Lets take a step back. Do you have a preference in terms of materials and do you require specific finishes or colors? What is the impetus behind the replacement decision?

I'm replacing the windows because they are single-hung single pane windows with screens and storm windows. It's hard to get the storm windows and screens up or down and they are always dirty and messy. I think that they are not very air-tight anymore either. I want to replace them with double-hung windows that tilt for cleaning. Colors and finishes are secondary to quality. I want new windows that are more efficient and easier to clean. If they improve the value of my house, that would be great, too.

great advice above...

Regarding the installer, you won't find too many companies that do ONLY windows. Most are EXTERIOR specialty companies, which will be what you are looking for. Frankly, knowledge of siding and the exterior shell (install procedures, materials, etc) is very important if not necessary to properly integrate a window installation into the existing system. That said, you can probably separate, with a little investigation, a window specialist that happens to also offer roofing and siding, from a roofing specialist that also offers windows. Product offerings, general knowledge, etc can be pretty telling.

HomeSealed, I like your advice, but I'm not sure if I have enough choices. I just made an appointment with a siding company that also does roofs and windows. They have Simonton and Certain Teed windows. I also have a quote from my local Lowe's which has worked with the same installer for 15 years. And, I have an appointment with Pella.

I will look at vinyl. Am I missing any obvious choices for brands/installers?

Also, I've been wondering if I have to have that vinyl wrapping. I don't really like the way it looks. And, couldn't it just as easily trap moisture inside as keep it out? The idea of never paining isn't that important to me.

What should I be asking when I get quotes? I'm afraid that I don't even know the right questions.

Between those two choices, Simonton makes the better window if you are looking at both of their upper end lines. Have you searched around from some of the brands that are recommended on here often?

I'm having a hard time even knowing where to start. I guess Consumer Reports and Angie's List weren't the way to go! So, I just looked at some Soft-Lite info here and it sounds like they are significantly more expensive than Simonton.

So, back to one of my original questions - What is reasonable to spend on a $200,000 house? It's certainly not worth the very best windows, but I want good quality. I have 14 windows to replace, all currently single-hung and I want double-hung windows.

I would love for someone to help me by naming three brands that are appropriate choices for my house.

$8400 sounds reasonable.

Soft-Lite ,Okna, Polaris.

Toddinmn, thanks for the straight answers! You and the others here have been very helpful. I will follow-up by trying to find installers who use those products.

$8400 could be reasonable, or could not. That would be high for a crappy window. It would be very low for a custom wood window, and even low for a loaded up vinyl replacement with SDL grids , painted extrior, wood laminate interior, triple pane, etc. That is why pricing can be so difficult to nail down. No matter what your home is worth, a crappy window is not a good investment at any price.

I just got a quote on Simonton windows and once again I'm shocked. $4,100 for 14 windows. Is this too low? Should I be suspicious of this quote? I will also get quotes from one or two of the others that were suggested, but would like to get some feedback on this one, too.

Which window?

Ultra Gold Prism

Can't really comment on the outfit offering it other than to say that yes, an average of $290 per window is a major red flag unless that is product only (not installed). A good subcontractor doing a side job would charge more than that.

Yeah, i thought that didn't sound right, but wish that I understood why. The quote was from the owner of a local company with an A+ BBB rating and he said all the right things.

The only way I see those numbers working is that they are using the low end 5050/bronze series window with no wrapping on the exterior trim.

The Simonton dealer said that included installation and wrapping. But, something doesn't seem right. So, moving on. I now have an appointment for an estimate from a Soft-Lite dealer next week.

I just want to say how much I appreciate the help all you guys have given me. I feel like I'm on the right path now and would never have gotten here without your guidance.

Update: I signed a contract with the Soft-Lite dealer today. I'm just going with solid white and will do the wrapping in another color. Hope I made a good choice! Thanks again for all the help.

All the best Shelley, let's us know how it turns out.

Sounds like a nice combo. Keep us posted and good luck!