Kris, it sounds like you are saying that you have no record of the order options for these windows? You didn't sign anything? If that's the case, I'm sorry to say that you are likely stuck with them unless your contractor were to acknowledge that he made a mistake (which he may or may not have). Documentation is crucial in these situations... I'd check back even for emails, texts, etc, anything that would add clarity either for or against your recollection of the events.

Beyond that, while I don't deal with Andersen 100's enough to know if there is an odd feature that would preclude painting the interiors, in most cases that is very possible. Frankly I think that is a feature of that product and whether white or bronze, the factory finish is paint anyway as opposed to pigment in the material itself like vinyl would be. You could double check with Andersen on that (or perhaps someone will chime in and confirm here), and then have them professionally painted. Some squawking may even get your contractor to chip in on that as well, although only you and he know if this was a mistake or an honest miscommunication... As far as the "un-paintable pieces" whatever looks bad should be able to be retrofit with those parts that would've come had the windows been ordered in the color you wanted to start with. Other pieces are fairly neutral and used regardless of window color.

"...Not sure where to go from here as I don't know if I can live with the White color which doesn't match anything else we picked, and I don't think that painting them is going to work..."

Well...if we simply take what you have described...you ordered windows with bronze exteriors and apparently didn't specifically specify the interior finish ("...we wanted Dark Bronze windows...).

You apparently did not specifically direct your contractor to order windows with Dark Bronze interiors...that's what you said above. So your contractor used his best judgement and placed the order for windows.

What we have here is a consumer family, not familiar with the importance of full and complete specifications, now faced with a decision by the contractor that the consumers don't like. It's a common situation. This forum has inumerable threads about similar situations. It's why it's so important to have full and complete drawings and specifications for a building project.

What can be done?

Well...the contractor and the window supplier have apparently both said, "Order new windows".

I guess it's time to decide how important it is for the interior window sash to be Dark Bronze.

Good luck with your project.

Your contractor should have verified the colors with you.

Your contractor knows this (or certainly should) and does not want to pay for his lapse in communicating.

You also should have been specific, although saying bronze windows should be enough as you did not get bronze windows.

I'd press the contractor for replacements at his expense.

I would not go for painting.

What Is Fibrex® Material?

• A blend of 40 percent wood fiber by weight, mostly reclaimed from Andersen manufacturing processes, with 60 percent thermoplastic polymer by weight, some of which is also reclaimed.
• Blocks thermal transfer nearly 700 times better than aluminum to help reduce heating and cooling bills.
• Reduces VOC emissions because no wood preservative treatments or painting is required.
• Twice as strong as vinyl, so weathertight seals stay weathertight.
• Retains its stability and rigidity in all climates.
• A unique fabrication process blends the color with the Fibrex® material during production for long-lasting beauty.
• Resists rot, decay and fungal growth, and won’t flake, blister, peel, pit or corrode*

In my experience with clients in the building process, they are always offered options for interior color. If you haven't gone through this before you may not know you can get 2 different colors. The contractor should have asked you about this but it's floating in a gray area. I hope you can come to a resolution that makes you happy.

Thank you all for your input, it certainly is helpful. While I can understand that most people don’t select dark bronze interiors, I don’t understand why they wouldn’t ask which interior color option I wanted when my email said Dark Bronze windows. They are a very expensive custom item that I would think asking would be part of their process.

I sympathize.

I have the Andersen 100s. A good window. Mine are black on the outside and white on the inside. You can paint them but I wouldn't.

My architect specified each window. The supplier and GC made some "field decisions" and I guess that happens. I let it go but I don't know if I would have let it go if the color was wrong.

Ask what it would cost to make it right and then take it from there.

Good luck.

I believe that all colors are coextruded onto the Fibrex base and not a paint. The windows can be painted per Andersen’s directions.

I would put blame on the contractor from what has been said. . If there not paid up its little easier to get your way.

I always review and approve the window order. There's always a mistake and a signed order allows you to reject any additional mistakes.

Your contractor got off easy and should be thankful that you’re such an easy going customer. He should have verified colors with you prior to placing the order.