Installer vs Window Dilemma (Andersen 100 vs Marvin Essential)

5 years ago

We're hooked on a dilemma. Window vs Installer.

I have two almost identical quotes (about $10,500 start to finish) for replacing 8 windows (most are large---4x6 or bigger--- all are sliders) on our ranch style home in Phoenix.

1. Andersen 100, installed by a rock-solid, family-owned window/door contractor. Smaller company. Almost nothing but 5 star reviews (Google, Yelp, Guild Quality, BBB). Reviewer refer to installers by their first names, rave about the quality of work, and customer service. Everything about them says "top quality". Lifetime warranty on installation. They love Andersen 100's and install a lot of them. I'd go with them in a heartbeat...except for a bid for...

2. Marvin Essential (all Ultrex), from a very large building supply company that has a window/door division. Marvin just recently awarded them a dealership. They employ their own installers. Okay reviews...3.7-ish on Google/Yelp. No complaints from BBB, but not many reviews either. Very hard to find reviews specific to their window installations. I get the feeling like they'd likely do a fine job...but have the thought that it might be easy to have our job or warranty issues get lost in the mass of work that they do. They haven't yet done a Marvin window install...but they have orders. 2-year warranty on installation.

Neither dealer has given us a hard-sell.

It seems like the Marvin might be a considerably better window. We're leaning toward fiberglass and feel like we're getting a great bid---about $6k less than from an Infinity-only dealer in town. But have some nagging doubts about dealing with such a large company.

We also love the look of the Andersen 100 line...they look a bit more refined, and seem nice and solid. I think they'd be fine...but have the nagging feeling that the Marvin is a step up from Fibrex, from what I can find. But... I have more confidence that I'd get a great install and service from the Andersen contractor.

Any help. It really is down to these two...

Featured Answer

PRO

Windows on Washington Ltd

5 years ago

I don't think I would call the Essentials a "considerably better" window in that comparison anyway. If you liked the other guy and the look of the product, go with that choice.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (13)

PRO
toddinmn
5 years ago
I’d go with the Anderson for the reasons you given.
Joe Richter thanked toddinmn
Related Professionals
Sioux City General Contractors · Victorville General Contractors · Quincy Home Remodeling · Joplin Home Remodeling · Grand Island Home Remodeling · Kingman Interior Designers & Decorators · Colorado Springs Interior Designers & Decorators · Cincinnati Interior Designers & Decorators · San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators · Guymon Interior Designers & Decorators · Ottawa Interior Designers & Decorators · Little Rock Architects & Building Designers · Clarksburg Architects & Building Designers · McAlester Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Lincoln Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
deb s
5 years ago
Installer skill and experience is the critical success factor for installs - go with locally owned great reputation as if there is a problem you are working with the owner directly
Joe Richter thanked deb s
llcp93
5 years ago
I don't know if you have any "specialty" type windows, and if you do, Marvin can't do them in the infinity or essential or if they can, they are not operational windows and will be stationary. Only when you go up to the Ultimate window, the fiberglass and wood one, can they do arches. Then again, those are double hung, stationary or casement, not single hung.

We have been working with Marvin since February, from a retailer that is Marvin only, and while it seemed easy at first, in getting the quote to them measuring and final quote, that is when it all has fallen down. Our first salesman just stopped responding after it was discovered he put non functioning infinity windows in a bedroom (the two windows have an eyebrow shape).

Now we are working with the owner and it still isn't right. I am about to give up on Marvin and call Anderson.
Joe Richter thanked llcp93
Joe Richter
Original Author
5 years ago
Is there a difference between the infinity and essential windows? The Essential sample we saw in a showroom didn't seem to look as well-made or attractive as I'd remembered the infinity window looking that we'd seen a week or so earlier.
PRO
toddinmn
5 years ago
All there lines look different , the Infinity looks better to most but it usually carries a steep price tag since it is only available to select dealers, kind if like what Anderson does with there Renewal line.
Joe Richter thanked toddinmn
Anne Duke
5 years ago
Have you looked at Millard? In any event, I think a good installer is paramount.
Joe Richter thanked Anne Duke
Anne Duke
5 years ago
*Milgard
Joe Richter thanked Anne Duke
llcp93
5 years ago
Good question, Joe. I am definitely going back to the showroom. I was last there in February and was looking at the Essential. I didn't even recall what the infinity looked like and only saw it listed on our quote, I am guessing because of the quarter round style. That said, everything I see online says that Infinity is part of the Essentials Line, So I am not sure why I have Infinity and Essential on my quote.
Joe Richter thanked llcp93
Joe Richter
Original Author
5 years ago
Yes...looked at Milgard Ultra and liked it, but had two retailers (who carry Milgard) hint that they are having some out-of-the ordinary QC problems lately with Milgard. I don't know if that's truly an issue. But their quotes were quite a bit higher anyway.
Joe Richter
Original Author
5 years ago
The Infinity salesman in our home was borderline high pressure. The window looked terrific, but when our eyebrows went up on his quote, he went into "sell financing" mode, which is the death knell for any in-home sales presentation in our house.

The dealer we're speaking with now is clear to say that they offer Essential by Marvin (along with Andersen, Milgard and others). Our transaction with them has been more conventional and pleasant.
PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
5 years ago
I agree with the other pro sentiments, those two products aren't far off from each other so if you love the install company for one over the other, easy choice IMO.
Joe Richter thanked HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
artemis1
5 years ago
Right now I am debating Marvin Essentials. One thing I am hung up on is that the jamb is only 2.25 inches thick. I haven't looked at the Anderson. Does anyone have thoughts on that? Seems awfully thin. The elevate line is better, but I would prefer not to have wood interior.