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Power Windows vs Pella Direct

6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

So I've had 4 different companies come to give me sales pitches for replacing 34 windows in our home. I believe I've narrowed it down to 2, Power Home Remodeling or Pella. Now Power Home Remodeling sells an exclusive Pella Symphony Series window, but I can't find anything online about this product, aside from what is on the Power website, which of course indicates it is fantastic. Nor can I find any sort of customer reviews of the Symphony windows. These are vinyl windows. I need to know which window type in the Pella brand of windows (250, 350, Encompass, or Impervia Series) best relates to the Power Symphony window?


This is a frustrating process and I've spent at least 20 hours doing research and homework and have come up with very little. I need help from this community.


Thank you,

Rob

Comments (60)

  • 5 years ago

    Yeah, mediocre installation company selling Pella, what could go wrong..........................

  • 5 years ago

    I chose to award my Window Replacement project to Power because the Sales Associate - Kevin was very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. I now regret my choice. The people, who will be likely installing the windows are rude and never care for Customer Satisfaction. Someone, who claims as the Dir of Project Installation services is very rude and is demanding more money than what has been signed in a contract!
    Never had to deal with such a poor remodeler in my experience doing several home projects.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Swaroop

    Are you requesting extra work or was there something you expected that was’nt in the contract? if so, why are you complaining? Im just curious because usually a company does what is stated in writing and not anything implied or even stated verbally.

  • 5 years ago

    Power the installer of Pellas exclusive symohony prodict line.


    i have a contract with Power almost 20k project. The price was based on sales guy doing the measures. now Now, Power sent a measuring technician, who said he is getting an accurte size measure, is now demanding more money since the initial measurements were incorrect.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    that happens.. the salesman always takes ” rough measurements”, he is only a salesman.

    im sure you could cancel if the actual ” signed contract” has one price and now they need to change it. They would need to have you sign off on the new pricing. There is nothing wrong with that, you could always just walk away.

  • 5 years ago

    Wow thank yuu window genius for statung the obvious. so, who woukd pay for the time that i wasted in the process ?

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    I don't care for this company, but if they are asking for more money for something over and above the contract, that is not the worst thing that could happen. Who will pay for the sales person's time, the measure man's time, the office administration time, etc? It stinks to have a mistake happen, but they do happen.

    If you don't like the situation, or if you feel there was any dishonesty involved then walk away. This is the home improvement business where nothing ever goes perfectly, you are setting yourself up for frustration if that is your expectation.

  • 4 years ago

    It should eat into the salesperson commission; you was quoted a price and locked that in for the service. My salesperson did the measuring; if they aren’t qualified to provide all the relevant information prior to signing a contract for service, they shouldn’t have done it in the first place.

    If it’s an unknown issue that could not have possibly been detected prior to install, a company should have the knowledge to include this information into a contract.

    Don’t be an abused consumer. Walk away if the deal isn’t right. You’ll feel better later

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I can guarantee a company such as Power will have a stipulation in their contracts that state if extra work is detected during the install that was not within the scope of the original contract , they can charge for the extra work once you sign off on it. Most legitimate companies will have this protective wording in their contracts. Its smart and protects both parties. Example, ” if rotted wood is detected once the window was removed, the company will be able to charge extra”. Sometimes you cannot tell if there is rotted wood under a window until its removed. What if there is rotted plywood on the wall below or above the window, thats not the responsibility of the window company.

    Lets say you remeove a patio door and there are rotted floor joists, thats not the responsibility of the window and door company.

  • 4 years ago

    I got the front and sides of my house with the original power windows. They were good and I actually really liked them. Two years later we got the back of our house done and these were Pella windows that they were bragging about how great they were and when they installed them they were crap. We got the grids and the grids on the original windows looked good but the grids on the Pella windows looked terrible, cheap, flimsy, and I am just so unhappy … but alas there is no turning back. I wish I saw this post beforehand. We only went with power for the back of the house because we wanted the windows to match the front of the house and now they don’t even match and they are cheap and crappy. Not happy.

  • 4 years ago

    Yeah, the installers got me good too. Emailed corporate and got an email back but no one called. As you can see, the install isn’t complete after two days. They claimed that the previous edging was stapled, making the job more difficult.

    The second day was meant for completion, they didn’t have the necessary ladders to complete the only two upstairs windows..half of the 4 windows done. You can see a taste of what was done; they didn’t even clean up and I nearly cut myself on leftover aluminum.

