is for a replacement window. Includes 6" Tyvek flashint tape on all nailing flanges as per the quote (but why is this included if it is a replacement window?). Also includes new perimeter insulation and new window stops if required. Should I also get a quote on replacement windows to do an apples to apples comparison with the next one?

Next I got a quote for Simonton windows. This is through a local hardware store that is very solid and comes recommended by folks I trust. The quoter suggested that he preferred doing new construction windows b/c he knew he could fix any problems with the original construction install that way. Also said he used tyvek flashing tape all around window to ensure seal was good, caulked from the inside before putting windows in to get a double seal. They are quoting the Simonton Profinish Contractor with Pro Solar and Low-e (need to double check, but I assume Argon is included. This came in at $15,626. Should I ask these guys for a price on replacement windows?

I also have a quote due from a dealer that uses Okna windows. They are quoting me on this window, also a replacement window. Basic research I have done on Okna shows them to be a well-regarded Window in the industry. The installer was a referral from the Okna website and they have been around a while with good BBB ratings. Website for them is here.

How do I know if I need new construction or just a replacement? What are the pros/cons? Is the bump up in price to New Construction just based on the increased labor time for the job? The house was build early 90s and my other neighbor that replaced theirs did new construction. I guess this gives you the chance to better insulate or tape up any seams that need it?

Do these prices seem more reasonable than what I got before for replacement windows ($850/window)? What EXACTLY do I want to get in writing from the people that I ultimately choose for the work? Anything else I should be thinking about here?

 

[Battles]

New construction windows are attached to the exterior sheathing through the flange around the exterior of the window. You have to remove exterior trim to use new construction windows on a typical home. A new construction window also has a full depth jamb, sill and head.

A replacement window sits inside of an existing window frame and is attached through the jamb. You shouldn't have to touch exterior trim in most cases. I'm not sure how you'd tape a replacement window. I'm only familiar with replacement windows without flanges.

The labor on new construction is probably most of the difference. However, while insulating around the windows is important, it's the overall insulation system of the whole house that matters. So, that depends on the original construction and the overall home insulation. Sometimes it's like putting your thumb in a titanic size hole.

New construction would expose more issues if there is potential damage from water or poor construction. Just depends how you feel about the quality of the original build/install.

Prices are fairly reasonable. Going rate here for a window install is about $250/window. All the windows listed are average all vinyl windows.

 

[Polish Hammer]

Battle, are there any brands of windows you'd recommend that are better than these and in a similar price range? Thanks for the info!

 

[Battles]

Battle, are there any brands of windows you'd recommend that are better than these and in a similar price range? Thanks for the info!

I mostly do a little higher end. Maybe Anderson 100 Series would be around your $15k quote. Don't know. Depends on size and NE pricing. Also Marvin Integrity All Ultrex.

Those are national name brands, so you're paying a little for that. The windows you posted are more regional so I don't know their reputation. There are plenty of regional manufacturers around here that go on spec homes. The trend on who is used seems to change every 2-3 years.

 

[Jobber]

Holy christ.

The Andersen guy just left after quoting our whole house window replacement. 14 windows (one is a deck slider), some of it custom-ish. $24,000. And that doesn't even include the front door with transom and sidelights which will probably run $7,000 through these guys.

 

[Johnny Bing]

Holy christ.

The Andersen guy just left after quoting our whole house window replacement. 14 windows (one is a deck slider), some of it custom-ish. $24,000. And that doesn't even include the front door with transom and sidelights which will probably run $7,000 through these guys.

take a look at Gerkin. We had Gerkin vinyl windows in our last two houses and we have been very pleased. Our contractor was honest with us and said they are not the most expensive window on the market, but they are not the cheapest either. He said they are a good middle of the road window.

No complaints from us, and during the winters they seal very well.

Your buying the name with Andersen.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Windows are probably the easiest home improvement item to install that everybody pays out of the ### for.

It takes four screws and a 1/4 tube of caulk to install a window.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

We paid a little under $500 a window for windows which sound very similar to the Simonton windows with the goodies that PH describes. We went a local installer that has been around for 30 years and luckily had two different people that had them install windows and got their opinions and looked at their windows. I worked at the electric utility so we also got into the energy savings as well.

The gardenweb windows forum is really good.

 

[Polish Hammer]

We ended up going with the Paradigm windows. It was the Tapestry one that I linked to, but with a new construction nailing flange. Best of both worlds, I guess. The company did a nice and relatively quick job installing. We had a minor issue that they addressed fast as well. Had the manufacturer rep come to my house, fix the minor issues, replace the one manufacturing defect window, and we have been good to go since. House is quieter, less drafty, etc. Definitely was an improvement for the cold winter we had. Hoping these do a good job reducing the heat from sun in the summer as well. But so far, so good. Neighbors complimented us on how they look as well.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Holy christ.

The Andersen guy just left after quoting our whole house window replacement. 14 windows (one is a deck slider), some of it custom-ish. $24,000. And that doesn't even include the front door with transom and sidelights which will probably run $7,000 through these guys.

Find a window you like.

Tear out old window

Place new window inside hole.

Install 4 long screws

Caulk around the inside and outside of window

Move onto next window.

A one armed monkey can install windows.

 

[Northern Voice]

Holy christ.

The Andersen guy just left after quoting our whole house window replacement. 14 windows (one is a deck slider), some of it custom-ish. $24,000. And that doesn't even include the front door with transom and sidelights which will probably run $7,000 through these guys.

Find a window you like.

Tear out old window

Place new window inside hole.

Install 4 long screws

Caulk around the inside and outside of window

Move onto next window.

A one armed monkey can install windows.

How are you finishing them on the exterior? Order w/brick mould?

 

[Joe Summer]

Holy christ.

The Andersen guy just left after quoting our whole house window replacement. 14 windows (one is a deck slider), some of it custom-ish. $24,000. And that doesn't even include the front door with transom and sidelights which will probably run $7,000 through these guys.

Find a window you like.Tear out old window

Place new window inside hole.

Install 4 long screws

Caulk around the inside and outside of window

Move onto next window.

A one armed monkey can install windows.

This is a good way to rot out your house, by the way. Terrible, terrible advice.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Holy christ.

The Andersen guy just left after quoting our whole house window replacement. 14 windows (one is a deck slider), some of it custom-ish. $24,000. And that doesn't even include the front door with transom and sidelights which will probably run $7,000 through these guys.

Find a window you like.Tear out old window

Place new window inside hole.

Install 4 long screws

Caulk around the inside and outside of window

Move onto next window.

A one armed monkey can install windows.

This is a good way to rot out your house, by the way. Terrible, terrible advice.