So the time for new windows is long over due so looking for suggestions on good quality windows. Im not looking for the cheapest because I want them to last and I'm not looking for the most expensive just something in between. It'd also be helpful to know any brands to avoid.

All I know is since I’ve been researching this topic as well, get prepared for sticker shock.

The price of all windows has gone nuts over the past 2 to 3 years.

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:
All I know is since I’ve been researching this topic as well, get prepared for sticker shock.

The price of all windows has gone nuts over the past 2 to 3 years.

What he said. About 10 years age, we got a quote of $14,000 for top line windows. Last week the same place gave us a quote of $34,000 for mid-grade windows. I see plastic and duct tape in my future

Are you doing actual new windows or are you putting in replacement windows?
It makes a difference.

Unless you're taking the siding off, it would most likely be replacement windows.

Andersen, Pella and Marvin are all good; I believe Marvin are the best windows.

I did my siding and windows three years ago. Andersen quality was good enough for me.
Just buying the 12 windows plus a bow picture window was $24K then.

Edited to revise:
The $24K included three exterior doors and the siding.
The windows alone were just under $10K.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: WaterburyBob,

We just replaced about half the windows in our house with Pella. We had Pella in our custom build resort home and had no complaints, so we just went with them here.

As Waterbury Bob said, it matters whether you have the siding pulled off or not. We decided to do that for various reasons, and it greatly increased the cost. Though the contractor did discover some issues that needed attention under the siding, so it was a good thing we did it.

If you don't pull off the siding, they can either put in slightly smaller windows inside the existing space, or they can cut off the siding about 4 inches all around the existing window and then put a 4" trim around the outside of the window. The latter is what I did in a previous home a number of years ago, and aside from the appearance it is a good option.

We had a couple of issues which Pella addressed very quickly at no cost. Arguably they could have said it wasn't their fault, but they cheerfully took care of us.

Be sure you understand exactly how each window will function if it opens. Especially hinged on top. The Pella have the hardware along the bottom edge, not the side, so a narrow window has a limited opening range. If the hardware is on the side, it can open a lot further.

Do we really need another Windows 10 vs. Windows 11 thread?

We're selling in a couple of years, so we did not go high end. We replaced 12 windows with Provia Endure in August, 2024. Cost about 24k. We're very happy with the windows, low E glass and very quiet. They are vinyl, but very durable. We opted for the replacement windows as I do not want my fairly new James Hardie siding removed, or cut.

The new roller shades for 7 of the windows tacked on an additional 3k

We went to a local independent window seller, who offered several well-known brands and some not so well known.
Prior to that, we got an estimate of $60,000 for full-frame replacements from Renewal by Anderson. Yikes.
We got much lower estimates for companies doing inserts, but wanted full-frame replacements as we had concerns about (1) possible leakage around the old frames, and (2) inserts decrease the glass area, and don't look good.

At the local window seller, we were looking at replacement aluminum frames; but in CA now those have to be insulated (a non-heat-conducting insert between inner and outer frame). Candidates were Milgard, a California maker, and International Window. The latter had more substantial window frames so we went with them.
The installed cost (installation done by an independent contractor) was about $30,000 for about 20 sliding windows, pretty large, dual pane low-e glass.
Neighbor next door had gone with Renewal by Anderson, and spent a lot more. There's nothing wrong with Anderson windows, but the Renewal by Anderson company is a little shady in its sales pitches, and as I said would have cost us double for no significant benefit.

quote:

Originally posted by sjtill:
We went to a local independent window seller, who offered several well-known brands and some not so well known.
Prior to that, we got an estimate of $60,000 for full-frame replacements from Renewal by Anderson. Yikes.
We got much lower estimates for companies doing inserts, but wanted full-frame replacements as we had concerns about (1) possible leakage around the old frames, and (2) inserts decrease the glass area, and don't look good.