    I was going for the same approach…start small and improve from there as funds allow; I did just buy the home knowing windows were in need of replacing, they are pushing 40 years old.

    So my stuff is still open to the elements, 3 storms later.

  • 4 years ago

    Did fronts and upstairs.

    Didn’t finish the job. Emailed and got email back. Promised a call, didn’t get one.

    It’s been like this for 6 weeks now. 4 hour job turned into two days and was still incomplete. Guys provided copy of work needing done still and insisted a service tech would complete the job.

    So I haven’t signed and will need my hand forced now. We’ve had three storms where this has been exposed to the elements.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    That is horrible. The job should have been completed when the windows were installed. The removal looks like

    it was done with cavemen with clubs. .

    They left a huge problem due to water intrusione. This is embarressment to my trade . You need to raise hell with them. I hope they were not paid in full.

  • 4 years ago

    I haven’t signed off on the job yet…and they don’t bill until they have a completion certificate.

    I was actually considering maybe doing this for a profession…seems like a low bar for this company.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    So is this Power or Pella that did that installation?

  • 4 years ago

    Power; via a subcontractor…I think.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    @Mary Ann Kowalczyk, one of the windows has flat bar, and the other has contour grids. Most manufacturers offer both on white windows, its possible that they screwed up your order. Even if they didn't, that really should have been addressed with you up front in the unlikely event that they could only get the one style. Its a disctinctively different product option.

    @Jeremy T, my guess is that they tried out a new crew that was over their head, and you are the one left paying the price. At the end of the day I suspect that they will get someone in there that knows what they are doing and give you a professional finished product, but some urgency to do so wouldn't be too much to ask for either given the current state of your home...

    If you are a handy guy and considering it as a career, this is a golden age for window installers. They are in extremely short supply and there are few up and coming, so good and great installers are very well paid.

  • 4 years ago

    Honestly a great response. Thanks.

  • 4 years ago

    Well. Finally used another contractor and it was finally completed last week. Yes, home open to elements for 8 months. I mitigated what I could; there was stuff to replace and I still don’t know if there was more damage than observed.

    They agreed they messed up and I was not charged. So, free windows. In exchange for fixing their mishap. Took 45 minutes.

  • 4 years ago

    What did you end up doing?

  • 4 years ago

    "What did you end up doing?"


    Who is that directed at?

  • 4 years ago

    Pella 250 is a great vinyl window. Needs to be installed by competent builders. I used Pella direct. They did a great job. You get what you pay for

  • 4 years ago

    "Pella 250 is a great vinyl window."


    What is so great about it?

  • 4 years ago

    Why you so angry, must be an Anderson guy😂

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    "Why you so angry, must be an Anderson guy"

    Not at all, just asking what about the Pella 250 makes it a good window?

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Not seeing any anger there, just a legitimate question.

    You made the claim that the 250 is a great window, so why do you think so?

    Also friendly fyi, Andersen is spelled with an E not an O.

  • 4 years ago

    They don’t make stuff like they used to.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Oberon, clearly a Liberal.

    I got the hidden screens. Pretty decent technology for a vinyl window, no other manufacturer has them. By the way it was auto correct that spelled it that way. Go look at feed you can tell this man hates pella

  • 4 years ago

    So the availabilty of hidden screens make this a great vinyl window?

  • 4 years ago

    Hidden screens is not the only thing hidden with Pella. Customer service, quality, and fit and finish are also hidden...........................

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    Other than name recognition, the Pella 250 is not a "great" window. Thermal and structural performance are middling at best, nothing particulalry notable about it all other than that fact that it is usually sold for a higher price than windows of similar performance and quality based on the brand name.

  • 4 years ago

    I am looking for cost information on Power Pella Symphony windows. How much does it cost per window installed.

  • 4 years ago

    You would need to contact them yourself as different sizes, styles, installs and locales are different prices. I would rethink your choice before even inquiring on pricing as both are poor choices.

  • 4 years ago

    ^^^What he said^^^

    You'll need to have them quote it to get accurate pricing, but there are many better options.

