Meeting with a window company, we have single pane builder grade windows and are contemplating replacing some specific windows and doors.

What questions are most important when determining who, and what grade to go with...

Can the windows withstand a .45 ACP or .223 round?

Translation: what level impact can the windows withstand.

Just be prepared for the hard sell and YOU MUST COMMIT RIGHT THIS VERY INSTANT! type stuff

I would reference Don Young windows. Thermally broken aluminum (You can choose color on the frames) will yield you some real savings vs. vinyl, which is better for the North. In the South, thermally broken aluminum are better. They are better for the heat. Vinyl is better for the cold.

Installation!
Who/how/when.

A great window installed by idiots is a bad window.

Are the installers employed by the company or do they contract installation out to a sub?

Do you really need double hung windows?

Can the windows be cleaned from the inside?

"Hurricane rated" can be a scam to add price. What wind load are they rated for and what is the impact rating are 2 different things. Also, how do the determine and test the impact rating.

Who is responsible for the finishing details? Inside and out. Damage to drywall or trim, paint matching?t

ETA: google "windows sales tactics" and watch a few of the videos. You will find yourself laughing when the salesman actually does what the videos point out.

Dont agree to any price until they are on the way out the door and pull the "before I go, let me call my manager" price.

Also plan on them being there for a long time trying the hard sell.

This may not be applicable, but confirm that they aren’t quoting a ‘frame-over’ type of window. Where they leave the original window perimeter frame in place and install a new window unit over it. You end up with a very thick perimeter frame and reduced window size. This is typically done when the original window is an old aluminum or steel one. Nothing wrong with it, as long as you are aware of it. It costs less for them to install them, as they don’t need to demo the old perimeter frame.

Get a copy of the warranty.

We had Pella windows installed by a reputable, Pella certified contractor. Three years later there were minor problems with two windows. Pella repaired the windows but there were charges for the repairs. IMHO they were manufacturing problems, we had a total of 15 windows and doors replaced, two of the smaller windows were the problem ones. The local Pella techs were a pain to work with including showing up to a two story house with an 8' ladder. This after an initial on site review (and the house did not gain a story in the interim).

quote:

This may not be applicable, but confirm that they aren’t quoting a ‘frame-over’ type of window. Where they leave the original window perimeter frame in place and install a new window unit over it. You end up with a very thick perimeter frame and reduced window size. This is typically done when the original window is an old aluminum or steel one. Nothing wrong with it, as long as you are aware of it. It costs less for them to install them, as they don’t need to demo the old perimeter frame.

We had our windows replaced with low-e dual-pane windows. We chose IWC brand over the local favorite Milgard; the IWC windows were much more. substantial, better latches. They are aluminum with an insulation barrier ("broken" as described above); and they are "new install" windows, not. an insert. That way we are assured that the flashing is new and up-to-date.

We bought the windows from a local glass dealer; he recommended a local installer. The total cost us about ONE-HALF what Renewal by Anderson wanted; they are a total ripoff and prey on the older retired folks in the community. They are good windows, but absolutely not worth the price.

I would always recommend that people not go with an outfit that goes door to door like Renewal by Anderson. Instead look up local window sales people on Yelp; get an installer through them.

What they say and what you can actually get in writing is not always the same thing.

If you don't know someone personally that has used the company or has the windows.

I wouldn't even let them in the door.

My sister bought 8 windows and three of them leak .

No satisfaction of any kind after none months

Appreciate the input, the spousal unit set this up, and I am aware of RA's prices and points

They do have what seems to be a valid point, they no longer sell Aluminum or Vinyl windows. They build and sell a composite window and the way he indicates they fill the argon allows them to give a 20/10/2 warranty.

2 years install, 10 years parts, 20 labor.

Our home is 3000 sq foot, and has unfortunately plenty of custom size windows, not a cookie cutter box house, but not Mar-A-Lago either.

The install teams are either w2 employees or 1099 subs contracted to RA, they have a large office here with 400 employees (I'm guessing they are counting all the installers 1099 too)

So 4 standard bedroom windows on the guest side, three large front windows, 4 half moon windows over the front windows and door, two full windows in MB plus two 24x30 ish singles, one window to the pool and French doors, two sliders, one 2, one 3, 3 large pane glass windows non opening, 3 bathroom windows.

Retail............... $233,000
With Discount.........$170,000
Separate out the special stuff.

3 front double windows with 4 half moon decorative and the front door $36,000

4 60x36 windows on the east side - $12,000 (basically $3k a window)

Master bedroom 2 70x36 plus two 24x36 solid windows $12,000
New French doors, master bedroom $13,000


I get that they have to cut out the old, install, and they do finish the exterior it's a lot more work than a new install.

When he trotted out the $233K the wife just flat told him no, and that even half she'd say no.

Such is the life with custom size windows, Pella was less than half that a few years ago, suffice to say we've got more work to do.

We'll never spend that money on windows, there is zero upside on ROI in home value or energy savings.

If she wants it, we'll sell and build/buy a new house with it built in.

Tell them to take a hike. Unless they are including a house with the windows. I would of said. " Your'e shitt'in me, right?"

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:

$233,000

Horry shit! That's almost three times what I paid for my house in a gated community not too far from you. Hard to believe that the quote for your replacement windows is so much more than my windows, including the rest of my house and the lot that it's built on.

What company was this?

always go online and dump the companys name into the local court search guide and see the lawsuits. they will have their share of non-payments to collect but they generally include the contract, see the difference between contract price and demand (accounting for deposits) to see what the overruns are.

you can also see if they are sued for non-delivery and then check the timeframes as to whether they are all old or newer stuff.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
Retail............... $233,000
With Discount.........$170,000

I think I counted 29 different pieces? Still... that'd average ~$5.8K ea?!?!

So the special frames, not aluminum, not vinyl—sure sounds like Renewal by Anderson to me.
I am pretty sure you can get new windows done at no more than half that price, maybe 1/4 that price. Yes, “new install” with new flashing and everything.

My next door neighbor had Anderson do her windows. She couldn’t afford to have them all done at once, spread it over two years. Anderson’s quote for us was $60,000.

We had 17 windows done (aluminum IWC, insulated as per CA law), including new install, replacing exterior wood window frames, painting of same, in San Diego where everything is expensive: Windows $13,000, install $5,000. This was in 2022.

A few things about windows, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. I take it as needed, certain windows take much less abuse. In my instance, I have windows under a covered porch, easy duty.

A few years ago I had a large, west facing window that received abuse, plus was leaking. I went with ‘Infinity’ by Marvin, matched with a high quality install.

I do have a bathroom window that’s on the short list, higher humidity over the years.

Of course there can be ‘economies of scale’ with doing more. Now with the housing market cooling off, maybe wait a bit, keep up the research, look at options.

Yeah no. I'd have Window World or Accurate Window and Door quote it. I've used both in the past. I think I paid $1700 for my standard-ish slider and around $700-$1000 per window.

That price is funny.

If the bastards want 50% as a deposit tell them to fuck off. That is a sign they are cash flow strapped. They use your deposit to finish the current job they are working on while you wait delay after delay excuse after excuse until they sell the job after you to finish your job. I handle this by 10% on signing contract, 20% when materials on site, balance upon completion. Additionally, in the contract, they must have at least one clearly English speaking person on the job site at all times. None of this get them started and walk off leaving you helpless to communicate.