I have no idea what you want. Thin framed metal windows are expensive so no budget ones for sure. Could you post a pic of your house .

“ Budget friendly” equals low quality. Are looking for the best ”low quality“ windows and doors?

I think we are looking for the best mid- range windows and doors with somewhat narrow frames. We were happy to consider the Windsor pinnacle line, but then I read a lot of reviews from unhappy customers who had experienced problems with the windows and the customer service. Now I am seeing people have similar issues with Milgard and Lincoln. Just looking for a mid range line that’s decent, where the company puts out a good product and stands by it.

Milgard was a decent product in my opinion but having been purchased by MI (Metal Industries) that is out in my mind as a recommendation. Lincoln is not a quality product either (borderline awful). However, I am not that familiar with the many of the west coast offerings. What material are you looking for the windows to be made from as Milgard is aluminum or vinyl, Windsor Pinnacle is vinyl, Lincoln is wood or wood/alum clad? If your looking at vinyl I would look to Anlin for starters. I would need to do some more research for others that may be budget friendly. You mention narrow sightlines, but narrow sightlines and budget are not often mentioned in the same conversation unfortunately. And really never with a vinyl product. All aluminum and or steel are typically your narrow sightline options.

I’m in your region and replaced my window 4 years ago. I got 4 estimates, three were to be from the same company (Milgard). All were within $1,000 or so of each other.

Thanks for all your thoughts. We would like clad or fiberglass. Vinyl is fine for the back of the house but need something a little nicer for the front. Everyone seems to be trying to make narrower sight lines - though they are still quite substantial, just cleaner lines — to replace aluminum and meet CA/LA codes.

Which brand did you end up choosing?