Replacement Windows - Price Discrepancies

4 years ago

Hello,

We are shopping for replacement windows and we've gotten several quotes. We're starting to narrow our choices, and we think we like Marvin Essentials the best because of the thinner frames, and we like fiberglass as a stronger frame product than vinyl. We have a mid-century modern home with large windows, so both of these attributes are important to us.

The thing I'm confounded about is that we have 3 different quotes for Marvin Essentials windows - for $21k, $24k, and for $10k! The same windows for each quote! (The $21k quote does have a different exterior color listed than the other two, but I don't think that's a huge difference). The $10k quote is the only one with a cost breakdown - they did provide a cost per window, which adds up to about $6k, and then an installation cost of just over $4k. The other two don't provide any type of breakdown.

In comparison - we also got a quote for Andersen 100 series from yet a 4th company. We're not planning on purchasing the Andersen windows because the frames are too chunky for us, but the cost they quoted us was a total of $14k, and they also provided us a complete cost breakdown, with the window cost coming in around $4700, and install $8500.

My question is - are we asking for trouble if we go with the $10k quote? The cost for the windows themselves seems alright. The cost is slightly higher than the Andersen 100 series, which seems reasonable based on some of the research I've done. But, it looks like the install is somewhat underpriced? The company is reputable - they have an 'A' rating on BBB, and their google + Angi reviews are 4.5-stars. They do use subcontractors for the installation. The $24k quote specifically told us that they employ full-time installers themselves.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Featured Answer

PRO

toddinmn

4 years ago

It is not uncommon so prices all over place. Are the install methods the same? How many windows?

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Comments (7)

Sarah Z
Original Author
4 years ago
there are 8 windows in the project. I don't know what the install methods are. Is there specific wording I should look for?
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PRO
toddinmn
4 years ago
The biggest thing to look for if it’s a full frame installation with nailing fins vs an insert.Full frames are more labor intensive and often need trim replacement on the interior and exterior. Inserts do not need this and are alot quicker to do . The 10k seems reasonable and I would not consider it to low.
Window Genius
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
I disagree, the 10k price seems extremely low and is clearly suspicious. Maybe some other pro’s cam chime in.

A lot of companies like using the ”full time employee” vs sub contractor spiel. In reality it doesnt make a difference. In fact, many times sub contractors are much better installers and dont want to be tied down to one company so they work for 3 or 4. Think about that, what if one company is slow? Sub contractors also make more money than an employee.

That being said, most companies will use the same sub contractors and pay them well. Very large companies ( the popular box stores) use a variety of sub contractors and pay very low, hence the bad rap. Let me ask you this: If company A used a so called ” paid employee” who was a pretty good installer and company B used a sub contractor who was a very good installer, you mean to tell me you would choose company A just because the worker has a different title for tax reasons?

There is a big difference between a sub contractor and a day laborer and I think thats where homeowners get confused.
eastbay10
4 years ago
I would ask the dealer with the 10K bid if he is quoting "flush fin" or "nail on". Just guessing but I think that is where the difference is. Much easier install with the flush fin. Same window but different install.
Sarah Z thanked eastbay10
PRO
Charles Ross Homes
4 years ago
You have three quotes for the Marvins, and the low quote is far-removed enough from the other two that you are right to be concerned. I don't think the low quote reflects the same quality of installed product nor service. I would expect any quote for Marvin replacements to be more--not less--than the "equivalent" Andersen product which is another red flag.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
4 years ago
Couldn't do the 8 windows for the low price quoted if I was doing it for a family member. Honest to goodness truth.
Sarah Z thanked Windows on Washington Ltd