Looking to get some windows replaced. I'm in the research phase so looking for some solid BBI insights.
Andersen and Pella seem to be the two major players in my budget range that offer the style i'm looking for. (stacked awning and fixed pane) Good consultation and installation services too...or so they say.
At first glance, Andersen has some good options/deals through their renewal program. (They're definitely pushing their fibrex windows.)
That said, I don't know much about this stuff. My father used to work for Tischler but if I had that kind of money I'd be doing a full teardown.
I'm in Southern VT so that could be an option. Tell me more.
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Very happy with them. If I went with Anderson I could have afforded maybe 5 windows for the same price. Their prices are laughably high.
I'm in Southern VT so that could be an option. Tell me more.
Yeah, the Renewal by Anderson program is so preposterously expensive, it literally made me angry. For 15 windows, they quote I got was about $70,000. I don't know who is willing to pay this, or why.
I ended up going with Acme Glass in Burlington. Got wood sash double pane windows, some are big, some are smaller. They did great work and the windows are now two years old and Im very happy with them. All in, I spent in the lows $20s installed.
I could have spent $50,000 on the name 'Anderson' but who gives an F? Sidenote, my house has an existing Anderson french door, was here when I bought the house. The door handle hardware is crappy and needs to be replaced. Because it's an Anderson door, Id have to go through them and I'm looking at $1,500 to replace the hardware for the handle. Anderson can go eat a bag of dicks as far as Im concerned.
Find a builder in your area that does a ton of windows and use them to order and install. You’ll be able to control costs much better.
Yeah, the Renewal by Anderson program is so preposterously expensive, it literally made me angry. For 15 windows, they quote I got was about $70,000. I don't know who is willing to pay this, or why.
I ended up going with Acme Glass in Burlington. Got wood sash double pane windows, some are big, some are smaller. They did great work and the windows are now two years old and Im very happy with them. All in, I spent in the lows $20s installed.
I could have spent $50,000 on the name 'Anderson' but who gives an F? Sidenote, my house has an existing Anderson french door, was here when I bought the house. The door handle hardware is crappy and needs to be replaced. Because it's an Anderson door, Id have to go through them and I'm looking at $1,500 to replace the hardware for the handle. Anderson can go eat a bag of dicks as far as Im concerned.
Yeah, the Anderson or Pella branded replacement window places are a ripoff. But you don’t have to use them to get their windows and doors. We had 17 Pella wood clad windows installed by an independent and it was only $20,000.
Look for an independent that deals in Anderson to get your door repaired.
Simonton - also decent and affordable
What everybody else said is true - get an independent window installer that usually will put in whatever you want at a reasonable price. 15+ windows was like ~ $15k-$17k.
I do have a guy who can do the installation if I buy the windows directly so ultimately will probably end up going that route once I zero in on the product.
Thanks for all of the info. Keep it coming!
Find a builder in your area that does a ton of windows and use them to order and install. You’ll be able to control costs much better.
+1.
Do your existing windows have problems like rotting sills, don't work properly, fogged panes or other serious issues?
Or are you looking for energy efficiency?
If the answer is #2, understand that you will likely not live long enough to recoup your investment.
Weatherstripping, Inside storms, Thermal curtains, etc. are low cost solutions that will give you more bang for your buck. And as a Vermonter, low-cost energy audits are available. Good luck
I hired a local GC and went with Harvey Windows. My all in price was about $15k.
Do your existing windows have problems like rotting sills, don't work properly, fogged panes or other serious issues?
Or are you looking for energy efficiency?
If the answer is #2, understand that you will likely not live long enough to recoup your investment.
Weatherstripping, Inside storms, Thermal curtains, etc. are low cost solutions that will give you more bang for your buck. And as a Vermonter, low-cost energy audits are available. Good luck
#1 For sure. I live on top of a hill with 270 degree exposure so these have been worked pretty hard over the last 2o+ years. They leak, don't open, are rotting. I've done the energy audit, insulation upgrades etc. The house has had all water damage repaired and been painted since we bought 3 years ago. I sealed the problem windows up pretty well as a short term fix but the best solution is definitely replacement. Luckily the only major issues are in 3 west-facing windows and one in a nook that creates a severe wind/snow eddy. It's not a massive project but definitely on top of the priority list.
This plus 1.
A reputable local contractor is always your best bet. We had our windows and doors replaced over 20 years ago and the lifetime warranty is no joke. They have been back about 5 times since due to minor issues and they were repaired with no charge. To these guys their lively hoods depend on reputation.