Milgard
sells through Independently Owned dealers, and we do not give them guidance on
how to price their products, or what kind of discounts they offer. Our
recommendation is to shop several dealers, and through your contractor for the
best price.

+1. It is illegal for manufacturers to set price for their dealers as stated above. Fiberglass is a more expensive product as both as a construction material and for window fabrications. Shapes are especially difficult to make and between options, shapes, and window materials...you probably have an expensive window. Best thing you can do is to contact a couple of vendors and get pricing. Be sure to compare the vendors as well because that is certainly a part of the valuation process.

"Historic home" and "fiberglass" are a contradiction in my opinion. Make sure you are OK that the look truly fits with your historic home.

friedajune, I do understand that. It is an unusual project, not just changing out windows in an existing historic structure. There is significant structural modification happening to the building. These windows will be in the brick wall of a daylight basement and very close to ground level. Wood rot has been a significant issue in other parts of the building so contractors are not enthused about wood in contact with brick that close to the ground, especially on the walkout side that is below grade.

Also, we are trying to emulate the style of "factory" windows without actually going to steel. So far, fiberglass with black simulated divided panes are what is being reccommended. A previous owner had redone the upper level in good quality black aluminum windows which we are not replacing at this time so it's not like the fiberglass will be the only modern material on the building.