  • 3 years ago

    I have heard the good and bad for the Power Pella. I was personally impressed by the Power sale pitch but smart enough to know magicians just done reveal their secrets. This group gives the appearance there are only 3 players for windows. Power (who sells Pella), Pella and Andersen. My Power sales guy quoted me 31K (that started at 48K) for 31 windows and I was really considering it BUT the "X price is good for a year and the much lower Y price is only good before I leave pressure pitch is a complete turn off" and that took 4 hours to get to. Yes, 4 hours..... That being said, I was really impressed with the heating lamp BTU test demonstration, but I am still having a hard time believing Agron gas and glass could stop all thermal entry; I would love to hear from those that are window smarter than myself. Here are my questions 1. Is 31K a good price for 31 windows? 2. Can you, the customer control who your installation team is? That seems to be the chief complaint 3. Are the Power Pella windows as good as salesman made them out to be or is there a better product or company? 4. What's the difference from buying Power Pella or can I buy the same product directly from Pella?

  • 3 years ago

    I was really impressed with the heating lamp BTU test demonstration, but I am still having a hard time believing Agron gas and glass could stop all thermal entry

    The only thing being tested by the heat lamp test is the LowE coating on the glass, and since about 2/3rds of all residential coatings are made by the same company, the only thing you learn is that the LowE coating that is being demo'd is really great at blocking radiant energy at a particular wavelength. Of course there is more to window efficiency than just blocking radiant heat at a specific wavelength.

    There are also a lot more than three players in the window market, so you would do well to look at more products and get additional information (and pricing) before you sign on the dotted line.


  • 3 years ago

    Pella overall is a poor product and Power is basically a used car salesman..........................

  • 3 years ago

    @oberon476 Thank you, I knew there was more to it than what I saw. I am in Texas; who have you heard about that has a good product? Someone that I don't have to worry about being a used car salesman? This question is also directed to @millworkman. Word of mouth is still powerful.

  • 3 years ago

    What do you want the windows to look like on the exterior (vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, wood)? Interior? Full framed windows I presume? Are you looking to buy them installed? Where in Texas? Ultra Windows would be who I would reach out to see if he services your area.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    I need some advise. I currently have 2 major quotes from window companies. 1 is Power Pella 250 Symphony windows another is Window Nation's windows (don't know what name their series is but seems to be produced by Vytex). With that said, as far as what I can tell/understand due to my non-expertise of windows, both seemed comparable in quality/build (unless someone can explain why one is superior than the other). WN seems to be the cheaper of the 2 options at about $32,310 while Power Pella is about $44,000+. Despite the vast difference in pricing, I'm just wondering if Power Pella can truly justify that cost (the notion on this forum seems to be no but I wanted to ask anyways).

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Is there a 3rd option. The Pella 250 is not what most would call a top tier performer and while the Vytex product is nice, some of the install quality of those options is questionable.

  • 3 years ago

    HU-575 -- Texas is a big place, so depends a lot on where you are located and what's available there.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Windows on Washington: "Is there a 3rd option. The Pella 250 is not what most would call a top tier performer and while the Vytex product is nice, some of the install quality of those options is questionable."


    W-o-W, would you mind educating me on this? Do you know for a fact that the quality of one is superior (in this case, you seem to be saying the Vytex is better) and/or why you believe that? I'm just trying to make the most informed decision within the limited number of days I have to cancel the contract.


    I still have 1 more estimate to be done by Renewal by Andersen.


    Also, I don't suppose you or anyone can speak on the service quality/reliability, etc. of PHR and/or Window Nation? During my research last night, it seemed like PHR has a better BBB rating than WN. In WN's advertisement, they said they are rated "A" by BBB but during my research, the BBB indicates they're "not accredited" which really concerns me as it feels like it's a lie/misleading/false advertisement. Both companies seems to have their own shares of grievances that concerns me but at least it does seem like PHR has the better BBB rating. Both companies seems to offer lifetime warrantees on their windows.


    BTW, I live in northern VA so if anyone have any advice or suggestions, I would greatly welcome it.

  • 3 years ago

    Call Windows on Washington he is in Sterling Va.

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Thanks MWM. If you call or email, tell them that Eric said to transfer you up to me.

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    +1, Windows on Washington is your third and best option by far.

    The Vytex is substantially, objectively better than the Pella when it comes to your two current options. That said, the product and install quality from WoW will be a slam dunk. Talk to the folks over there, it will be an easy choice.

  • 3 years ago

    I agree, call WoW and you will be best served


  • 3 years ago

    Same question as above only in Metro Atlanta. Power Window guys came and gave a great sales pitch - $13K for 8 regular double hung windows installed plus two oversized flat bay windows. Is that a rip off and best option for my area.

  • 3 years ago

    Neither Power nor Pella would be a window I would be considering were it me. Look for and Okna, Softlite, Vytex or Sunrise dealer and start there.