Not sure the Power window compares favorably, at that point, to the Starmark near the same price or the Sunrise at the lower price. Did the Okna dealer indicate that he/she can show the 500 or 800?

The Okna dealer seemed so confused when I mentioned the 900, 800, etc. He only knew of the Starmark, which I am just assuming is the 900 (top of the line). I more am looking to see if going with the Sunrise Ultra U Plus 12 is a decent decision. I don't want to be stuck with low grade windows, but, at the same time, I am not looking for the top of the line due to money restrictions.

Can't go wrong with the upper end Sunrise window either. If the windows are decent sized, I would specify the sash reinforcement. That is the only rub on the Sunrise product.

Is it a big mark up to add the sash reinforcement to the Sunrise double hung windows? We really don't want to spend over $8,000 and were quoted $6,600 for the basic Sunrise (not the essentials) with the ultra u plus 12 glass system.

Of course the Starmark will be more expensive, its a cellular pvc material. Very solid and very strong.

like the guy above said, you really want that sash reiforcement in the sunrise if the windows are over 32" wide. I understand you have a budget but it makes much more sense to invest it wisely and increase it rather than staying under a certain number just because you have your mind set on that particular figure.

spending an extra 1500-2k amounts to nothing over the course of just 5 years.

thats only 30 bucks per month.

I'm pretty sure none of our windows are over 32" wide. I don't mind another $1,500, but going up to the Starmark from the Sunrise quote is more than double.

Also, it is really hard to find the good brands in my area.

Thank you everyone! So, the Okna 400 and 500 are more comparable to the base Sunrise window? Also, can you add the sash reinforcement to the base model without ordering Restorations or Vanguard?

Yes on the comps. The 400 and 500 still have superior thermal and structural performance, especially the 500, but definitely a closer comp.

On the Sunrise, I haven't ordered from them in a while, but I believe that you can upgrade to the reinforcement. You would have to ask the dealer on that.

Awesome! Thank you everyone. Oh...which Softlite model is comparable to the base Sunrise with sash reinforcement? They have so many models. It is hard for me to tell.

Bainbridge/Barrington in my opinion. The Soft-Lite Elements = Restoration = Okna EnviroStar.

Just wanted to provide an update. So, we recently ordered a base Sunrise sliding glass door for home, which we are waiting to be delivered and installed. I questioned the installer about the sash reinforcement for the Sunrise windows in addition to sloped sills and his ability to possibly get the Vanguard or Restorations windows. His response is below. The communication with this guy is excellent. I hate the sales-type people. They only want to talk to you in person so they can "sell" you into buy their windows. This guy is much more laid back, allowing for email communication and providing all the information we need to make our decision.

The Vanguard and Restorations windows are brand oriented windows. Basically if you sell $500k a year minimum of Sunrise windows they will let you put your own brand name on the window, and add a special touch. I think the Restorations may have different locks and maybe foam strips on the side, which you can order as extras, but where tested and don’t add any extra energy value. Plus I use insullating spray foam during installation. The Sunrise windows do have sloped sills on them instead of using weep holes. I’ll have to check, what kind of sash reinforcement they have.

I can't comment on the volume minimum statement he put forth, but more often, the upper end lines will have the options (glass and reinforcement) as a standard vs. an add on. The extrusion is the same with the options of foam in the frame and reinforcement. You are good either way, as long as you get the reinforcement. The Sunrise can run a bit lean on the strength and the reinforcement is a very worthwhile option in that case if you ask me.

+1. While the upfront and down to earth manner that he conducts business is certainly appealing and I'm sure appreciated by you, the worry is that perhaps you are swinging too far the other direction on the pendulum here. If he does not do sufficient volume with the manufacturer, there is the worry that they may not service him as well as their larger clients. Does he even buy direct, or through distribution? The fact that someone who is an active dealer of the product does not know the options available inside and out is somewhat concerning as well... May very well be much ado about nothing, but just a couple things to think about to protect yourself...Something to think about in general, not just this specific case since it sounds like the purchase was already made.

FWIW, I would only sell the Sunrise option with reinforcement and foam fill. Those two items get it in the conversation with other top offerings IMO.

HomeSealed: Sunrise is the only windows they sell, and the company he works for (Charles Dean Construction) appears to buy direct. I'm not planning on buying/putting a deposit down for my 12 windows until I see how the sliding glass door that we already purchased works out. That way I can see quality of the product and the quality of his installation. Thanks all!

Actually, I just found that the same installing company sells Marvin as well. How are they compared to the Sunrise?

Kaitlin - any updated on what you ended up doing? I'm looking at the Sunrise and curious how this went for you. Thanks!

as for Sunrise, you are giving us the glass package, not the series. The Ultra U 12 is a glass package. Both the Vanguard and Restorations are their top models.