At the local window seller, we were looking at replacement aluminum frames; but in CA now those have to be insulated (a non-heat-conducting insert between inner and outer frame). Candidates were Milgard, a California maker, and International Window. The latter had more substantial window frames so we went with them.
The installed cost (installation done by an independent contractor) was about $30,000 for about 20 sliding windows, pretty large, dual pane low-e glass.
Neighbor next door had gone with Renewal by Anderson, and spent a lot more. There's nothing wrong with Anderson windows, but the Renewal by Anderson company is a little shady in its sales pitches, and as I said would have cost us double for no significant benefit.

I did look at Renewal by Anderson but in addition to their windows being crazy expensive they had a lot of negative reviews on yelp. I have small rancher and I only need about 6 windows replaced.

Take a hard look at some German Tilt and Turn windows. Double Hung windows are trash compared to these by any mfgr.

We needed very simple windows did not have a bunch of fancy trim or mill work. No crazy sizes or shapes.
Had the window in the shower and in front of the toilet frosted but that was it.
We used Window World and they did an excellent job. the windows look great function nice and smooth.
Again our windows were nothing fancy which makes a big difference.

I just replaced 11 windows in my house last year. Vinyl double hung, nothing fancy, it was $11,500. Wish I had done them in 2018 when they would have been about $400 a windows installed.

When I replaced my windows, I aimed for something quality but not super pricey, and I ended up going with Simonton. They've held up really well and made a noticeable difference in insulation. I’d definitely steer clear of those budget brands you see at big box stores, though—they just don’t seem to last. Make sure to check out the warranty options too; it’s a good indicator of how long they expect their windows to last.

We got a quote from Renewal by Anderson and the sales guy seemed offended when I laughed at his price. $140k. Our house has a lot of smaller windows, but still. 15 windows & 3 patio doors. $140,000.

quote:

Originally posted by BadDogPSD:
We got a quote from Renewal by Anderson and the sales guy seemed offended when I laughed at his price. $140k. Our house has a lot of smaller windows, but still. 15 windows & 3 patio doors. $140,000.

Seems obnoxiously high,140 grand for windows is ridiculous.

I did 34 windows in my home a few years ago. Although there are nicer looking windows out there, we decided to go with vinyl as they are fairly resistant to most of the things that negatively impact windows. Windows are rated, and we went with NAMI/AAMA certified gold labeled windows from Vinylmax.

All of the upgrades are relatively inexpensive (on the wholesale side), so we got the insulated frames, triple pane, and extra strength glass options.

They aren't bad, but going back in time I may have chosen to go with Provia over the Vinylmax. We used Provia doors which were phenomenal, and I would imagine their windows would be just as nice.

We did new construction windows because I was also doing the siding and knew that corners had been cut when the house was built. This allowed us to properly install the new windows. If you are putting in replacements into an older window that was not flashed properly, you'll have new replacements that aren't flashed properly.

quote:

Originally posted by calugo:

quote:

Originally posted by BadDogPSD:
We got a quote from Renewal by Anderson and the sales guy seemed offended when I laughed at his price. $140k. Our house has a lot of smaller windows, but still. 15 windows & 3 patio doors. $140,000.

Seems obnoxiously high,140 grand for windows is ridiculous.

Every quote Anderson does is obnoxious. We had an estimate for a front entry door with 2 side lights and a weird shaped/size transom that had to be made custom.
We just wanted a simple fiberglass door (no windows) simple side slights and simple transom.
Anderson quoted us $24,0000!!!!!
I said you have got to be kidding me and sent him on his way.
They called back about 3 weeks later and said they could do it for $12,000.
We got it done for $5,000 by a different company. Had we had a standard size transom it would have been $3,200. Now granted this was 10 years ago so those price are probably double now.

How anyone goes with Anderson is beyond me.

Another thing about window replacement. I think it’s often ‘as needed’. By that I mean only those needing replacement.

Some are protected by a covered porch, overhang, or even a less critical direction on the house. I had one, west facing, wind driven rain, that had issues since early on. When it needed replacement, research lead me to ‘Infinity’ by Marvin. A quality install was also important.

I have another window or two that may need attention, others are fine.